- Indiana Alternative Teacher Certification
Teaching Schools in IN
Teaching Reciprocity Guide
Indiana is a great state in which to work as an educator. The certification process for in-state teachers is overseen by the Indiana Department of Education and is outlined below to help you learn how to become a teacher in Indiana.
How to Become a Teacher in Indiana
In order to be eligible for Indiana teacher licensing, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree, complete an approved teacher preparation program, and pass the state-required tests. Candidates must also earn CPR/AED/Heimlich certification and complete suicide prevention training, programs which are typically included in teacher preparation curricula in the state.
Indiana uses a tiered system with two levels of teaching licensure: Initial Practitioner and Proficient Practitioner. The Initial Practitioner is a renewable two-year license for first-time teachers. While teaching under the Initial Practitioner license, teachers must complete the Indiana Mentoring and Assessment Program (IMAP), a two-year mentored internship. The Proficient Practitioner license is a renewable five-year license issued to working teachers who have successfully completed the IMAP.
Although these two levels of licenses are representative of the Indiana educator certification process, there are also alternative pathways to become a teacher in Indiana.
Quick Guide
- I want to be a teacher in Indiana, but don’t have a degree: Earn an Education Degree
- I want to be a teacher and have a degree, but not in education: Learn about Indiana’s Alternative Certification Process and Programs
- I have a teaching degree and am interested in more education: Learn about Master’s Degree Education Programs or Doctorate Education Programs and Information.
- I am already certified and want to teach in another state: Learn about Teacher Certification Reciprocity.
Finding Approved Teacher Education Programs in Indiana
Projected Job Growth
6.4%
Growth in Teaching Jobs in IN through 20262
For those seeking Indiana teacher certification, the highest priority should be completing an approved teacher education program at an accredited school. Indiana requires all teachers to complete a preparation program from a state-approved and regionally accredited institution. You can find a list of approved in-state programs here. The Department of Education also provides a listing of approved online and distance programs. Schools that are not approved or that are out-of-state and do not have regional accreditation will not qualify candidates for Indiana teacher licensure. To compare key metrics for these state-approved teacher preparation programs, you can use the sortable table on our Indiana schools page.
Schools may also hold accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Accreditation from this organization, which is the result of the consolidation of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC), is viewed as a marker of excellence in teacher education.
Indiana Teacher Education Requirements
Indiana teacher certification guidelines require candidates to complete a teacher preparation program at an approved and accredited university, either while earning a bachelor’s degree or after. Any teacher preparation program attended must be listed by the Board of Education as an approved institution to qualify graduates for teacher licensure in the state.
Indiana Teacher Testing Requirements
After completing an approved Indiana teacher preparation program, candidates must take the Indiana CORE Academic Skills Assessment (CASA), which measures knowledge in the content areas to be taught. Candidates must also take the Indiana REPA/REPA3 exam, which measures skills and knowledge in pedagogy and child development. Effective July 2019, the CASA basic skills test is no longer required for Indiana teacher licensing, though some teacher preparation programs may require it for program admission. For more information, consult the Indiana Department of Education teacher testing portal.
Additional Indiana Teacher Certification Requirements
As in the majority of states, becoming a certified teacher in Indiana requires applicants to submit to a state and federal background check. The fingerprint-based background check must be submitted through Indiana’s electronic Fingerprinting Network (INkless) before the teacher certification application is submitted to the Department of Education.
Additionally, Indiana requires all teachers to hold a valid certification in CPR, the Heimlich Maneuver, and automated external defibrillator (AED) use. These certifications must be issued by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association or other providers approved by the Department of Education.
Finally, teaching applicants must also prove that they have successfully completed education and training on child suicide prevention and recognition of suicidal warning signs in students.
Indiana Teachers Licensing Application Process
Once applicants have completed all of the requirements as stipulated by the Indiana Department of Education, the application for a teaching certificate must be completed via the online Licensing Verification and Information System (LVIS). Required supporting documents include:
- Proof of successful completion of an approved Indiana educator preparation program.
- Proof of successful completion of required examinations (CASA and developmental/pedagogy exams).
- Proof of successful completion of CPR, AED, and Heimlich certification courses and suicide prevention training.
- Completed application.
- Payment of non-refundable licensure fee.
Visit the Indiana Department of Education for further details on the process for earning teaching certification in Indiana.
Indiana Teacher Outlook, Salary, and Jobs
There were an estimated 1,921 public schools in Indiana during the 2016-2017 school year, which served approximately 1.04 million students.3 There were an estimated 60,161 teachers during the same timeframe, giving Indiana a student-to-teacher ratio of 17:1.3
Projections are that there will be 2,050 average annual job openings in Indiana for elementary school teachers, 740 average annual job openings for middle school teachers, and 1,400 average annual job openings for secondary school teachers through 2026.2 The average annual salary for elementary school teachers in the state is $52,360, for middle school teachers $52,690, and for secondary school teachers $53,030.4 For more information regarding the current job market visit the Indiana State Teachers Association.
| Type | Number Employed | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool Teachers | 6,510 | $27,250 |
| Preschool Teachers, Special Education | 240 | $50,140 |
| Kindergarten Teachers | 2,000 | $51,290 |
| Elementary School Teachers | 26,520 | $52,360 |
| Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School | 3,210 | $53,570 |
| Middle School Teachers | 11,510 | $52,690 |
| Middle School Teachers, Special Education | 1,030 | $50,880 |
| Secondary School Teachers | 19,690 | $53,030 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Special Education | 1,960 | $53,450 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Career/Technical Education | 1,050 | $56,580 |
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2018.4
Teacher Shortages in Indiana
According to the US Department of Education Teacher Shortage Area report for 2021-2022, Indiana broadly has the following shortages5:
- Art and Music Education (Choral Music, Instrumental Music), Pre-K-12
- Career and Technical Education (Agricultural Science and Technology, Business Education, Business, Marketing and Information Technology (BMIT), Engineering Technology, Family and Consumer Science, Health and Medical Occupations, Professional Technical), 5-12
- Career and Technical Education (Computer Science), Pre-K-12
- Early Childhood (General), Pre-K-3
- English as a Second Language (English as a Second Language), Pre-K-12
- Language Arts (General), 5-12
- Mathematics (General), 5-12
- Science (Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Life Sciences, Physical Science, Physics), 5-12
- Special Education (All Exceptionalities, Speech and Language Impairment), Pre-K-12
- Support Staff (Counseling, Psychologist), Pre-K-12
- World Languages (Any World Language), Pre-K-12
Indiana Teacher Interview
- Former Third Grade Teacher, Christi Fultz
Indiana School District Requirements
If you are interested in learning more about how to become a teacher in Indianapolis, check out our city page below. On this page, you will find step-by-step information on launching a teaching career in Indianapolis public schools as well as information about private and charter schools, substitute requirements, and contact information.
- Indianapolis
Teacher Quote “Don’t let anyone tell you it’s an easy job because I can promise you, it isn’t. I’ve yet to have one of those magnificent ‘summers off’ I keep hearing about. And honestly, the pay isn’t great but the rewards of teaching more than make up for it.” -Christi Fultz, Indiana Third Grade Teacher
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How do you become a substitute teacher in Indiana?
Answer: Substitute teachers in Indiana must have a high school diploma or equivalent and be at least 18 years old. If you meet these requirements, you can apply to the state’s department of education for a substitute teacher permit, and then look for work in individual districts.
Question: How much do teachers make in Indiana?
Answer: Preschool teachers in Indiana earn the lowest average annual salaries, at $27,250, while career and technical education teachers at the high school level make the highest average annual salaries in Indiana, at $56,580 per year.4 Many factors contribute to teacher salaries, including location, years of experience, education level, and more.
Question: Is there a teacher shortage in Indiana?
Answer: The US Department of Education reports that for the 2021-22 school year, Indiana reported shortages in areas including career and technical education, math, science, world languages, English as a second language (ESL), and special education, among others.5 Teachers who specialize in these areas may have an easier time finding work in the state.
References:
1. Indiana Department of Education: https://www.in.gov/doe/
2. Projections Central, Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
3. National Center for Education Statistics, State Nonfiscal Public Elementary/Secondary Education Survey Data, 2016-2017: https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/stnfis.asp
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2018 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Indiana: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_in.htm
5. US Department of Education, Teacher Shortage Areas: https://tsa.ed.gov/
FAQs
Can you become a teacher in Indiana without a teaching degree? ›
In order to be eligible for Indiana teacher licensing, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree, complete an approved teacher preparation program, and pass the state-required tests.
How do I become a certified teacher in Indiana? ›Indiana Administration License
To professionalize and renew an administrative license, the following criteria are needed: 60 hours of graduate coursework from an accredited institution in administration and related areas. Renewal coursework, OR an approved PGP, OR National Board Certification.
The Indiana State Department of Education says there are approximately 1,700 open teaching jobs, and another 1,300 non-teaching jobs, listed on its online job portal. Private schools, like Indianapolis' Roncalli High School, are not immune to the teacher shortage.
How long does it take to get Indiana teaching license? ›When you first apply for and obtain an Indiana educator license, you will receive an Initial Practitioner License, valid for two years. You must complete a two-year residency program prior to applying for a Proficient Practitioner License, which is valid for five years and is renewable.
Do you have to be licensed to teach in Indiana? ›You must hold a valid Indiana teaching license; pass the CORE content Building Level exam; complete an approved Building Level Administration program; and earn a master's degree to earn this certification.
How long does it take to get a teaching certificate? ›Ed.); a three-or four-year Bachelor's degree, followed by a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
What are the requirements for a teaching certificate? ›- Minimum grade C+ (Plus) in KCSE and above and C+ (plus) in the two subjects of specialization.
- Post graduate diploma in Education (PGDE)
To renew five (5) or ten (10) year license, applicants may choose to complete six (6) hours of college coursework. Approved renewal coursework may include education courses and/or courses taken in one or more areas on the teaching license.
How many PD hours do teachers need in Indiana? ›A total of 90 PGP points is required for submission.
How much money does a teacher make in Indiana? ›The average Public School Teacher salary in Indiana is $54,170 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $45,241 and $66,048.
What is the top salary for a teacher? ›
Average teacher salaries in the U.S. range from $45,574 in Mississippi to $85,889 in New York. Additionally, these salaries can be as much as 28% lower than the average salary of a full-time, year-round employee. The highest pay in the nation for new teachers is in New York, where the average teacher salary is $85,889.
Do Indiana teachers get a pension? ›Teachers do not contribute to the pension system, which is instead funded by the state and their employers. When you reach normal retirement age and terminate employment, you will receive monthly benefits from your Annuity Savings Account.
Do you have to have a degree to teach kindergarten in Indiana? ›In order to become a teacher in the state of Indiana, you must obtain a bachelor's degree. Those wishing to teach at the kindergarten level should major in early childhood education or elementary education. Indiana requires certification candidates to complete an approved teacher preparation program.
Do you need a master's degree to teach? ›The general route to get into teaching after finish school is: Bachelors degree (three years) Relevant work experience. Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) courses.
Do you need a teaching degree to teach? ›Do you need a teaching degree to teach? Nope! If you've earned a bachelor's degree in any subject you can enroll in an alternative teacher certification program to become a licensed teacher in the states.
What happens if your teaching license expires in Indiana? ›There are no penalties for a license expiring. When you have completed six (6) semester hours of coursework or accumulated 90 Professional Growth Points, you can renew your license, even if it is past the expiration date.
What is an Indiana certificate? ›An Indiana certificate of authority is required by businesses incorporated in another state who wish to do business in the state of Indiana. By filing an Indiana certificate of authority, you will be registered in the state of Indiana as a foreign entity and will not need to form a new one in the state.
How many years of college do you need to be a elementary teacher? ›Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) is a four-year program that provides academic and appropriate training for future elementary school teachers of Grades 1 – 6 through the general education courses, professional education, and specialization courses.
What is the maximum age to become a teacher? ›KPSC Age Limit and Age Relaxation
To apply for the teacher recruitment exam, a candidate must be between 21-42 years.
The average hourly wage for a Public School Teacher in the United States is $27 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $22 and $33.
How long does the average teacher teach? ›
| Years of teaching experience and grade level taught | Total | Town |
|---|---|---|
| Distant | ||
| Average number of years | 14.2 | 14.8 |
| Years of teaching experience | ||
| Total | 100.0 | 100.0 |
| Rank | Certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) | BLI |
| 2 | Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) | Microsoft |
| 3 | Child Development Associate (CDA) | CECPR |
| 4 | First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor | NSC |
TSC Teacher Service Commission published the teaching license vacancy online application. License.tsc.gov.np is the website portal to apply online TSC License application for the all level.
What can you do with a teaching certificate? ›- social worker.
- museum education officer.
- community education officer.
- academic librarian.
- careers adviser (higher education)
- education administrator.
- teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) or teaching English as a second language (TESL)
Current Indiana educators must show proof of valid CPR/AED/Heimlich certification. In state program completers applying for initial licensure must show proof of valid CPR/AED/Heimlich certification.
What do you need to be a substitute teacher in Indiana? ›Substitute Permit Requirements
Individuals applying for Substitute Permits must: Hold a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate; Be 18 years of age or older; and. Meet the requirements set forth in the screening process of the school employer.
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses.
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
- the ability to create the best conditions for learning or teaching new things.
- leadership skills.
- to be flexible and open to change.
- excellent verbal communication skills.
- maths knowledge.
EducationGhana| February 18| 21 Mandatory CPD Courses for all In-Service Teachers: The 21 Mandatory CPD Courses for all In-Service Teachers. Each course carries 5 CPD points. Every teacher is expected to select and attend training on three of the under-listed courses within the three years CPD cycle.
How many PGP points do I need to renew my license in Indiana? ›A Practitioner License can be renewed with 90 PGPs completed since the issue date of the license being renewed.
How do I get PGP points in Indiana? ›Professional Growth Points (PGPs)
Each hour you participate in a professional development activity equals one PGP. For a list of PGP options, see the Indiana Department of Education Office of Educator Licensing and Development's Professional Growth Plan.
What is the beginning teacher salary in Indiana? ›
How much does an Entry Level Teacher make in Indiana? The average Entry Level Teacher salary in Indiana is $40,881 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $34,143 and $49,845.
What state is the highest paid for teachers? ›Pennsylvania, California and New York have the highest average teacher salaries in the country, compared to all other occupations.
What type of teacher is most in demand? ›- English as a Second Language (ESL). ESL educators are some of the most in demand teachers. ...
- Math Teaching. Another teacher subject in demand is mathematics. ...
- Science Teaching. What about science teachers? ...
- Social Studies Teaching. ...
- Special Education Teaching.
These districts employ 750,000 teachers. At $54,053, New Jersey maintains the highest average starting teacher salary among the fifty states. Nine of every ten New Jersey school districts pay a starting salary of at least $50,000.
What state needs teachers the most? ›Of the nine states where vacancy rates are highest, Mississippi faced the highest vacancy rates, with 68 missing teachers per 10,000 students for the 2021-22 school year. In contrast, Utah's vacancy rate was less than 1 per 10,000 students.
What is average teacher pension in Indiana? ›| Highest Five Years Salary (Average): | $70,000 |
|---|---|
| (equals Pension Base) | $770 |
| Years of Service | x 30 |
| (equals Annual Retirement Benefit) | $23,100 |
| Monthly Benefit | / 12 |
As a teacher, you also have the option of combining the TRF monthly pension benefit with your estimated Social Security benefits if you retire between ages 50 and 62. Your financial advisor can help you understand all the options and make the best decision for you. 3. Choose how to receive your pension.
What does it mean to be vested after 10 years? ›“Vesting” in a retirement plan means ownership. This means that each employee will vest, or own, a certain percentage of their account in the plan each year. An employee who is 100% vested in his or her account balance owns 100% of it and the employer cannot forfeit, or take it back, for any reason.
Is there a teacher shortage in Indiana? ›The Indiana State Department of Education says there are approximately 1,700 open teaching jobs, and another 1,300 non-teaching jobs, listed on its online job portal. Private schools, like Indianapolis' Roncalli High School, are not immune to the teacher shortage.
How do I get a teaching license without a teaching degree in Indiana? ›If you do not have a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA, you must have five years of professional experience (plus a bachelor's degree with a 2.5 GPA). To receive the Transition to Teaching permit, you must be enrolled in a Transition to Teaching college program and employed by an Indiana school district.
How long is Transition to teaching in Indiana? ›
This program is 18 preparation hours.
How long does it take to get a teaching certificate? ›Ed.); a three-or four-year Bachelor's degree, followed by a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
Is getting your Masters as a teacher worth it? ›With this advanced credential, you can increase your earning potential by as much as 29%, even if you don't seek a leadership role. Even more importantly, you will deepen your understanding of teaching and learning, making you more effective in the classroom.
How much do teachers get paid? ›As of Oct 24, 2022, the average monthly pay for a Teacher in the United States is $2,722 a month.
Can I train to be a teacher while working? ›Students who opt for a School Direct (salaried) training programme are employed as an unqualified teacher while they learn on the job. In some cases, this may be a school the student is already working at, or has an existing relationship with.
Are teachers in high demand? ›Teacher demand in 2022
There is demand for teachers at all levels of the education system. This includes: Early childhood education – There are currently 2,239,653 early childhood educators working in America.
The average Primary School Teacher salary in the United States is $61,700 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $50,700 and $74,600.
Can you be a teacher without a degree? ›All states require teachers to have a license to teach in the public school systems. A bachelor's degree is also considered a minimum requirement for full-time teachers in K-12 schools across the country. From there, the requirements for getting a license vary state by state.
What do you need to be a substitute teacher in Indiana? ›Substitute Permit Requirements
Individuals applying for Substitute Permits must: Hold a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate; Be 18 years of age or older; and. Meet the requirements set forth in the screening process of the school employer.
- Minimum grade C+ (Plus) in KCSE and above and C+ (plus) in the two subjects of specialization.
- Post graduate diploma in Education (PGDE)
How do you get your teaching license? ›
- Step 2: Candidate can register or Login into TSC License portal clicking into Account Login button.
- Step 2: If register has not been done, click on “Click here” link to register.
As of Oct 24, 2022, the average monthly pay for a Teacher in the United States is $2,722 a month.
How much do primary school teachers earn? ›The average Primary School Teacher salary in the United States is $61,700 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $50,700 and $74,600.
What is an unqualified teacher? ›unqualified teacher means a teacher who does not hold an approved teacher's qualification.”
How much do subs get paid in Indiana? ›The salary range for a Full Time Substitute Teacher job is from $28,886 to $40,269 per year in Indiana. Click on the filter to check out Full Time Substitute Teacher job salaries by hourly, weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, monthly, and yearly.
How many credit hours do you need to substitute teach in Indiana? ›Some districts may require a college degree or a combination of college credit and experience working with children (i.e. 60 college credits or 30 college credits and at least one year of work experience). In addition, you typically must pass a criminal history background check and secure a Substitute Permit.
How do I apply to be a substitute teacher in Illinois? ›If you hold a valid professional educator license, educator license with stipulations or paraprofessional license and hold a bachelor's degree, you are qualified to be a substitute teacher. You do not need to hold a substitute teaching license.
Which certification is best for teachers? ›| Rank | Certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) | BLI |
| 2 | Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) | Microsoft |
| 3 | Child Development Associate (CDA) | CECPR |
| 4 | First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor | NSC |
- social worker.
- museum education officer.
- community education officer.
- academic librarian.
- careers adviser (higher education)
- education administrator.
- teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) or teaching English as a second language (TESL)
A Diploma in Primary Education is what you need. Fortunately, all the Teacher Training Colleges and some universities offer this course. In the past, any person interested in being a primary school teacher was required to enroll in a course in P1. However, that is no more.
Are all teachers required of a license? ›
A valid certificate of registration and a valid professional license from the Commission are required before any person is allowed to practice as a professional teacher in the Philippines, except as otherwise allowed under this Act. Sec.
How do I apply online for TSC? ›https://tsconline.tsc.go.ke/register/registration-status (Open it and enter your ID Number). This is not the registration certificate though. The registration certificate is sent to you through the registered postal address.
Can you teach in Dubai without a teaching degree? ›In order to practise a teaching profession in the UAE, the applicant must have a minimum qualification of a bachelor's degree or a 4-year university degree or higher in the required field. This rule applies for public/government schools as well as private schools in the UAE.