How To Become a Teacher in Kentucky 2025
Aspiring teachers can become licensed teachers through both traditional and alternative routes and can choose to teach several different fields and/or grades in Kentucky.
If you want to become a teacher, this article will give you the information that you need regarding education and other requirements in Kentucky. You should first consider what grade levels and subjects that you would like to teach, as the requirements to become a teacher vary.
While most teachers need to have a bachelor's degree, there are some exceptions. To become a teacher in Kentucky, you can either complete a traditional teaching degree program or pursue one of the alternative routes to licensure. Continue reading to discover how you can become a teacher in Kentucky.
Steps To Become a Teacher in Kentucky
There are a few things that you need to do to become a teacher in Kentucky, including completing the required teacher preparation program and passing relevant assessments. These requirements provide aspiring teachers with invaluable knowledge and skills for their coming roles as educators. The certification process involves educational and practical requirements, as well as the demonstration of knowledge through applicable assessments.
If you already have a bachelor's degree and extensive experience in a specific field, like history, the quickest way to become a teacher might be through one of Kentucky's alternate routes to teaching licensure. It is important to note that alternative licensure tracks will only provide one-year licenses, and teachers will still need to complete the steps outlined next.
<h3 id="section---Step1DecideWhatSubjectAndGradeLevelYouWantToTeach">Step 1: Decide What Subject and Grade Level You Want To Teach</h3><p>The requirements for becoming a teacher in Kentucky vary, based on what subject areas and grades you want to teach. The teacher preparation program and knowledge assessments required for licensure are different, so you should first choose which subject or grade range that you are interested in teaching.
</p><p>Kentucky offers a wide variety of licensure options, which can be found on the state's education board website. For example, there are several different licensure options for elementary grades, qualifying teachers to teach different grade ranges and subjects. A few of the available licensure options are:
</p><ul><li>SEO elementary
</li><li>elementary certificate
</li><li>professional middle school
</li><li>middle school
</li><li>high school
</li></ul><p>In addition to grade range licensure tracks, prospective teachers can pursue subject-specific or other specialized certification options. Most middle and high school teachers need to be licensed in specific fields, such as mathematics or history. A few of the specialized licensure options are:
</p><ul><li>theater (P-12)
</li><li>music (vocal or integrated)
</li><li>English as a second language (ESL, P-12)
</li><li>foreign language (Spanish, Latin, etc.)
</li><li>computer information systems
</li></ul><p>It is important to note that you do not have to choose a single content area. Teachers can pursue more than one content area unless teaching certain subject areas (such as driver education or ESL). More detailed information about requirements for various education levels are discussed next.
</p><h4 id="section---BecomingAnElementarySchoolTeacher">Becoming an Elementary School Teacher</h4><p>If you are interested in teaching elementary school, you will need to complete an approved teacher education program in elementary education. These programs cover a variety of subjects, as elementary teachers typically cover a range of subjects. However, there are licensure options for elementary teachers interested in specific subjects, such as music or a foreign language.
</p><h4 id="section---BecomingAMiddleSchoolTeacher">Becoming a Middle School Teacher</h4><p>If you plan to teach middle school grades, you will need to become licensed for middle school grades as well as obtain licensure in your fields of specialization. For example, you need to pass an assessment and acquire licensure for both mathematics and middle school teaching in order to teach math to middle school grades. Middle school teacher educational requirements are determined by what subjects you want to teach.
</p><h4 id="section---BecomingAHighSchoolTeacher">Becoming a High School Teacher</h4><p>High school teacher educational requirements are similar to those for becoming a middle school teacher, but the specific knowledge and academic training are specific to each. You will need to qualify for both the high school grades teaching licensure side and for the specific field of study side of it. Some licenses allow teachers to teach in other grades as well (such as sixth and seventh grade).
</p><h3 id="section---Step2ChooseYourMajor">Step 2: Choose Your Major</h3><p>Decide which subject(s) and grades you want to teach, whether that is elementary grades overall or high school social studies. The program that you complete will provide you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills for the classroom.
</p><p>The <a href="https://kecs.education.ky.gov/public/programsearch">Kentucky Department of Education</a> has a searchable database of approved teacher education programs that you can look through. These programs are designed to meet the requirements for licensure, and are available in seemingly every potential field you might want to teach.
</p><p>If you are pursuing elementary grades, you can find more than 100 approved programs on the list. However, you do not necessarily have to attend one of the schools that are on the approved program list. If you want to complete a program at a different school, review the requirements for your desired license and ensure that you complete the necessary coursework within your chosen program.
</p><h3 id="section---Step3EarnYourBachelorSDegree">Step 3: Earn Your Bachelor's Degree</h3><p>All certified teachers must hold a bachelor's degree in the state of Kentucky. If you do not already have one, you can complete a teacher preparation program and knock out the necessary requirements while earning your degree. If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can complete an alternative teaching program to complete whatever requirements you might have. Alternative certification programs may not require a bachelor's degree, but you might need to complete additional coursework in addition to gaining teaching experience through fieldwork.
</p><p>A teaching program bachelor's degree will contain a few key components: general coursework, education courses, classes that apply to your focus area, and field experience. In addition to developing a broad understanding of educational and specialized concepts, you will gain skills applicable to the classroom through in-person experiences. These can differ by program and school, but you should expect to spend some time in actual schools (often called student teaching).
</p><h3 id="section---Step4ConsiderAMasterSDegree">Step 4: Consider a Master's Degree</h3><p>A master's degree is not required to teach in Kentucky, but it can help you to advance to higher positions and earnings. Kentucky uses a ranked certification system, and teacher pay is determined by the rank of licensure. For example, teachers who achieve a rank one license (the top level) earn an average of 20% more than they did prior to moving up. A master's degree along with continuing education can qualify teachers for the rank one status.
</p><p>An advanced degree can also be a great option for aspiring teachers with non-teaching bachelor's degrees. A master's program can provide the academic eligibility for licensure while providing the qualifications for better pay and opportunities. In addition, a master's degree is a requirement for principals in Kentucky, so it is advantageous to teachers in several ways.
</p><h3 id="section---Step5PassKentuckyTeachingExamsAndGainLicensure">Step 5: Pass Kentucky Teaching Exams and Gain Licensure</h3><p>In order to obtain licensure, you will need to pass all required Praxis teaching exams. The exams that you will need to take are based on which subjects/grades you plan to teach. For elementary grades, you will likely need to pass the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) for K-6, along with a reading and multiple-subject assessment.
</p><p>For both middle school and high school teaching licensure, you will take the appropriate level PLT as well as the subject-specific assessment for each subject that you want to teach. Some subject-specific licenses and assessments cover both middle school and high school grades, so you could opt to acquire certification for a broader range of students.
</p><h3 id="section---Step6ApplyForTeachingJobs">Step 6: Apply for Teaching Jobs</h3><p>You can find teaching opportunities through both public and private job boards, including public school options and those at private schools. A good place to start looking is the <a href="https://applications.education.ky.gov/keps/jobsearch.aspx">Kentucky Educator Placement Service (KEPS)</a> which has a searchable database of teaching positions.
</p><p>You could also use one of many online job websites, using filters and search options based on what you are looking for. For example, if you want to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Kindergarten_Teacher_How_to_Become_a_Kindergarten_Teacher_in_5_Steps.html">become a kindergarten teacher</a>, you can select the K-3 or another elementary grade range through KEPS.
</p><p>Whether you use KEPS or other sites, you can apply for more than one position. This increases your chances of being hired and potentially gives you more options to choose from if more than one employer offers you the position.
</p><h2 id="section---HowToChooseTheRightTeachingDegreeProgram">How To Choose the Right Teaching Degree Program</h2><p>When you prepare to start your teaching program, there are a few things that you should consider. First, choose what subjects or grades you want to teach. Review the approved teaching programs to find out what requirements are included in those programs, and consider other schools that offer comparable options. You should double-check that you can complete the necessary requirements before choosing a program that is not on the official list of approved options.
</p><p>Once you know what program type you want to complete, make a list of other factors that are important to you. These can include things like enrollment options, to find the full-time or part-time options that fit your schedule, as well as cost. While there are many financial aid opportunities for aspiring teachers, costs can vary drastically by school and should be a part of your decision.
</p><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutBecomingATeacherInKentucky">FAQs About Becoming a Teacher in Kentucky</h2><p>In choosing a teacher preparation program in Kentucky, you should consider important aspects like cost, duration, and flexibility. To help you make a more informed decision, some of the top FAQs about how to become a teacher are answered below.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatRequirementsAreNeededToBeATeacherInKentucky">What Requirements Are Needed To Be a Teacher in Kentucky?</h3><p>To be a teacher in Kentucky, you need to meet specific eligibility requirements. While there are nontraditional routes to licensure, these requirements typically include specific college coursework, some student teaching, and qualifying scores on teaching exams. You will also need to pass a background check and obtain a teaching license.
</p><h3 id="section---HowFastCanYouBecomeATeacherInKentucky">How Fast Can You Become a Teacher in Kentucky?</h3><p>If you have no prior college coursework, you can complete a teacher preparation program and earn licensure in three to four years through a traditional route. If you already have a degree and/or qualifying experience, you may be able to acquire a temporary, one-year teaching license in less than a year if you pass the necessary exams.
</p><h3 id="section---DoRequirementsDifferAtPrivateSchoolsAndPublicSchools">Do Requirements Differ at Private Schools and Public Schools?</h3><p>Yes, requirements for teaching can differ between public, charter, and private schools. Teachers must hold a valid teaching license in order to teach for public schools across Kentucky. Licensure is not a typical requirement to teach at private schools, although it may give teachers an advantage in being hired.
</p><h3 id="section---HowDoIRenewMyTeacherCertificationInKentucky">How Do I Renew My Teacher Certification in Kentucky?</h3><p>Teachers can renew their teaching certification by applying for a renewal through the KECS portal (official Kentucky teacher's site). Standard renewals require sufficient teaching within the preceding five years or a few courses of college coursework during that period. Teachers can alternatively apply for a one-time exception renewal if needed.
</p><h2 id="section---StartYourTeachingCareer">Start Your Teaching Career</h2><p>Whether you're interested in teaching special education or are leaning towards early childhood education, you can become a teacher in Kentucky by completing academic and practical requirements. Review Learn.org's list of best online bachelor's degrees in education and other pages to find which programs could best serve your goals. Contact the schools that interest you to get started.</p>