Teaching provides purpose in a world filled with hollow occupations performed solely to pay the bills. The career makes a positive and lasting impact on children’s lives and enriches communities. Delaware appreciates its educators, paying teachers an above-average salary, and includes benefit packages with health insurance and retirement funds.

However, Delaware is not immune to the teaching shortage impacting the United States. In 2022, Delaware had 8,737 public school teachers. That is 500 fewer teachers than the state needs, 165 of which are in special education. 

Each state has its own rules and regulations for teaching licensing and certification, including education level and hours of classroom experience. Our guide will go through the Delaware process, including traditional and alternative pathways. We will also explore what skills an aspiring teacher needs to develop to have a rewarding and successful career.

Colleagues having team presentation  

Is Teaching the Right Career for You?

Teaching is an excellent career for people who want their work to have value and a positive societal impact. But like most vocations, it requires dedication and tenacity to face the litany of challenges. The educational landscape is full of tight budgets and loud opinions, and it requires creativity, emotional maturity, and excellent communication skills to navigate it all. 

But teaching is a stimulating career for those who enjoy variety and being kept on their toes. The profession also connects educators with the children of their community, their parents and guardians, and local leaders. It is a position of value that makes a positive difference where you live and beyond. 

Dedicated teachers did not enter the profession for monetary gains. Nonetheless, Delaware does understand that educators have bills to pay like everyone else and are ranked 17th in the country for teacher pay. For comparison, the average teaching salary at the start of 2024 in Delaware is $65,567, while in Colorado, it is $58,481.

Teachers also receive generous vacation leave, health insurance, retirement benefits, family-friendly work hours, and high job security. Delaware also provides loan forgiveness opportunities for new educators who qualify. 

State Requirements for Teaching In Delaware

Delaware, like every US state, has its own licensing and certification system for educators. Traditionally, teaching requirements have been high and exclusive, making it difficult to enter the profession if a person’s bachelor’s degree was not in education. However, the teaching shortage has forced many states to rethink these rules and open alternative pathways. 

The process of becoming a teacher is also dependent on a person’s goals, including grade and specialty. For instance, the requirements to become a special education teacher differ greatly from those of a high school science teacher. Also, some programs are only open if the candidate agrees to work in a critical needs school where the shortage has hit the hardest. 

As of the start of 2024, the Delaware Department of Education (DOE) has a traditional pathway to becoming a teacher and alternative pathways. As outlined below, the traditional pathway begins with obtaining a bachelor’s degree. 

1. Bachelor’s Degree

All US states require teachers to hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Many colleges and universities offer education-focused degrees that provide knowledge, skills, strategies, and tools in areas such as:

  • Subject knowledge
  • Human development
  • Lesson planning
  • Educational psychology
  • Classroom management

Some of the many education-focused bachelor’s degrees available at Delaware’s colleges and universities include:

  • Elementary Teacher Education
  • Foreign Languages Education
  • Mathematics Education
  • Science Education
  • Social Studies Education

2. Complete an Accredited Teacher Preparation Program

Accredited teacher preparation programs are state-approved and provide candidates with more education and teacher training. The programs are made up of coursework and hands-on training, including fieldwork, student teaching, and, sometimes, working as a teacher under the supervision of a mentor or coach. 

Delaware provides a list of approved teacher preparation programs for both the traditional and alternative pathways. In the traditional pathway, the teacher preparation program is often added as a 5th year to a bachelor’s degree. In some cases, there may be an option to earn a master’s degree. 

3. Gain Student Teaching Experience

Student teaching experience through an internship or working while being mentored or coached is essential to learning how to put training into practice. At the start of 2024, Delaware candidates needed a minimum of 91 days of student teaching to qualify for an Initial License. 

However, there are some exceptions, depending on the program and circumstances. For instance, those who have completed 91 days as a long-term substitute in a public school may be granted a full-time teaching position. 

Please note that student teachers placed in a Delaware public school must complete a background check. 

4. Pass a Background Check

Many states require teachers to have a background check before being employed at a school. These are generally performed by taking fingerprints and sending them to state and federal law enforcement agencies. Some states, like Delaware, will also perform a Child Protection Registry Check. 

The background check looks for any incidences of child abuse and neglect. They will also flag any other criminal history. The purpose of the background check is to raise the safety of students and staff. 

Delaware requires any employee or volunteer at a public school to have a background check. Usually, a new background check must be done for each new position. Consequently, the one obtained for student teaching typically does not carry over to a candidate’s first full-time teaching job. For continuously employed teachers, the background check is valid for five years. 

5. Get Certified

Each state has its own licensing and certification process. The DEO uses the two terms as follows:

  • License: a credential authorizing the candidate to practice. A candidate may only hold one license at a time. 
  • Certificate: a credential to certify the candidate has the skills to practice in a particular area or subject. A candidate may hold various certificates at once. 

The DEO’s three main licenses are:

  • Initial License: for educators with fewer than four years of licensed teaching experience. Typically, applicants will apply for their Initial License and Standard Certificate at the same time. 
  • Continuing License: for educators with over four years of licensed teaching experience.
  • Advanced License: for educators with National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification. 

The DEO’s three main certificates are:

  • Standard Certificate: certifies the educator may teach a specific area. Delaware’s teaching areas are determined by the Professional Standards Board and are listed here.  
  • Emergency Certificate: a temporary credential with a valid license that does not meet the full criteria for a particular standard certificate area but has an offer of employment or is employed by a school. 
  • Certificate of Eligibility: a credential issued to a candidate in an alternative route to licensure. 

To qualify for an Initial License, candidates must:

  1. Obtain a bachelor’s degree.
  2. Complete a teacher preparation program. 
  3. Student teach. 
  4. Pass all relevant general and Praxis Subject Assessments. 

To apply for the Initial License:

  1. Log in to the EdAccess page. 
  2. Select the applicable license and certificate. (Initial License applicants should apply for their Standard Certification.) 
  3. Pay the $100 application fee by credit card (not debit). 
  4. Ensure all relevant documentation is submitted, including transcripts, test scores, and proof of teaching experience. 

6. Consider Getting a Master’s Degree

Delaware does not require a master’s degree to teach. However, they require 90 hours of professional development to review a Continuing License. Many teachers, in the course of gaining their professional development hours, will eventually end up with a master’s degree. 

A master’s degree can help a candidate stand out in the application process, especially when seeking a prime position. A master’s degree also allows for higher pay and can open doors to other opportunities within the education field, such as working in higher administration. 

Alternative Route To Teaching In Delaware

Many states are providing alternative routes to teaching. These help quality candidates get into the classroom faster. They also enable those with a bachelor’s degree to become teachers without gaining a second degree. 

These programs often appeal to career changers or people who have taken time out of the workforce to care for their families. They are typically faster, more affordable, and more flexible than the traditional route. 

Delaware offers two main alternative teaching pathways. 

The Alternative Routes to Certification Program (ARTC) 

The Alternative Routes to Certification Program is run through DEO-approved programs and helps candidates achieve licensure in specific areas while working full-time. 

Those taking part will have two years to complete the program unless taking part in the Alternative Routes to Certification for Special Education Areas – Certificate of Eligibility (ARTC COE) who have three.

To gain teaching while going through the program, the candidate must have the following:

  • Minimum of 24 credits in a PK-12 content area. 

Or

  • Pass the Praxis exams for the desired content area.
  • A letter of eligibility from their alternative certification program.

Ninety-one Days in Lieu of Student Teaching

The requirement of 91 days of student teaching and completing a student teaching program can sometimes be circumnavigated by long-term substitute teaching. 

Those approved must:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree
  • Pass relevant Praxis exams

However, a candidate is not guaranteed to obtain their licensure or certification through this route even if they meet the requirements. The approval is situation dependent. 

Getting Hired as a Teacher

Schools looking for new teachers first examine applicants’ education, certification, and in-classroom experience. However, be sure to also include these other steps in our job search to raise your chances of success.

Polish Your CV

A CV must be customized for each job application. To make the process easier, create a CV template highlighting all relevant information, including education, work history, skills, and any volunteer work and extracurricular activities that may be of interest. 

Pay attention to the layout and design choices, including fonts. Do some research, seeking examples that relate to your teaching area in Delaware. 

Proofread your template once you have a solid working draft. Reading your work out loud is an excellent way to weed out errors. 

Next, send your template to a friend or a connection that works in education. Ask them to proofread it, too, and provide insight or advice on how it could be improved. 

When customizing your CV, highlight the relevant skills and information listed in the job advert. You may need to reorder how certain information is presented. 

Remember to proofread your CV every time you send in an application. Errors have a way of sneaking in, even when making minor changes.

Upgrade Your Skillset

Make yourself stand out in the application process by upgrading your skillset. If your work experience isn’t enough to draw on, consider acquiring, developing, and demonstrating skills through volunteer work, such as:

  • Coaching a youth team
  • Food pantry
  • Emergency services
  • Take part in community projects, from beach clean-ups to fundraising for new park equipment
  • Join an organization that tutors kids

Excellent skills to focus on include:

  • Leadership: Schools are always eager to find leaders who can inspire and bring people together to get projects done, including fundraising, organizing events, and designing and implementing new clubs, field trips, and collaborative initiatives with the community. 
  • Adaptability: School environments brew challenges and unpredictable change. An excellent teacher can navigate the unexpected with calmness and clarity. In addition, they are always on the lookout for what is working and what isn’t and come up with creative changes, sometimes even mid-lesson. 
  • Teamwork: School is a group activity. In addition to working with a diverse group of students, teachers must collaborate with other educators, coaches, parents and guardians, social services, counselors, and local law enforcement. Working as a team allows a school to thrive and meet the wide-ranging needs of its students. 
  • Technology: To prepare students for the future teachers must be proficient in the technology of today. Schools are always seeking people who are comfortable using new tech and enthusiastic about staying current. There are always new ways to use technology to present lessons, create group projects, and help facilitate communication with colleagues and parents. 
  • Emotional intelligence: Teaching is a magnet for high-pressure situations. Excellent teachers maintain their composure, have the maturity to remain tactful and diplomatic and have the skills to diffuse tense situations.  

Begin Your Job Search

Find teaching opportunities in Delaware by consulting the following sites:

Join a Professional Organization and Network

Delaware educators should consider joining a professional organization or network. They expand a teacher’s connections, creating a greater pool to draw from for support, advocacy, and learning about career-enhancing opportunities. 

Professional Organizations for Delaware educators to consider include:  

Ace Your Job Interview

Being invited for an interview is a huge step to securing a teaching position. To give yourself the greatest chance for success, go over some of our top tips. 

  1. Dress appropriately. Always show up to an interview dressed a level up from day-to-day workwear. Be sure to research the school district and find out their staff dress code. Some schools are casual, while others dress in more classical business attire. Leave the novelty accessories, such as cartoon ties and dinosaur earrings. While they can be fun touches for the classroom, they’re not interview-appropriate.  
  2. Practice teacher interview questions. Do your research, review common interview questions, and ensure you have prepared concise, naturally flowing answers. Make sure your answer frames your passion for uplifting students instead of making it all about you. 
  3. Make sure you are industry-current. The world of education changes fast. Politicians change rules and regulations, educational buzzwords get dropped, new ones take their place, and tools and strategies continue to emerge. Go beyond what is happening on a state level. Be aware of any hot topics or policy changes at the school board level, as a member might be sitting in on the interview. 
  4. Have questions ready. Yes, you did your research. But it’s essential to show interest in where you hope to work. Have a few questions prepared; some will probably be answered during the interview, and you want at least one left to use.  

Career Outlook & Salary in Delaware

Delaware needs more teachers. They are struggling to fill 500 vacancies with the greatest demand in Special Education. According to the US Department of Education Teacher Shortage Areas Reports, Delaware also has a high demand for teachers in:

  • World Languages
  • English as a Second Language
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Language Arts

Nor does the high demand for teachers look to be going away soon. According to the US Census Bureau, Delaware is the 6th fastest-growing US state. Thus, the need for teachers is set to increase with the swelling population. 

To help make education more attractive, Governor Carney announced a 9% raise for the 2024 Fiscal Year. The state also provides opportunities for teachers to have their student loans forgiven or partially reduced. 

Delaware State Housing Authority also launched four new homeownership programs in June 2023. Essential workers, including educators, are prime candidates for some offerings. 

Become a Teacher In Delaware

Teaching in Delaware can provide a fulfilling career while shaping lives. The above-average teaching salary also makes the East Coast more cost-friendly to educators. 

The second smallest state in the country is one of the most affordable between Main and Washington DC. They have no sales tax, which helps with the shopping bill. While slightly above the national average, their property prices are excellent for the East Coast. 

Delaware also has a cozy, small-town feel while near amenities, recreation, and entertainment. It’s perfect for people who want a work-life balance, enjoy a community vibe, and like knowing their neighbors.

Teaching in Delaware is an investment in our nation’s future. If this inspiring career sounds like something for you, contact us at Teachers of Tomorrow and start making a difference today.