How To Become a Teacher in Vermont 2025

Becoming a teacher is more than just a career�it's a passion for many educators. Teaching positions are available across the United States, especially with the ongoing teacher shortage. This makes it a viable, rewarding career no matter where you live.

To become a teacher in Vermont, you'll need to follow the steps listed below. Keep reading to learn more about the requirements to become a teacher in Vermont.

Steps To Become a Teacher in Vermont

Below are the steps for the fastest way to become a teacher in Vermont. These steps are part of the traditional route, but there are alternative routes available to those who do not major in education for their undergraduate degree.

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

It's important to decide what subject and grade level you might want to teach before choosing your college major. Different grade levels have different coursework and learning outcomes, which are detailed below.

Becoming an Elementary School Teacher

Most elementary school classrooms are self-contained, meaning that there is one teacher aside from special classes such as art, music, and physical education. Elementary school teachers will learn about child development, play-based curriculum, social and emotional learning, and more. They have to be well-versed in all subject areas to provide a quality education for their students.

Becoming a Middle School Teacher

Middle school teachers may concentrate on one area, such as humanities or STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), or focus on one subject, such as language arts. Common middle school teacher educational requirements include courses in classroom management, curriculum development, and subject matter knowledge.

Becoming a High School Teacher

High school teachers are often highly specialized in one subject, and many high schools have specialized classes such as physics, creative writing, technical education, and more. High school teacher educational requirements mainly focus on the subject matter that an aspiring teacher wishes to teach.

Step 2: Choose Your Major

There are various educational degrees available for undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in teaching. Early childhood education will prepare students for a teaching career in kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade. Those interested in teaching middle or high school students should major in secondary education.

Choosing the right major will give you the necessary skills to become a certified teacher for the age range you'd most like to work with. Teaching kindergarten is wildly different from teaching high school, so it's important to consider what age you want to teach before committing to a major.

Step 3: Earn Your Bachelor's Degree

All teachers in Vermont must hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This ensures that students take the required education courses to earn their teacher certification.

An essential part of a teacher education program is student teaching, in which prospective teachers work under the mentorship of an established teacher to gain hands-on work experience. Vermont requires 13 consecutive weeks of student teaching as part of a certification program.

Step 4: Consider a Master's Degree

Vermont teachers are not required to earn a master's degree if they majored in education. However, a master's degree can open up more opportunities in the education system and lead to higher-paying roles. An advanced degree may also help new teachers concentrate on a specialized area such as speech-language pathology, curriculum development, or special education.

Step 5: Pass Vermont Teaching Exams and Gain Licensure

The state of Vermont requires two certification exams: the Praxis Core and Praxis II. The Praxis Core exam is designed to test educators in reading, writing, math, and other essential skills to earn their teaching license. The Praxis II is more specific and designed to test an applicant's skills for the grade or subject they wish to teach.

Step 6: Apply for Teaching Jobs

Once you earn your teaching license, it's time to apply for jobs. Passing a background check is required for all public schools in Vermont, and some school districts may have additional professional development requirements.

Depending on when you graduate, schools may not be hiring for full-time positions. Substitute or part-time teaching are both great ways to gain teaching experience if you find yourself looking for a job in the middle of the school year.

How To Choose the Right Teaching Degree Program

It's important to choose the right teaching degree program for you. Certain positions, such as ones that deal with students with disabilities, may require specialized degrees.

The requirements to become a kindergarten teacher are different from middle or high school educators, so it's important to get a feel for what kind of students you want to work with before enrolling in a teaching program. Substitute teaching, volunteering, or working with kids before choosing a teaching degree program is a good way to decide what type of teaching credential is right for you.

FAQs About Becoming a Teacher in Vermont

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about becoming a teacher in Vermont that we have answered so that you can feel prepared before entering this career.

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

You need at least a bachelor's degree to be a teacher in Vermont. If your bachelor's degree is not in education, you'll need to pursue alternative certification via a master's degree or other teacher preparation course.

How Fast Can You Become a Teacher in Vermont?

It takes between four and five years to become a teacher in Vermont. Most bachelor's degree programs take approximately four years, and then prospective teachers must pass their certification exams and search for a job.

How Do You Become an Elementary School Teacher in Vermont?

To become an elementary school teacher in Vermont, you must earn a bachelor's degree in early childhood or elementary education. Then you have to pass the Praxis Core and Praxis II exams.

Do Requirements Differ at Private Schools and Public Schools?

Requirements may differ at private and public schools, but most school districts require teachers to have a teaching license. That license may be obtained through either the traditional or alternative pathway.

Pursue Your Teaching Certification

Teaching is a rewarding and compelling career, as educators shape the academic futures of their students. Explore online and low-cost teaching certification programs here on Learn.org.