Q: Are there ways to teach without certification or a license?

A: The short answer is—not really. All public school teachers have some sort of license. There are numerous ways, though, to earn a license, and that varies by state.

For example, if you have a few years of teaching experience at a college or private school, you may be qualified for a license in some states without going through a teaching program. Or, if you’re interested in teaching in a critical needs area like special education or bilingual education, you may be able to get a job right away and earn your license over time.

Q: Can you be a teacher without a teaching degree?

A: Yes! While a bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement to become a teacher, you don't usually need a degree in education. In fact, for middle and high school subjects, you probably want a degree in your teaching subject, like science or history.

There are even programs that will let you teach immediately with your current college degree, while providing you with educator training as you work.

Q: How long does it take to get certified as a teacher?

A: It depends on the type of program and where you are currently. Let's say you take the traditional route where you get licensed or certified when you graduate college. That could take four years (give or take). But if you already have a college degree, your alternative certification or license could require a year or more of teacher prep.

Q: What is the difference between a teaching license/certificate and a teaching degree?

A: The terms "license" or "certificate" vary by region, but they both mean the same thing: You've gone through some sort of educator prep and have been qualified to teach. A teaching degree typically refers to a college degree that's centered around education and pedagogy, where the student usually graduates with an additional teaching license/certificate.

Q: What certificate or license do you need to be a teacher?

A: You'll need to get a teaching certificate/license from an educator prep program that's recognized by the state board of education where you intend to teach.