Certifications programs afford individuals the opportunity to obtain specific skills and prepare them with the adequate knowledge to help them scale through qualification examinations.
These programs could take at least one year to complete. The students can acquire and develop specific skills and receive special training. Acquiring the certificate places the student on the path to progress further in their careers.
In this article, we will list out the top 15 teaching certifications to get in and other things about certifications.
What certifications do I need to teach?
Certification in education is a professional certification that enables teachers to improve their teaching ability at higher-level institutions or within focused areas.
Various types of programs exist for anyone to choose from including English language training; sport, fitness, and management; early childhood education; computing, and IT.
Students attend classes to enhance their skills and achieve a more profound level of knowledge.
A lot of teachers are willing to enroll in certifications to help them gain an adequate understanding of their specific programs and have an edge in their professional journey.
There are many available teaching certifications, with each one requiring different tuition and other fees.
Completing a certification in education offers many advantages upon completion of the program.
Students can focus on a specialized area within the field of education and this may be custom-made to meet their goals and interests.
After completion, the professional may have the right of entry to enhance career opportunities as a teacher or educator and could further their education if need be.
To obtain the certification in education requires money, though the costs are varied based on location, school, and selected program. You can contact your school of choice for information bothering on the cost of the program.
As a professional educator, you can apply for positions as instructors, heads of programs in a school, or teaching assistants.
Some graduates could have already been working in specific fields and were just seeking certification to strengthen their careers.
Can I teach without a certificate?
In public schools, your license to teach lies in your teaching certificate. Federal standards require that teachers in a public school should be certified and state-licensed.
Before enrolling in an accredited program, make sure that the program will prepare you for teaching certification. It is almost not a good idea to try to teach without a certification.
While there are many ways you can teach without certification, there are a few restrictions.
Furthermore, you may take the role of an assistant professor in a college or university. Also, you may also function as an online tutor, a corporate trainer, or an adult education instructor.
Moreover, private schools are not so keen on certifications. You may get a job as an educator in one of the private high schools around you.
However, you may be required to obtain a graduate-level education in a specific field as proof of your knowledge.
What is a teacher’s qualification certificate?
It is essential to obtain the necessary certification before getting hired as a teacher. Universities and colleges provide teacher certification to aspiring educators, career changers, and licensed teachers.
Teachers are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in education or obtain a state-approved teacher preparation program from an accredited partner to be qualified for state-issued teacher certification.
This state-approved certification program is an alternative program designed to offer the same learning outcome as the traditional university or college certification.
Can you teach in NY without certification?
Applicants for the New York Department of Education’s Office of Teaching Initiatives must meet certain educational requirements to become a teacher. New York State requires all state teachers to have a bachelor’s degree, to complete a teacher certification program, and to pass the test.
Furthermore, New York does not require substitute teachers to hold qualifications, and there is no substitute teaching certificate available in the state.
What certifications do you need for teaching coping skills?
Coping skills are stress management techniques that would help you cope with stress. There are no known certifications available for teachers who wish to become leaders in this field.
How to get cross teaching certifications in CT
To become a teacher in Connecticut, you are required to meet certification requirements. The following are ways to become certified in teaching in Connecticut:
- Choose the subject area you want to teach. Earn a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university.
- Graduate and earn a recommendation from a state-approved educator preparation program.
- Pass Connecticut certification assessments.
- Apply to the state and pay the application fee.
How do I view my teaching certifications in PA?
To view your teaching certification in PA, you are required to identify the certification type and subject areas for which you applied before you were able to enter the online application system, the Teaching Information Management System (TIMS). The following steps will enable you to access your TIMS:
- Go to www.education.pa.gov
- Hover the mouse over ‘EDUCATORS’
- From the drop-down menu, click ‘Certification’
- Click the GREEN “TIMS Educator Online Certification System” box in the middle of the page
- Click “Register” if you need to register for a username and password
- Use Firefox or Explorer to access TIMS.
Alternatively, you can search for certified PA teachers at
What is the organisation that issues certifications in PA?
Pennsylvania Department of Education is responsible for issuing certifications in PA.
The top 15 teaching certifications to get in 2024
There are many teaching certifications to acquire in 2024. Below are the top 15:
1. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certification, Canada
The TESOL Certification is a program designed for teachers of English as a Foreign Language who wish to continue their professional development.
International students who wish to be trained as teachers of the English language, fresh graduates who want to travel and teach abroad as well as professionals who wish for a change of career, can also obtain this certification program.
Candidates are given specialized academic preparation for six months to acquire relevant experience. The basic requirement is a BA, BSc, or their equivalent for a Standard Level 1 teaching.
However, if you do not possess a university degree and want to apply for the program, you are also eligible to do so, though may not be offered a Standard Level 1 certification.
2. PgCert in Teacher Leadership and Learning at the University of Glasgow
The program which lasts for 24 months, covers the most important factors of teaching leadership and learning in school.
Teachers are equipped with critical knowledge of the principles of leadership and management. It adopts research-informed and inquiry-led approaches that help in developing competence and confidence in the classroom.
The program is delivered within one academic year and includes two courses, containing a taught element, an online learning element, and an assignment.
3. Postgraduate in International Teacher, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences.
The Thomas More University of Applied Sciences is the highest university of applied science in Flanders, Netherlands. It offers both bachelor’s degree programs and exchange programs in English and Dutch.
The certification is offered to qualified teachers in preschool, primary or secondary education with a high proficiency level in English (C1 level requirement before completion of the program).
It is open to teachers who share their desires for training children and young adults in international education.
Teachers who are ready to push their professional boundaries and willing to learn what it takes to apply their skills in international platforms are encouraged to apply for the certification program.
4. Postgraduate Certificate in Education: Foundation Phase Teaching, Cornerstone Institute
Cornerstone Institute is an independent, not-for-profit higher educational institute whose focus is on teaching and learning in the service of others.
The program aims to attend to the rising need for professional teachers in South Africa. Students must have completed a three-year degree program or recognized national diploma.
The program lasts for a minimum of one year and a maximum of five years (part-time and full-time).
5. Education Specialist: Teacher Leader, University of West Alabama
The Teacher Leader program offered at the University of West Alabama is an online program that equips educators with the relevant skills for career advancement. It is designed to accommodate professional and personal schedules.
Through this master’s program, students will be equipped with post-master’s level education and a Class AA Professional Certificate. It can be completed within one or two years.
6. Director of Pupils Personnel Certification, Campbellsville University Online
Campbellsville University is an online university that delivers various online programs to offer students access to continued education.
The Online Director of Pupil Personnel Certification offers teachers the skills for better coaching of students and to advance their career in administrative roles.
Furthermore, the curriculum is designed by an advisory committee that comprises principals, supervisors of instructions, and pupil personnel directors.
Upon graduation, professionals will be able to assist students in court systems, provide students with greater access to schooling and offer help to counselors. The program lasts for six months.
7. Post-Bachelor’s Certificate in Biotechnology Education, Johns Hopkins University
Established in 1876, Johns Hopkins University is a top-level research university whose interest is in educating the students and cultivating their capacities.
The John Hopkins Certificate in Biotechnology Education comprises five graduate-level programs focused on inquiry-oriented approaches and integrating technology in bioscience education.
Students are encouraged to investigate contemporary research on bioscience education, reflect on their learning and develop tools and assessment techniques to engage the students in bioscience-related issues.
With the certification in biotechnology at Johns Hopkins University, you can work towards a Master of Science in the same field.
8. Education Specialist Physical Education, University of West Alabama
The University of West Alabama Educationist Specialist Physical Education is a fully online program structured to train educators for career advancement and leadership in Physical Education.
Working teachers with busy schedules can leverage the program to earn a certification in the field of PE.
Some of the coursework includes advanced physical education instruction, curriculum, assessment, research, and others. Graduates meet the requirements for Class AA Professional Educator Certification.
9. Postgraduate Certificate Academic Practice (PGCAP) University of Liverpool Online Programmes
The University of Liverpool postgraduate programs offer an affordable and convenient environment for further learning and career advancement.
The certification is a part-time online program designed to aid teachers to improve their teaching practice by attaining a professional postgraduate qualification and obtain global professional recognition as a Fellow of Higher Education (FEA).
Furthermore, the program is delivered with the collaboration of Advance HE, a prominent organization for dynamic academic excellence and development in the UK.
The certificate program has an international focus on academic practice. Students are involved in advanced peer-to-peer learning practices that aid classroom experience.
10. Graduate Certificate in E-Learning, George Washington University
The George Washington University Graduate School of Education and Human Development online offers online graduate education master’s certification that trains leaders for research, policy, and practice in the field of education, leadership, and administration.
This E-Learning certification affords individuals with the basic knowledge and skills needed for the implementation of operational instructional systems for an online learning platform.
If you have the desire to be involved in online learning, the certification will equip you to apply relevant theories, principles and models, tools, and techniques to lead e-learning initiatives in any structural setting.
11. PgCert in Into Headship, University of Glasgow
This 12-month, part-time professional certification is structured to enable school principals and leaders to attain the Standard for Headship. Its focus is mainly on helping leaders develop a strategic mechanism for educational transformation.
12. Education Specialist: Elementary Education, University of West Alabama
The University of West Alabama offers this special certification in elementary education to help educators seek advancement prospects in their careers. The program is offered online to ensure educators maintain a healthy work and life balance.
13. Education Specialist: School Counselling, University of Alabama
The University of Alabama’s online Education Specialist certification in School Counselling is aimed to enable counselors to advance in their careers to serve students and improve their mental health.
The certification contains training and information found in Ph.D. and EdD programs but is structured into master’s programs.
Furthermore, the coursework is administered by specialists in the field with some topics including leadership, educational research, family counselling substance abuse counselling and adolescence counselling.
14. Post Graduate Certification in Education International, Exeed College
Exeed College is a UAE-based institution of higher learning whose aim is to bring together the quality education of American institutes of higher learning and that of the British to simplify executive learning.
The programme aims to help professional educators and practitioners working in countries other than the UK. It improves individual teaching approaches from various countries and develops a global approach to teaching and education.
Classes are delivered in the school environment through virtual learning and structured to meet the routines of working professionals.
15. Graduate Certificate of Education, University of Southern Queensland
The University of Southern Queensland (USQ) provides superior educational programmes to students across the world.
Programmes are offered on campus, online and blended study options. The Graduate Certificate of Education offered at the University of Southern Queensland offers options for students to choose programmes that best suits their needs with regards to career advancement.
The majority of the programmes offered helps the students to handle practical issues through independent tasks and professional development activities.
How to get teaching certifications in 2024
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get teaching certifications in 2024
- Decide what subject area you are interested in and where you want to teach
- Search for the best programme that suits your needs based on the institutions that offer it
- Take the preceding test and a background check
- Take the relevant coursework to become certified in your state
- Apply to your state for a license
- Consider getting a National Board Certification after you have taught for at least three years.
Teachers do not always need to be certified. However, you cannot teach in a public school without teacher certificates from the state where you will be teaching but some private school teachers are not mandated to hold a certification.
There are no general requirements for teacher certification, it all depends on each state’s board.
But you are expected to possess a bachelor degree from a regionally accredited college or university, a passing score on a state teacher exam and completion of an approved teacher training programme.
There is no one-size-fits-all certification because there is more than one kind of teacher. Different types of degrees require different types of certifications.
Ensure you check your school’s educator program against your state’s requirements before applying.
Teachers’ salaries vary depending on their grades or the level they teach. Post-secondary teacher salaries also vary based on the subjects they teach.
Additionally, public school teachers have full health benefits and sick leave, but it may not be possible with some private schools due to their financial capacity.
Teaching certifications are mostly run by colleges and universities, although school districts and nonprofits run alternative certification programmes.
Conclusion
Teacher certification enables prospective educators to get teacher licensing to teach after completing the required coursework, degrees, exams and other requirements. Although you can teach without certification in some schools, you should get certified to increase your scope.
References
Recommedations
