How to Become a Teacher in Washington DC

The capitol of the United States is not only the heart of the country, but an excellent place to pursue a teaching career. Proximity to monuments, museums, and the history-making-in-progress which is the everyday business of Washington, make for a stimulating environment for teachers in the District of Columbia. DC teachers also have an especially good variety of reciprocal teaching opportunities in nearby States.

How to become a teacher in the District of Columbia – traditional route for residents

Aspiring teachers who would like to earn a regular teacher licensure in Washington DC, can follow a traditional route to certification. Through traditional pathways, a prospective teacher would need to:

• Earn a bachelor's degree
• Pass the Praxis I test of basic skills
• Pass the Praxis II content knowledge exam
• Complete a teacher preparation program

How to become a teacher in DC – alternative route for residents

The District of Columbia has several excellent programs for aspiring teachers who are interested in an alternative to traditional teaching programs. These include:

• Teach for America: in lieu of student teaching, this program offers those holding a Bachelor degree a position within a shortage area. The applicant will be mentored and attend night courses.
• DC Teaching Fellows: fellows are trained at a comprehensive instructional summer institute, and are provided with an extensive support network to ensure success in the classroom. Fellows receive financial incentives toward completion of their teacher certification and/or master's degree.
• Transitions to Teaching: those holding a bachelor's degree can apply to work in a shortage area within Washington, DC. Teachers will concurrently teach and complete required education coursework.

How to become a teacher in DC – for out-of-state teacher applicants

As a very small district, District of Columbia welcomes teachers from other areas, and has strong reciprocity agreements with other states, particularly Maryland and Delaware. Applicants holding a valid, current teacher license may apply for a regular I teacher license, which is valid for 2 years and is not renewable. Applicants will need to pass the Praxis I and II exams before applying.

How do I become a teacher in the District of Columbia – necessary exams for residents

All aspiring and out-of-state teachers applying to teach in District of Columbia must pass the Praxis series exams. These include the Praxis I, a test of basic skills in reading, writing and math, and the Praxis II, which tests specific subject matter. Elementary school teachers must pass the Elementary Education Praxis II, along with any others as needed for endorsement.

What bachelors degree do I need for teaching in the District of Columbia?

The District of Columbia encourages extensive education courses at any approved institution, but does not require specific bachelor degrees for aspiring teachers. However, applicants holding degrees in a shortage area, which include math, science, and reading, will have preference during the hiring process. Many aspiring teachers also choose to major or minor in Education.

What is a teacher preparation program in the District of Columbia?

Teacher preparation programs in District of Columbia involve all areas of education, with added courses on the history of Washington DC. Prospective teachers will take a variety of courses and participate in various internships and field studies, including:

• Student teaching: minimum 3 months in the classroom
• Classroom observations
• Courses on teaching fundamentals
• Specific courses on shortage areas (math, science, reading)
• Washington DC history

How do I renew my teacher certification in the District of Columbia?

The regular license I cannot be renewed. The regular II license may be renewed once, and applicants should complete the following:

• 10 semester hours of programming related to education field

Where do I go for more information about how to become a teacher in DC?

The following websites have additional information about how to become a teacher in District of Columbia:

• Teacher Licensure for the District of Columbia

  This official site outlines essential teacher certification processes and requirements in District of Columbia.

• Information for Teacher, Counselor, and Administrator Licensure in DC

  An excellent resource for licensing issues in DC.