If you’re ready to become a teacher in Indiana, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled our best resources all right here in an easy, step-by-step guide to walk you through how to become a fully licensed Indiana teacher. Read on to see how simple the process is!
Step 1: Apply to Get Started
You can begin your journey today; it’s that easy. We’re thrilled you’re here and know you can do it. Once you’ve made the decision to teach, let’s walk through the process.
The first thing you’ll need to do is apply. The application is easy, quick, and free – find it here. To qualify, you only a 4-year bachelor’s degree; that’s it. No catch.
If you’d like more details regarding admissions, check out this page.
Once you apply, you’ll speak with an experienced Program Advisor who will help you build your personalized path to earning your licensure. Now, picture yourself in the classroom. What age are your students? What subject are you teaching? This is a fun step, so if you’d like to get a jumpstart, preview this list of all subject areas. Your Program Advisor will help you sift through the options and select the subject which best aligns with your personal strengths as a future teacher. After completing these initial tasks, you can officially enroll in the program!
Step 2. Train
You’ve already come a long way! Next, we recommend first completing your Youth Suicide Prevention training (online) and CPR/AED/Heimlich Maneuver certification (in-person). Both are required by the state of Indiana to gain teaching eligibility. You can complete each training in a day. They’re important, so don’t put them off.
Now that you’re enrolled, it’s time to begin your Classroom Readiness Training. You have immediate access to your coursework after enrolling. If you weren’t excited before, you should be now! Our comprehensive, online training is designed to help mold you into the best teacher you can be. One of the great things about the training is the flexibility. It is available 24/7, so you can access it whenever is most convenient for your schedule.
Our training features the most up-to-date resources complied by leading educators. Here is when the real teacher transformation begins. From effective lesson planning to the Indiana Educator Code of conduct (and everything in between), you’ll set yourself up for success in the classroom. If you’d like to tour the content you’ll be studying, follow this link.
Step 3. Teach & Test
Once you’ve laid the groundwork, it’s time to teach! You’ll need to apply for your Transition to Teaching Permit (T2T). Here’s a quick checklist of what’ll you need handy:
- Youth Suicide Prevention Certification
- CPR, AED, Heimlich Maneuver Certification
- College Transcripts
- Indiana Teachers of Tomorrow Letter of Eligibility (LOE)*
*Your LOE is what you’ll use to get hired.
When you’re ready to start the search, our team has created a resource page to help you land the job. As you teach your first year, while earning full pay and benefits, we’ll be there to support you and cheer you on to the finish line. You’ll be assigned a Field Supervisor who will pop into your classroom to observe you periodically. They’ll always be available to you to answer questions, so make sure to take advantage of having access to a master teacher’s knowledge!
During your first year, you’ll also work to complete your Excellence in Teaching and Learning training, field experience projects, and any remaining state exams. One exam you’ll prepare for is called the Development (Pedagogy) Area Assessment, which revolves around pedagogy for your instructional level. We have several resources to help you prepare.
You’ve got this.
Step 4. Earn Your License!
Let’s pause here for one moment and take stock of the amazing journey you’ve traveled. You’ve made the decision to teach, demonstrated your pedagogical knowledge, passed required exams, built a solid teaching foundation through your studies, and have led your own classroom for an entire year. That’s a lot. Indiana needs someone like you.
The end is in sight.
Get back in the classroom and finish strong. Once you complete your second year, you may now submit your documentation for your Practitioner’s License. You’ve done it! Take what you’ve learned and go shape the lives to tomorrow.
