Becoming a Kindergarten Teacher in Indiana

<table border="1"><tr><td>Educational Requirements </td><td>Bachelor's degree and educator preparation program</td></tr> <tr><td>Exam Requirements </td><td>CORE Academic Skills Assessment (CASA);<br/> Indiana CORE: Developmental Area Assessment; <br/> Indiana CORE: Early Childhood Generalist or Elementary Education Generalist</td></tr> <tr><td>License Validity</td><td>Initial Practitioner: valid for 2 years<br/> Proficient Practitioner: valid for 5 years</td></tr> <tr><td>Advancement</td><td> 2 years full-time teaching <b>and</b> IMAP or PGP</td></tr> <tr><td>Average Indiana Kindergarten Teacher Salary (2018) </td><td>$51,290*</td></tr> <tr><td>Estimated National Job Growth (2016-26)</td><td>8%*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p><h3 id="section---EducationRequirements">Education Requirements</h3><p>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. Indiana Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) are offered through a selection of state-approved and regionally accredited universities. These programs will help you meet all educational requirements and prepare you for the next steps in the certification process. </p><h3 id="section---CertificationExams">Certification Exams</h3><p>Prospective teaching candidates may need to pass the CORE Academic Skills Assessment (CASA). This test is designed to demonstrate basic competency. Although the test is no longer required by the Indiana Department of Education, some Indiana Educator Preparation Programs might still require CASA completion for admission. </p><p>Candidates must still pass the Indiana Core: Developmental Area Assessment, which is a developmental (pedagogy) assessment. They must also take an Indiana CORE content area assessment based on the level and subject area they wish to be certified to teach. Those wishing to teach kindergarten may take the Early Childhood Generalist or Elementary Education Generalist assessment. </p><h3 id="section---SafetyRequirements">Safety Requirements</h3><p>Candidates must be certified for emergency preparedness. Prospective teachers must be CPR certified, certified in the Heimlich Maneuver, and certified in the use of an automated external defibrillator. Candidates must also pass training in child suicide prevention and recognition of warning signs for suicidal students. Placement or employment in public schools is generally contingent upon a background check. </p><h3 id="section---LicensingApplication">Licensing Application</h3><p>Once candidates have graduated and passed all necessary requirements and exams, it is now time to submit an application for an official license. Advisors from Indiana's approved EPP colleges/universities recommend candidates for licensure. The candidate will need to supply a valid CPR card and a suicide prevention certificate. They must also complete an application from the Indiana Department of Education and submit application fees along with other requested documents. Candidates apply online at the Licensing Verification and Information System (LVIS) website. </p><h3 id="section---TeachingLicense">Teaching License</h3><p>Candidates whose applications are accepted can then receive an Initial Practitioner License. This license is good for two years and may be renewed twice as needed. After two years of full-time teaching experience, the Initial Practitioner License is eligible for conversion into a five-year Proficient Practitioner License. </p><p>Converting to a Proficient Practitioner License is usually done through the Indiana Mentor and Assessment Program (IMAP) during the course of the two-year validity period of the Initial Practitioner License. A 40-point professional growth plan (PGP) may also be used to satisfy conversion requirements.</p>