Does any one know how a teacher can get certified to teach in another state?

Question

I am going to graduate form a Georgia univeristy in art education. I hate the south. Is there a way to certify a teacher nationally?

Answer 1

Well, I'm a Yankee to the core, but I'm not so sure you'll find the state of education as different as you think. The south has some redeeming qualities, like... um... wait a sec. AH! R.E.M. & B-52's!

Ok all kidding aside, many states have something called reciprocity, which is an agreement between states to allow teachers certified in one state to teach in another state. Often you will get a temporary certificate in the new state, then have to make up some of the requirements over time (ie. New York doesn't use Praxis, they use their own tests - so you would have to pass that test eventually).

I'd actually start by talking to recruiters who come to the job fairs for teachers, they'll have the most reliable info of anybody, because places like Phili, NYC, and Boston import buckets of teachers from all over.

if you google 'reciprocity teacher and state you are interest in' you should be able to pull up the official list.

Answer 2

whoever mentioned national certification is right. national boards give you a license to teach in any state. but you must teach 3 years first and the program is 1-2 years. all states have similar requirements for teachers and most will hire you if you only lack a class or 2.
art is not the easiest teaching field to get into, though. (i should know, i'm an art teacher) look for school districts that have major shortages (like here in las vegas) and that offer art in elementary. middle and high school (like here in vegas!). this will dramatically increase your chance of landing a job if you're available for all 3.
most regional bordering states have reciprocity agreements so if you get certified in one you can teach in the other with minimal extra classes. california is probably the exception as they have the most rigorous standards in the nation.
if you haven't gone through your teacher training yet i suggest to find a district where there's a high chance of you getting a job and is in a place you'd like to be. then enroll in a university's teacher training program there. hope this helps and good luck.

Answer 3

What you will need to do is get your certificate in Georgia and then transfer it to another state using recipocity. Basicly, most states will recognize another states educational certificate. Typically in the state you transfer to will give you a provisional certificate... that means you will have a year or two to meet that states requirements. Those new requirements are usually small. At most, a college class or two. Usually it just involves a couple of tests or a course in that new state's constitution.

For example, when I moved here and transfered my certificate in, I had to take a class/test on my new state's constitution. I also had to pass a state test on teaching skills. Many states would have taken my Praxis scores, but some others like mine have gone the snooty California style route and created their own individual state tests. They cover basicly the same stuff, but they have that state's approval. And it costs you more money.

And speaking of money, transfering your certificate in from another state is not free in my experience. So expect to pony up some cash for your initial certificate, then pony up more for the transfer.

The good news is that you will be certified in two states, and if you ever had to return to Georgia and you kept your certificate current, then in theory you could return there.

Get your Georgia stuff first, then find a job somewhere else. When you find that job, then transfer your certificate to that state.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Yes, National Certification is available, but you must teach for 3 years and pass a competency exam in order to be nationally certified. The process is expensive, but scholarships are available. You will need to have state certification, however, as National Certification is different from state mandated certification. You will need to contact the Department of Education for the state(s) where you want to be certificated to find out how to become certificated in that state.

Answer 5

I have taught in three different states. My method of getting information is to by-pass the dept of ed for that state and go directly to one of the state universities. Contact the person in charge of teacher certification at that university and they will meet with you and review your transcript.

When I have gone through the dept of ed I have been mis-informed and required to take more classes than necessary to get my license.

NOTE: The best thing for you to do at this time is to follow through with the teacher certification in GA. Once you have a valid teaching certificate many states will automatically issue you a temporary certificate. This is the best way to get one right away. You may then take and state-required classes as needed. Always try to get a valid certificate in one state and transfer it. That is the easiest way I have found to get around the requirements for different states. Hope this info helps. Good luck. We need good teachers coming into the field!

Answer 6

I teach in California and know that my state has one of the most stringent sets of requirements to obtain a teaching credential. In other words, many states would accept my credential from California because it is quite comprehensive, but California is not likely to accept another state's credential without some stipulation. Most school districts have a link to their state's credentialing office...I would check with them first. Finish your preparation in Georgia, get your certificate, and then inquire elsewhere as to what else might be required in each individual state. Good luck.

Answer 7

Usually not - most states have their own certification process. I would check with the US Dept of Education, as well as the DoE of states that you are interested in living in.

Answer 8

yes 1st u have to go in another state applide it

Answer 9

call state education dept. are you really a graduate? duh