How to Teach Without a Degree in 2025

Many people who want to become teachers may not have the experience needed to qualify because they haven’t gone through a traditional teacher training program or completed the required coursework. 

Some may have worked in other fields or have a passion for teaching but lack formal teaching experience in a classroom setting. 

If teaching is your dream, you might be wondering how to do it without a degree and what steps to take. Teaching can be a very rewarding career because you can inspire and influence the lives of your students.

Each state has its own requirements for becoming a teacher, which can vary depending on whether you want to work in a private or public school. 

Some states do not require a bachelor’s degree for teaching certification. For example, in Arizona, you can train to be a teacher without having a degree. In Florida, military veterans without a bachelor’s degree can get a five-year teaching certificate.

In this article, you will learn how to successfully become a teacher without a degree.

Key Stats About Teaching without a Degree in 2025 

The latest 2025 teacher-shortage data shows just how many people are entering classrooms through non-traditional pathways. Nationwide, an estimated 365,967 teachers are not fully certified for the subjects or grades they teach, and schools are reporting over 45,500 unfilled teaching positions. In total, that’s more than 411,000 classrooms—about 1 in 8 nationwide—staffed by under-certified teachers or left vacant. At the same time, the pipeline of fully trained educators continues to shrink: the number of people earning bachelor’s degrees in education has fallen from roughly 109,600 to 90,700 over the past two decades. Together, these numbers reveal a system increasingly reliant on teachers who enter without completing a traditional degree-based preparation program.

This trend has major implications for how individuals become teachers in 2025. Because districts are struggling to fill roles, many states now use emergency, provisional, or alternative credentials, allowing people to begin teaching before holding a full degree or standard license. That doesn’t mean a large share of teachers have no degree at all—but it does mean thousands are entering the classroom without the formal training historically required. In practice, someone with a partial degree, unrelated degree, or no education background can now access the profession far more easily than in previous decades. The data signals that “non-traditional entry” is no longer the exception—it’s becoming a core part of how the U.S. meets its classroom staffing needs.

These trends show that while most public school roles still require a bachelor’s degree and full certification, the reality on the ground is shifting. With shortages driving new hiring practices, districts and states are increasingly relying on non-traditional pathways, emergency credentials, and alternative licensure routes to bring new educators into the classroom faster. That means people who may not have taken the traditional education-degree route now have more entry points into teaching than ever before. With this in mind, it’s important to understand what’s actually possible—and what isn’t—when it comes to becoming a teacher without a degree.

Becoming a Teacher without a Degree

Becoming a teacher without a degree can seem challenging because public schools in all 50 states require teachers to have a bachelor’s degree for any grade level. 

However, one of the easiest ways to teach without a degree is through private schools, which do not all require this.

If you’re interested in teaching in a public school but don’t have a teaching degree, you might be aware that some policymakers and school administrators are discussing the possibility of lowering the requirements to become a teacher. 

This is a response to the ongoing teacher shortage and the urgent need to fill teaching positions. However, this idea has not yet been widely adopted.

The simplest way to become a teacher is to earn a bachelor’s degree in any subject. With that, you can enroll in an alternative teacher certification program, which allows you to become a licensed teacher without going through a traditional university program. 

Before enrolling in an alternative certification program, research the licensure requirements in the state and district where you want to teach.

A few select states grant temporary teaching licenses to address teacher shortages in high-need areas such as special education, foreign languages, and STEM subjects. 

These states include:

• Texas 
• Arizona
• Missouri 
• Kentucky 
• Wisconsin
• Mississippi 
• California 

These temporary licenses allow educators to begin teaching while they complete the necessary certification requirements. This helps fill critical gaps in schools that need qualified teachers in these specific subjects. 

The temporary license pathways aim to quickly bring teachers into classrooms, especially in areas where shortages are most dire.

Emergency Certification Pathway

The emergency certification pathway is a special option that allows people to become teachers without a degree in education. 

This pathway is used in many states to help fill teacher shortages, especially in subjects with a high need, such as special education, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), and foreign languages.

The best thing about this pathway is that you can start teaching without a traditional teaching degree. You only need a bachelor’s degree in any subject, but some states prefer candidates with degrees related to the subjects they want to teach.

This pathway helps schools find teachers quickly when they have openings in important areas. School districts can ask for emergency certification for people who haven’t completed all the usual steps to become certified teachers.

Many states that offer emergency certification want teachers to continue their education while they are teaching. This includes taking teaching courses, passing state tests, or completing a teacher preparation program.

Emergency certifications are often temporary, usually lasting one to three years. During this time, teachers need to work on getting fully certified by meeting their state’s requirements.

The emergency certification pathway is a great option for people who want to teach but don’t have a degree in education. 

Here’s why:

• It opens doors for new teachers: This pathway allows people with knowledge in other fields to become teachers, especially in high-demand subjects like STEM and special education.
• Quick start in teaching: You can begin teaching right away, as long as you have a bachelor’s degree and know the subject you want to teach. This is important for schools that need teachers quickly.
• Pathway to full certification: You can teach but are required to complete a teacher preparation program, pass tests, and gain teaching experience within a certain time frame.

This pathway provides a way for passionate individuals to start teaching and make a difference while they work toward becoming fully certified teachers.

Alternative Teaching Careers Without a Bachelor’s Degree

There are several alternative teaching careers that do not require a bachelor’s degree. These are excellent options for those who want to work in education without pursuing traditional teaching credentials. 

These roles often offer similar benefits to teaching, such as a love for working with children, flexible schedules, and job stability. 

Here’s a list of alternative teaching careers to consider:

Tutor

Tutors work one-on-one with students to help them understand academic subjects and improve their grades. This role offers flexible scheduling, allowing you to set your own hours and customize lessons to each student’s needs. It’s an excellent option if you enjoy personalized instruction and want to support students outside a traditional classroom.

Nanny

Nannies care for children in their homes, help with homework, and keep them engaged in learning-focused activities. This job offers close interaction with children in a supportive, nurturing environment. It’s a great fit for those who enjoy hands-on involvement in a child’s academic and personal growth.

Daycare Assistant

Daycare assistants work with young children by organizing activities, guiding play, and supporting early learning. This position offers direct experience in early childhood education while helping kids build social, emotional, and developmental skills. It’s ideal for those interested in foundational teaching roles.

Personal Trainer

Personal trainers design fitness programs and guide individuals through exercises to improve health and strength. Much like teaching, this role requires creating lesson plans, motivating learners, and helping clients reach their goals. It’s a strong option if you enjoy coaching and leading others toward personal improvement.

Teacher’s Aide

Teacher’s aides support classroom teachers by preparing materials, assisting with lessons, and helping students who need extra attention. This role provides firsthand experience in a school environment and helps you understand classroom management and student engagement. It’s a valuable step toward a future teaching career.

Substitute Teacher

Substitute teachers step into classrooms when regular teachers are absent, maintaining order and delivering provided lessons. Many districts do not require full teaching certification for substitutes, making this a lower-barrier entry into the school system. It’s a meaningful way to gain experience while impacting students’ daily learning.

Athletic Coach

Athletic coaches train athletes of all ages, plan practices, and teach sport-specific skills. This position involves mentoring, fostering teamwork, and building discipline—key elements of teaching. It’s great for individuals with a passion for sports and youth development.

Children’s Author

Children’s authors create stories that educate, inspire, or teach important lessons. Even without daily classroom interaction, your writing can shape young readers’ imaginations and understanding of the world. This career blends creativity with educational impact.

Museum Tour Guide

Museum tour guides educate visitors about exhibits, artifacts, and history through engaging storytelling. This role allows you to teach in a nontraditional setting while sparking curiosity and learning for people of all ages. It’s a perfect fit for those who enjoy public speaking and sharing knowledge.

Curriculum Writer

Curriculum writers develop lesson plans, learning materials, and educational content for schools, publishers, and online learning platforms. This role allows you to influence what and how students learn without being in a classroom every day. It’s ideal for people who enjoy structuring content, aligning materials to standards, and supporting teachers behind the scenes.

Educational Content Creator

Educational content creators produce videos, worksheets, online courses, and learning resources for platforms like YouTube, Teachers Pay Teachers, or tutoring companies. This career combines creativity with instruction, allowing you to teach large audiences digitally. It’s a strong option for those who love explaining concepts in engaging, accessible ways.

After-School Program Instructor

After-school instructors teach enrichment activities such as STEM, art, music, robotics, or homework support. These programs often have lower requirements than K–12 teaching roles and allow you to focus on specific skills or interests. It’s a flexible way to gain teaching experience while helping students explore new passions.

Corporate Trainer

Corporate trainers teach adults in the workplace, delivering training on skills such as communication, software, customer service, leadership, and company policies. This role mirrors classroom teaching but in a professional business environment. It’s a great path if you enjoy instruction but prefer working with adults rather than children.

ESL Instructor (Community-Based or Private)

Some community organizations, nonprofits, and private tutoring companies hire ESL instructors without requiring a teaching degree. These roles focus on helping adults or children improve their English speaking, reading, and writing skills. It’s a meaningful option if you enjoy language instruction and cultural exchange.

Outdoor or Environmental Educator

Outdoor educators teach nature-based lessons in camps, nature centers, parks, or environmental programs. This job blends education with adventure and is perfect for those who enjoy experiential learning, science, and the outdoors. It allows you to teach in a dynamic, hands-on environment that’s very different from traditional classrooms.

These alternative teaching careers offer opportunities to engage with children and contribute to their learning and development without the need for a bachelor’s degree.

Becoming a Teacher with a Bachelor’s Degree in Another Field

In most states, becoming a teacher with a bachelor’s degree in another field can be easy and somewhat straightforward. 

Every state, except for Minnesota and Rhode Island, allows individuals to pursue an alternative teaching certification. 

While most states offer this, each state will have its own requirements for individuals who did not pursue their undergraduate education. 

Below are the common requirements that must be met completely or partially, depending on the state and district, to become a teacher with a bachelor’s degree in another field: 

College-level courses on teaching and instruction through an accredited school or program

Most states require aspiring teachers to complete coursework in topics like instructional methods, classroom management, child development, and educational psychology.
These courses may be taken through an approved alternative certification provider, a university, or a state-accredited educator preparation program.
Many programs allow candidates to begin teaching on an intern license while completing this coursework, making it possible to learn and teach simultaneously.
The goal is to ensure you understand essential teaching principles even if your bachelor’s degree is in an unrelated field.

A specific number of hours gaining practical experience in a classroom setting

Almost all states require hands-on classroom experience before earning a full professional license.
This may include student teaching, co-teaching alongside a certified teacher, or supervised practicum hours.
Some states allow candidates to complete these hours while working as the teacher of record, as long as the school provides proper support and evaluation.
This requirement ensures teachers can apply instructional techniques in real-world settings before becoming fully licensed.

Mentorship with an experienced teacher or another professional in the field

Most alternative certification programs pair candidates with a mentor teacher who provides guidance, observes lessons, and helps troubleshoot classroom challenges.
Mentorship is considered a critical form of support, especially for teachers entering through a nontraditional route.
Mentors help new teachers adjust to curriculum planning, classroom management, and school culture, improving long-term success and retention.
This requirement ensures candidates aren’t navigating their first year of teaching alone.

Testing to prove competence and mastery of the subjects you plan to teach

All states require new teachers to pass standardized exams that assess both content knowledge (such as math, science, English, or social studies) and teaching skills.
Common exams include Praxis, TExES, FTCE, CSET, or other state-specific assessments.
Passing these tests demonstrates that—even without an education degree—you have the academic foundation needed to confidently teach your subject.
Some states allow candidates to teach under a temporary or provisional license while completing required exams.

Screening processes such as background checks

Before working with children, candidates must undergo fingerprinting, background checks, and state/federal clearances.
These screenings typically review criminal history, employment history, and sometimes professional references.
While requirements vary slightly by state, this step is mandatory everywhere to ensure student safety.
Most districts will not issue a teaching contract until this step is complete.

Completing a Pedagogy or Performance Assessment

Several states require new teachers to demonstrate their teaching skills through a formal pedagogy or performance assessment, such as the edTPA or PPAT.
These assessments typically involve submitting lesson plans, video recordings of your teaching, and written reflections that show your ability to plan instruction, engage students, and measure learning.
While not required everywhere, states that use these assessments view them as evidence that candidates—regardless of their degree background—can meet professional teaching standards.
This requirement helps ensure new teachers can translate theory into effective classroom practice.

Meeting State-Specific Training Requirements

In addition to coursework and exams, many states require specialized training before teachers can earn or maintain a license.
These may include sessions on topics like reading instruction, special education law, classroom safety, English learner support, or culturally responsive teaching.
The number of hours and training topics vary by state, but these modules are designed to equip teachers with essential, practical knowledge that supports diverse student populations.
Completing this training ensures new educators meet state-mandated competencies before stepping into the classroom full-time.

Note: Teaching in high-need subject areas or schools can come with meaningful benefits.
Many states and districts offer scholarships, stipends, signing bonuses, or loan forgiveness to encourage new teachers—especially those entering through alternative certification—to serve in areas like special education, math, science, and bilingual education.

Skills to Become a Teacher

While your path to becoming a teacher may differ from others, there are certain essential skills that all teachers need to develop. It’s important to find a balance between being firm and supportive, as you will take on a leadership role in the classroom. 

Here are some key skills required to become an effective teacher:

• Enthusiasm: Showing excitement about the subject you are teaching will encourage your students to be active and engaged participants in the classroom.
• Patience: Patience is crucial, especially when working with younger students. It helps create a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable learning at their own pace.
• Organization: Being organized is key to delivering effective lesson plans and maintaining efficiency in the classroom. It allows you to manage your time and resources effectively.
• Communication: Strong communication skills are vital for teaching students new concepts. Being able to explain ideas in different ways is especially useful for students who may struggle to grasp certain topics.
• Empathy: Students may face challenges outside the classroom that affect their performance. Showing empathy and understanding helps students feel cared for and supported in their learning journey.
• Creativity: Since not all students learn the same way, being creative in your teaching methods can significantly enhance their understanding. Developing diverse ways for students to engage with information can lead to more effective learning experiences.

Certification and License Requirements

The requirements for certification and licensing to become a teacher can vary by state and school. If you want to teach in a public school, you will need to obtain a state license. 

Here are the usual steps to get your certification or license to teach:

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in education: To teach in a public school in the United States, you need a bachelor’s degree. Depending on the state, you might be able to earn your degree in any subject and then get your certification through an alternative program.
2. Complete the student teaching requirement: Most teacher certification programs require you to complete a student teaching experience before you can work full-time as a teacher. This gives you hands-on experience in a classroom.
3. Pass state exams for teachers: You must pass state exams to prove that you have the knowledge needed to teach specific grades and subjects.
4. Apply for certification and licensure: Once you’ve completed all the requirements for your state, it’s time to apply for your teaching certification. You must pass a background check and pay a fee, which can vary depending on the state.

Teaching License Reciprocation

Teaching License Reciprocation refers to the process that allows teachers who are certified in one state to obtain certification in another state without having to redo all their training or exams.

This system is designed to facilitate teacher mobility between states and fill teaching positions in areas with potential shortages.

Many states have agreements to recognize teaching licenses from other states. This means that if you hold a valid teaching license in one state, other states may accept it as proof of your qualifications.

Some states have specific criteria that teachers must meet to be eligible for reciprocity, including:

• Evidence of successful teaching experience or satisfactory evaluations from your previous employment.
• Depending on the subject area or grade level, additional assessments or exams are needed to ensure you meet state standards.
• A criminal background check regardless of where your license originated.

Reciprocation helps teachers move more easily to new states for personal or professional reasons without starting the certification process from scratch.

Ready to Start Teaching?

As we’ve established, becoming a teacher without a traditional degree is entirely possible for those who are passionate about education. 

If you explore the options we’ve discussed, such as considering opportunities in private schools or trying out other careers closely related to teaching, you can pave your own path to the classroom. 

Alternatively, you can also opt for the alternative certification pathway and fast-track your journey of becoming an educator.

Remember that many valuable skills from other fields can translate into effective teaching. With determination and a commitment to helping students succeed, you can build a rewarding career in education. 

Learn more about different certification options and how you can achieve your goal of becoming a teacher today!