How to Become a Teacher
in Indiana

Eligibility to Teach

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) is responsible for issuing teaching certificates to potential teachers in the state. If you have not attended a college or university teacher preparation program, you will need to apply for a Transition to Teaching Permit. In order to be eligible for a Transition to Teaching Permit, you must first meet one of the IDOE-approved admission options:

Elementary Education Requirements (K-6)

You must meet one of the following requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale; or
• Both a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a grade point average of at least 2.50 on a 4.0 point scale, and five (5) years of relevant professional experience; or
• Both a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university, and proof of passing state approved content area examination(s) in the subject area.

P-12 Education Requirements (P-12)

You must meet one of the following requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale and the degree corresponds to the subject content area in which the applicant seeks to be licensed; or
• Graduate degree from a regionally accredited university in the subject area or related field in which the person wants to teach; or
• Both a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a grade point average of at least 2.50 on a 4.0 point scale and the degree corresponds to the subject content area in which the applicant seeks to be licensed, and five (5) years of relevant professional experience; or
• Both a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university, and proof of passing state-approved content area examination(s) in the subject area.

Secondary Education Requirements (5-12)

You must meet one of the following requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale and the degree corresponds to the subject content area in which the applicant seeks to be licensed; or
• Graduate degree from a regionally accredited university in the subject area or related field in which the person wants to teach; or
• Both a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a grade point average of at least 2.50 on a 4.0 point scale and the degree corresponds to the subject content area in which the applicant seeks to be licensed, and five (5) years of relevant professional experience; or
• Both a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university, and proof of passing state-approved content area examination(s) in the subject area.

You must then enroll in an IDOE approved Transition to Teaching teacher preparation program such as Indiana Teachers of Tomorrow.

To be admitted to the program you must have the following.

• A Bachelor’s Degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution with official transcripts
• Completed Indiana Teachers application and completed interview
• Meet one of the requirements listed above

Once you receive your official Indiana Teachers Letter of Acceptance

• You can go get a teaching position – this is critical – start looking, talking, and working towards the teaching position you want. There are a lot of teacher shortages in Indiana, and if you get started right away you will have the best chance of getting hired. We have many resources to help you prepare for your interviews.
• Work with your Indiana Teachers advisors to help you position yourself for success.
• Begin Classroom Readiness Training and Field Based Experiences to make sure you have all the knowledge and skills to teach effectively in your own classroom.
• Complete the CPR/AED/Heimlich certification and Suicide Prevention certification and have evidence to show IDOE.

Apply for the Transition to Teaching Permit

• Have offer letter from school district
• Receive official Letter of Eligibility from Indiana Teachers
• Provide your official transcripts
• Log into your IDOE LVIS portal to apply for your Transition to Teaching Permit
• Pay licensure fees: $35 evaluation fee of your application and a $35 license fee to issue your license

Once you have your Transition to Teaching Permit, you will begin working towards your Practitioner License. You will teach for two years on your T2T Permit. You will complete your remaining requirements during your Internship Year (your first-year teaching).

• Complete all Phase II: Excellence in Teaching and Learning content from Indiana Teachers
• Achieve a passing score on your required Content Exam and Principals of Learning and Teaching Exam for your specific grade level
• Successfully teach for two years
• Receive positive recommendation by Building Level Administrator and Field Supervisor at the end of your Internship Year
• Present your Letter of Completion from Indiana Teachers as well as transcript of completed coursework to IDOE for recommendation for your Indiana Practitioner License

At Indiana Teachers, we understand that the journey to becoming a licensed teacher in Indiana can seem daunting. Our streamlined program offers you the most effective route to the classroom through its flexible and affordable design. So get started and you will soon be inspiring the next generation of learners – become an Indiana Teacher today!

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