TOT00024 How to Become a Teacher IN

Indiana is a great state for a career in education. Those aspiring to become teachers must obtain an Indiana teacher certification to teach in our public schools. All certification providers must adhere to the Indiana Department of Education regulations for the certification process. For an in-depth view on how to become a teacher in Indiana, continue reading.

 

How to Become a Teacher in Indiana

Candidates looking to pursue an Indiana certificate must hold a bachelor’s degree and complete an approved teacher preparation program. All Interested candidates looking for an approved program may apply to Indiana Teachers for free. Before one may apply for their teacher certification all state-required exams must be complete with a passing score.

In addition, Indiana candidates must complete CPR/AED/Heimlich certification and suicide prevention training; programs are typically included in the teacher preparation curriculum in the state.

Indiana has two levels of teaching licensure: Initial Practitioner and Proficient Practitioner. The Initial Practitioner is a renewable two-year license for first-time teachers. The Proficient Practitioner license is a renewable five-year license issued to working teachers who have completed the IMAP. The two levels of licenses are representative of the Indiana educator certification process.

Finding Approved Teacher Education Programs in Indiana

The most important step to becoming an Indiana teacher is completing an approved teacher education program at an accredited institution.

In addition to regional accreditation, schools may also look for accreditation from the AAQEP Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation.

Education Requirements for Indiana Teachers

Previously, the most common path to earning one’s teacher certification in Indiana was to complete an approved education program from an accredited school. Now, the newest pathway is alternative certification programs. The alternative certification pathway challenges the college or university path, as it allows those who already have a 4-year degree to earn their teacher certification without returning to college/university. The education requirement to enroll with an alternative certification program, such as Indiana Teachers, is a 4-year bachelor’s degree. For those who do not hold a bachelor’s degree, the only option is to pursue certification through a 4-year degree program.

Indiana Teacher Testing Requirements

As required by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), all candidates seeking certification must take and pass the ETS Praxis exam. The specific exam you take will depend on which area you are seeking certification/licensure in. All exams aim to assess one’s competency and pedagogical knowledge.

Additional Indiana Teacher Certification Requirements

Indiana requires a state and federal background check before the teacher certification application is submitted to the Department of Education. The background check requires the submission of fingerprints. Once prepared, it can be submitted through Inkless: Indiana’s Electronic Fingerprinting Network.

Before one can teach, it is all required by the state of Indiana that the following certificates are obtained: CPR/AED/Heimlich and Youth Suicide Prevention. Quality teacher preparation programs, such as Indiana Teachers, will provide a list of recommended and approved providers where one can reliably earn these required certificates.

Indiana Teacher Salary Averages

POSITION

SALARY

 

KINDERGARTEN

 

$58,301

 

ELEMENTARY

 

$58,403

 

MIDDLE

 

$57,056

 

SECONDARY

 

$60,801