How to Become a Teacher in Vermont

In general, Vermont is a very intelligent state, named the nation's smartest state in 2005 and 2006, and second in the country for high school graduation rates in 2007. Consequently, Vermont has an excellent education system and teacher training program. Individuals hoping to find a career as educators in Vermont will find that the job market is closely tied to university standardized tests, though alternative routes are encouraged for some potential teachers, especially those transferring careers or coming from other teaching positions.

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

Earning a teacher certificate in Vermont generally requires students complete a state-approved teacher licensure program, demonstrating some internship-level work in a classroom. Candidates must also seek recommendation for licensing from their institute of learning at the time of their graduation. After achieving satisfactory scores on the Praxis series of exams, an applicant interested in teaching in Vermont will then submit his or her licensure application and must agree to a background check.

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

Residents who have an unconventional introduction to the education field, or have unique work and volunteer experiences may be able to bypass some aspects of the traditional route to certification. Vermont encourages qualified applicants who are interested in teaching in Vermont to undertake the License by Evaluation process. A peer review panel made up of experienced teachers and college faculty will determine, based on an applicant's experience, education, and testing achievements if they are qualified to teach in Vermont public schools. After earning a teacher certificate in Vermont through this option, many individuals are required to complete additional coursework before receiving their teaching license.

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

Teachers from out-of-state who are considering moving to Vermont to teach will most likely not have a difficult time obtaining a Vermont teaching license. In general, licenses are easily transferrable, as long as a teacher can offer proof of licensure and full-time teaching experience, as well as college transcripts and Praxis test scores. Nationally certified teachers will find they are able to obtain a Vermont license especially easily.

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

The ETS (Educational Testing Services) website can be a good source of information, as educators seeking teacher certification in Vermont are required to pass the Praxis exams. The Praxis I consists of reading, writing, and mathematic skills assessment. Applicants for teacher certification in Vermont must then take content-knowledge examinations in their subject area of interest, as set forth by the Praxis II exam (e.g. English Literature, World History, Calculus, or French). Those individuals with special teaching interests may be required to complete further examinations.

What bachelors degree do I need for teaching in Vermont?

The state of Vermont does not require interested teachers to hold a bachelor's degree in the subject they teach their students. However, those who conduct in-depth research about how to become in a teacher in VT may find that they can bypass certain licensure requirements if they have earned a degree in the subject they intend to teach.

What are the teacher preparation programs in Vermont?

Those residents seeking specific information on how to become a teacher in Vermont should consult local colleges and universities, as teacher preparation programs are run through these schools as part of bachelor's, master's, or post-baccalaureate degree tracks. Coursework must also include student teaching experience.

How do I renew my teacher certification in Vermont?

The same department or office that dispenses first-time teaching licenses also handles teaching license renewal. Candidates must generally complete 9 professional development credits during the term of their licensure, 3 of which must be directly related to their subject of interest. Most teaching licenses are valid for up to five years, and may require teachers to take classes to continually update their curricula.

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

When researching how to become a teacher in Vermont, it is important to thoroughly peruse the official website of the department of education, or office of teacher licensure. Some sites offering information on Vermont teacher certification are:

• Vermont Department of Education

  The Vermont Department of Education website is the most authoritative source for information regarding teacher certification in Vermont, and also has available forms for initial licensing and renewal.

• Vermont Student Assistance Corps

  The Vermont Student Assistance Corps may offer guidance to individuals who need to register for tests or be accepted in teacher preparation programs.