How to Become a Teacher in Kentucky

Like several other States, Kentucky regularly struggles with teacher shortages. As such, Kentucky welcomes not only new teachers from among State residents, but through a number of alternative avenues as well. Kentucky's extensive and nationally recognized education reform initiative fuels an ongoing search for outstanding teachers from diverse backgrounds.

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

Regarding how to become in a teacher in KY, the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board stipulates that students must earn a bachelor's degree in an area relative to their teaching aspirations. A candidate must provide official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions, and prove that they completed an accredited in-state teacher preparation program.

Additionally, to earn teacher certification in Kentucky, teaching candidates must seek confirmation from the Superintendent or Personnel Director of a school district, affirming that they have completed a year of full-time classroom teaching at a relative grade level. After passing the Praxis II Specialty Area test for their chosen area or areas, a candidate must submit a $50 fee and TC-1 application form.

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

Those who have previous work experience in the workforce at colleges, the Armed Forces, the Teach for America program, or other teaching-related fields may seek information on how to become a teacher in Kentucky and find alternative routes required for them. Generally, so long as they hold a relevant bachelor's degree and have attained an offer of employment for teaching in Kentucky, alternative candidates can bypass training programs and sit for the appropriate exams.

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

Out-of-state teachers who are contemplating relocation and asking themselves "how do I become a teacher in Kentucky?" must begin by submitting Kentucky's licensure application, submitting a $50 fee, and attaining references from their current or former supervisors, attesting to their training and experience. Guides on how to become in a teacher in KY when trained in another state also require that teachers pass Kentucky's Praxis II Area Tests and submit all official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions.

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

In researching how to become a teacher in Kentucky, prospective educators will find that they must pass the Praxis II test for every subject they are interested in teaching. Teacher preparation programs generally prepare students for these exams.

What bachelors degree do I need for teaching in Kentucky?

In general, becoming a teacher in Kentucky requires teachers to hold a bachelor's degree in the subject they intend to teach. After ten years of licensure, a teacher is expected to have completed a master's degree as well, or, in some cases, a fifth-year undergraduate program.

What are the teacher preparation programs in Kentucky?

Kentucky teacher preparation programs are run at state colleges and universities, and include a significant amount of classroom experience. Students must, in fact, complete a year of full-time internship work before they are eligible for licensure.

How do I renew my teacher certification in Kentucky?

To renew a teacher certificate in Kentucky, a process that usually must be undertaken every five years, a student must demonstrate teaching experience, to be verified by a superintendent, and resubmit their application and $50 application fee. After the first five years, an applicant must have completed 15 credit hours at the graduate level, and have completed it by their second renewal.

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

• Education Professionals Standards Board

  Those asking themselves "how do I become a teacher in Kentucky?" should first search the Education Professional Standards Board's website, as they are responsible for issuing teacher licenses and renewals, and can provide students with the most information on the available paths toward teacher certification in Kentucky.

• Kentucky State Department of Education

  The Kentucky State Department of Education has information about the environment of teaching in Kentucky and discusses financial aid options and Kentucky's employment standards.