How to Become a Teacher in Indiana

Affordable cost of living, beautiful rural environments, and traditionally small schools with low student-teacher ratios put Indiana in an excellent position to recruit new teachers to its ranks of educators.

Teaching in Indiana requires a Standard Indiana Teacher Certificate. This advanced teacher certificate in Indiana can be obtained through traditional means, or through a number of popular alternative routes.

How to become a teacher in Indiana - traditional route for residents

Those interested in how to become a teacher in Indiana must earn a Standard Indiana Teacher Certificate. To earn this certificate, an applicant must:

• Earn a bachelor's degree in an area related to education or a subject being taught
• Complete a State-approved teacher preparation program
• Pass the Praxis I and II tests
• Pass a criminal history background check

How to become a teacher in IN - alternative route for residents

The state of Illinois recognizes that it can be difficult to transition from another career to teaching, and has several alternative routes to certification in place. To earn a teacher certificate in Indiana without following the traditional path, applicants must:

• Hold a bachelor's degree in an area of need (math and science are typical degrees)
• Have at least 5 years work in a related field
• Pass the Praxis I and II tests
• Pass a criminal background check

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

Indiana has a reciprocity agreement with various other States to allow current certificated teachers to work for one year on a Reciprocal Permit in Indiana while completing necessary testing and coursework. Otherwise, an applicant's license is evaluated by the Indiana Department of Education, and any deficiencies will be addressed individually.

How do I become a teacher in Indiana - necessary exams for residents

All aspiring and out-of-State teachers interested in how to become a teacher in Indiana must pass the Praxis I exam. Elementary school teachers must also pass the Praxis II Elementary Education test. Secondary teachers must pass the Praxis II in the subject area they wish to teach. All applicants may take Praxis II tests for endorsement purposes.

What bachelor's degree do I need for teaching in Indiana?

The Indiana Department of Education does not require specific bachelor's degrees for applicants to obtain teacher certification. Most State-approved undergraduate programs offer an education major, and encourage those planning to teach elementary and middle school to explore. Secondary teachers should major in the subject area they wish to teach in, or in education, or double major in both.

What are the teacher preparation programs in Indiana?

The State of Indiana offers strong standards for aspiring teachers. Areas of particular strength for teacher preparation programs in Indiana include:

• Field observations
• One-year student teaching program
• Subject area content in math, reading, and writing
• Extensive training in assessment and State standards

How do I renew my teacher certification in Indiana?

The Standard Indiana Education Certificate is valid for 5 years, and is renewable for an additional 5 years. In order to renew this license, a teacher must:

• Complete 6 semester hours of renewal coursework at an accredited institution, or
• Complete 90 Continuing Renewal Units (CRUs), or
• Enroll in a Professional Growth Plan (PGP) and complete required coursework.

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

The following websites have additional information for those asking, "how do I become a teacher in Indiana":

• Indiana State's Education Standards

  This official site outlines Indiana's education standards for each subject.

• Indiana Department of Education

  The official government site addressing all standards and requirements for educators.