What is teacher certification? How is it different from earning a degree?
Teacher certification is earned by completing a state-approved teacher preparation program at a 4-year academic institution. The program is completed usually in two years and includes coursework in educational psychology, reading methodology, subject area methodology, as well as on-going field experiences and student teaching (typically done full-time the last semester of the program). The state department of education in each state regulates teacher policies related to certification; the academic institution creates the procedures and curriculum that allows one to earn that certification. In addition to the required coursework and field experiences, the State of Michigan requires teacher candidates to pass the basic skills test and subject tests in their respective teaching majors and minors. Earning a degree in education, bachelor’s or master’s, does not permit one by law to teach in a public or charter school. Teacher certification may be earned concurrently with or after a 4-year d
Related Questions
- I already have a different BA or BS degree but want to teach Technology Education. How can SPC help me become a Technology Education teacher?
- What if I am interested only in the 22-credit NJ Teacher Certification Program and not the 36-credit M.A.T. degree?
- What is teacher certification? How is it different from earning a degree?
