How To Become a Teacher in Delaware 2025

Anyone who wants to become a teacher in Delaware will need to earn a bachelor's degree, complete a state-approved teacher preparation program, and pass the Praxis test.

While the requirements to become a teacher in Delaware may vary slightly by grade level, the path for this career is generally the same. Keep reading to learn more about the process to become a teacher.

Steps To Become a Teacher in Delaware

To become a teacher in Delaware, you'll have to determine what grade level or subject matter you want to teach, earn your bachelor's degree from an accredited program, and pass relevant certification exams. Understanding the process and requirements at each step is the quickest way to become a teacher. Below, we provide more information to help guide you through the process.

Step 1: Decide What Subject and Grade Level You Want To Teach

Before you become a teacher, you must decide what grade or subject matter you'd like to teach. Keep reading to learn the requirements for becoming an elementary school teacher, middle school teacher, or high school teacher in Delaware.

Becoming an Elementary School Teacher

If you want to become a kindergarten teacher or teach another grade in elementary school, you'll need to earn a bachelor's degree. Typically, aspiring teachers earn an education degree before completing a state-approved teacher preparation program featuring education courses in areas such as childhood development and classroom management. Aspiring teachers will also have to pass the Praxis test and obtain their licensure and certification.

Aspiring teachers may also pursue degrees in a related field as long as they complete the teacher preparation program and pass the required tests needed for licensure and certification.

Becoming a Middle School Teacher

Earning a bachelor's degree is also part of middle school teacher educational requirements. In addition, aspiring middle school teachers will complete a state-approved teacher preparation program and Praxis tests focusing on basic skills as well as an assessment focused on the specific subject area they plan to teach.

After completing the required tests, those who want to teach middle school will apply for their teaching license.

Becoming a High School Teacher

If you want to become a high school teacher, you should earn a bachelor's degree in secondary education or a specific subject, such as English or social studies. Participating in a state-approved teacher preparation program to obtain your teacher certification and completing the Praxis I and II tests is also part of the high school teacher educational requirements.

Teachers can find answers to questions about gaining or renewing their teaching license via the Delaware Department of Education's website.

Step 2: Choose Your Major

Once you've decided what grade level or subject area you'd like to teach, you'll need to select a relevant major. You can choose early childhood education, elementary education, or special education if you want to be an elementary school teacher or subjects like history or mathematics if you plan to teach at the high school level.

All education programs, regardless of their intended grade level, will follow the guidelines set by the Delaware Department of Education. The state-approved program, which includes student teaching experience, will help prepare you for your future teaching career.

Step 3: Earn Your Bachelor's Degree

To become a teacher in the state of Delaware, you must earn your bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Depending on your selected major, your coursework may vary. Education majors should expect to learn about classroom management and curriculum planning, while students majoring in English or biology will gain deeper knowledge of those subject areas.

Regardless of major, aspiring teachers are expected to complete a state-approved educator preparation program, which includes student teaching under the supervision of a licensed educator. By pairing technical education with hands-on experience, students will have the tools they need to become successful teachers.

Step 4: Consider a Master's Degree

While a master's degree is not required to become a teacher in Delaware, pursuing higher education may be beneficial to teachers who have already earned their bachelor's degree and completed their certification program. A master's degree may help teachers earn more income or progress into higher-level roles. A master's degree may also aid in professional development by allowing teachers to continue learning about their chosen subject area and stay current in their field.

Step 5: Pass Delaware Teaching Exams and Gain Licensure

To become a certified teacher in Delaware, you must pass the Praxis test. Elementary school teachers take a test focusing on basic skills and core areas of academics such as mathematics and language arts, while middle school and high school teachers take the core test and another test focused on the specific area they've chosen. The tests are typically referred to as the Praxis I and II tests.

Once you pass these tests, you'll receive your teaching certificate. You also need to apply for your teaching license. In Delaware, teachers need a certificate to prove they are qualified to teach a specific subject or grade level and a teaching license, or overall teaching credential that allows them to teach in the state.

In addition, the state offers alternative routes to certification, including a paraprofessional-to-teacher program. If you want to become a teacher but did not follow the traditional route with your teaching career, you can visit the Delaware Department of Education's website for more information.

Step 6: Apply for Teaching Jobs

New teachers or prospective teachers can apply for teaching jobs within the local school district via the Delaware Department of Education's website. When applying for teaching jobs, teachers must submit letters of recommendation and undergo a background check.

When interviewing for teaching jobs, teachers should highlight their teaching experience, knowledge in the subject area, and plans to support learners to thrive in and out of the classroom.

How To Choose the Right Teaching Degree Program

If you are considering becoming a teacher, consider accreditation, cost, and whether the teacher education program meets all the requirements set by the Delaware Department of Education.

Asking specific questions about expectations around student teaching and licensure pass rates, for example, can set you up for future success. It is also important to note that certain roles (e.g., special education) may require you to have a specialized degree to support your students and their educational needs effectively.

FAQs About Becoming a Teacher in Delaware

Anyone considering a career as a teacher in Delaware may still have questions about degree requirements, the time commitment needed to complete a teaching program, and other related matters. We answer these FAQs below.

What Degree Do You Need To Be a Teacher in Delaware?

To become a teacher in Delaware, you'll need to earn a bachelor's degree. Depending on what grade level or subject matter you want to teach, you can select elementary education, special education, secondary education, English, or even history as your major. Besides earning your bachelor's degree, you must complete a state-approved teacher preparation program and take the Praxis test to earn your certification.

Do Requirements Differ at Private Schools and Public Schools?

Yes, teaching requirements differ between private schools and public schools in Delaware. Unlike public schools, private schools set their own hiring practices and might not require teachers to hold state certification. Private schools might also accept alternative certifications, whereas public schools might have stricter requirements, such as a bachelor's degree and a state-issued license.

How Fast Can You Become a Teacher in Delaware?

Since you need a bachelor's degree to teach in Delaware, it typically takes four years to become a teacher. In addition to earning your degree, you also must complete a state-approved teacher preparation program, which includes student teaching, and take the Praxis test to obtain your certification.

Do You Always Need a Teaching Degree To Become a Teacher?

Generally, you need to earn a bachelor's degree and then your certification to teach in the Delaware school system. However, Alternative Routes to Certification (ARTC) programs are open to individuals with a bachelor's degree.

The University of Delaware, for example, offers an ARTC program open to those who have earned a bachelor's degree and passed the Praxis II subject matter assessment. Through this program, individuals earn an emergency teaching certification, which they then receive as their standard certification during their first two years of teaching.

Having alternative routes to certification may encourage more people to teach and help mitigate Delaware's teacher shortage.

Start Your Teaching Career

If you've chosen teaching as your career path and want to find the program that's right for you, explore schools on Learn.org. Browse through online teaching and education programs to find the right fit for your budget.