How To Become a High School Teacher in Indiana 2025

Starting a career as a high school teacher in Indiana means meeting a clear set of educational and licensing requirements. You'll need to complete a college degree, pass certification exams, and go through an approved teacher training program. These high school teacher educational requirements are in place to ensure you're prepared to teach and support students in grades nine through 12.

Here, we'll help you understand everything you need ot know about how to become a high school teacher in Indiana, including what the job involves and which education programs can help you qualify.

What Does a High School Teacher Do?

In Indiana, high school teachers play a central role in guiding students through the final stage of their K-12 education. They typically teach one subject, such as literature, algebra, chemistry, or U.S. history, and help students deepen their understanding while meeting graduation requirements. Beyond delivering content, teachers support students as they prepare for life after high school � whether that means college, technical training, or entering the workforce.

Instruction must align with Indiana Academic Standards, and teachers are expected to stay current by participating in regular professional development. They also work closely with school counselors, families, and other educators to support students both academically and personally.

Here are several common high school teacher responsibilities.

• prepare and deliver subject-specific instruction
• create assessments and evaluate student performance
• maintain classroom structure and support positive behavior
• adapt lessons to accommodate different learning needs
• monitor academic progress and report outcomes
• engage in ongoing training and certification updates
• adhere to Indiana curriculum and testing guidelines
• participate in school-wide planning and collaboration

How To Become a High School Teacher in Indiana

To teach high school in Indiana, you must follow a structured certification process that ensures you're fully qualified for the classroom. Whether you're earning your first college degree or transitioning from another field, the state offers both traditional and alternative routes to licensure. Each option includes core requirements such as college coursework, teacher training, and state exams.

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor's Degree Program

Your first step is earning a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Before starting your degree program, you'll also need to decide on the type of high school teacher you're studying to be and select the subject you want to teach. Many prospective teachers pursue a degree in secondary education, while others major in a specific subject like English or chemistry and add teacher training as part of their coursework.

Programs should include education-focused classes such as classroom management, student development, and assessment. If your degree is in another field, you'll still have options through licensure-only or post-baccalaureate programs designed for non-education majors.

Step 2: Finish an Approved Educator Preparation Program

In Indiana, teacher licensure also requires completion of a state-approved educator preparation program. These programs include both academic coursework and field-based learning, such as supervised student teaching in a public school.

You can complete a preparation program during your bachelor's degree or afterward through a graduate or alternative route. Career changers may consider programs like Indiana Teachers of Tomorrow, American Board, or a university-based transition-to-teaching program designed for adults entering the profession.

Step 3: Take and Pass the Licensing Exams

Before applying for a license, all candidates must take the required licensing tests for their subject area and teaching level. These assessments, administered by Pearson, include a content-specific test and a pedagogy exam to evaluate your teaching knowledge.

The Indiana Department of Education outlines the specific exams needed for each licensure area. Most educator preparation programs help you prepare for these tests through review materials or test-taking workshops.

Step 4: Submit Your Application Through the LVIS Portal

When you've completed all training and testing requirements, you'll apply for your teaching license online through Indiana's Licensing Verification and Information System (LVIS). You'll need to submit official transcripts, exam scores, and proof of program completion.

Most first-time teachers receive the Initial Practitioner License, which is valid for two years. After gaining classroom experience, you can advance to a five-year Practitioner License by completing the Indiana Mentor and Assessment Program (IMAP), a state-supported mentoring experience for new educators.

Education Degree Programs in Indiana

Below, we've selected some of the best and most affordable teaching degrees in Indiana. Compare the schools below to find the right fit for your academic journey.

Ball State University

Ball State University (BSU) offers a well-rounded pathway for future educators through its Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in secondary education. Here, the BS and BA degree programs prepare students to teach in grades five through 12 by combining general education courses, a content-area major such as English, mathematics, or social studies, and professional coursework in classroom management, adolescent development, and instructional design.

Students complete field experiences throughout the program, including a full semester of student teaching in their final year. BSU's Teachers College maintains close relationships with Indiana school districts, helping students secure strong placements and receive mentoring during their clinical work. Advising, licensure exam prep, and career support are also available to help graduates transition directly into teaching roles.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,948 (in-state); $27,496 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Indiana State University

Indiana State University (ISU) offers a flexible and practical path into teaching through its BS in secondary education and its Transition to Teaching programs. The BS degree combines subject-area specialization (such as chemistry, history, or mathematics) with professional education coursework tailored to Indiana licensure requirements.

Students engage in classroom observations, teaching labs, and field placements that lead up to a final student teaching semester. For individuals who already hold a non-education degree, ISU's Transition to Teaching track provides an accelerated route to licensure. Both pathways are supported by faculty mentorship, exam preparation, and advising tailored to first-time and returning students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,978 (in-state); $13,778 (IL, KY, OH); $22,646 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana (USI) prepares students to work in middle and high school classrooms through its BS in secondary education. The BS program includes a subject-area major alongside coursework in educational psychology, curriculum development, and instructional methods.

Students complete hands-on experiences in local schools beginning early in the program, with increasing responsibility during their practicum placements. The final semester is dedicated to full-time student teaching. USI also offers faculty support for licensure exam preparation and connects students with professional development and career opportunities across the state.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,975.70 (in-state); $21,816.90 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington (IU) provides a teacher preparation program through its BS in secondary education. Students select a content area such as English/language arts, math, science, or social studies and complete a combination of subject-area and education-focused courses.

The BS program teaches inclusive instruction, data-driven teaching strategies, and continuous classroom experience. Students begin working in schools early in their training and conclude with a full semester of student teaching. IU's faculty advisors help students meet state licensure standards and prepare for the Praxis exams required for certification.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,142 (in-state); $41,890 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

Indiana University Northwest

Indiana University Northwest (IUN) supports future educators through its BS in secondary education. The curriculum includes courses in subject-area instruction, lesson planning, learning assessment, and classroom leadership, all aligned with state licensure expectations.

Students progress through guided fieldwork beginning in their sophomore year and receive structured feedback during their student teaching experience. IUN offers small class sizes, direct access to faculty mentors, and support with exam preparation and license application. Graduates are prepared to teach in grades five through 12 across Indiana public schools.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,774 (in-state); $23,448 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

What Can You Expect To Earn as a High School Teacher in Indiana?

High school teacher salaries in Indiana vary based on years of experience, school district, and level of education. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for high school teachers in the state is $62,420 per year. Entry-level teachers may earn less, while those with advanced degrees or specialized certifications often earn more.

Salaries can also differ across regions. Teachers working in cities like Indianapolis or Fort Wayne may receive higher pay than those in smaller or rural districts. In addition to base salary, most public school teachers in Indiana receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off, which can add significant value to the total compensation package.

Is There Demand for High School Teachers in Indiana?

Indiana has a steady need for qualified high school teachers. Subject areas such as math, science, and special education are often more difficult to staff, especially in rural or underserved communities. Schools in these areas frequently seek certified teachers who can fill critical shortages.

Nationally, the BLS expects high school teaching jobs to grow by 4% through 2032. Indiana is projected to follow a similar pattern, with ongoing job openings due to teacher retirements, enrollment shifts, and the need for specialized instructors. Earning your license in a high-demand subject can increase your chances of being hired shortly after completing your program.

How To Afford a Teaching Degree in Indiana

If you want to become a teacher in Indiana, there are several financial aid programs that can help make your degree more affordable. These options include both state and federal opportunities for eligible students.

• The Frank O'Bannon Grant offers need-based financial support to Indiana residents attending public or private colleges in the state. You must file the FAFSA to be considered.
• The Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship provides up to $10,000 per year for students who commit to teaching in Indiana for at least five years after graduation.
• The TEACH Grant is a federal program that offers up to $4,000 per year for students planning to teach in high-need subjects or low-income schools.

You should also complete the FAFSA to access additional financial aid such as Pell Grants, federal loans, and work-study opportunities. Many Indiana colleges also provide scholarships and tuition assistance specifically for education majors, so be sure to ask your school's financial aid office about available options.

FAQs About Becoming a High School Teacher in Indiana

If you're exploring a teaching career in Indiana, you may have questions. These frequently asked questions provide a closer look at the steps, options, and timelines involved in becoming a certified high school teacher in the state.

How Long Does It Take To Become a High School Teacher in Indiana?

For most people, the journey to becoming a high school teacher in Indiana takes about four to five years. This timeline includes completing a bachelor's degree, participating in student teaching, and passing the required state exams. If you're enrolled in a traditional secondary education program, everything is built into one structured path from freshman year through graduation.

If you already have a college degree in a different subject, you may be able to earn your teaching license in as little as one to two years through a transition-to-teaching or alternative certification program. These programs are designed for career changers and offer a quicker route into the classroom.

Can You Become a Teacher in Indiana Without a Teaching Degree?

Yes, you can. Indiana allows individuals with a non-education bachelor's degree to pursue licensure through alternative routes. Programs such as Indiana Teachers of Tomorrow, the American Board, and university-based transition-to-teaching programs are designed to train aspiring teachers who did not major in education.

These pathways include focused coursework in pedagogy, classroom management, and instructional planning. Most also require a student teaching component or mentored teaching experience, allowing you to learn on the job while working toward full certification.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Teacher?

The fastest route is to earn a bachelor's degree in secondary education from an accredited university. These programs typically include all licensure components (such as content area study, teacher training, and field experience) within four years.

If you already hold a degree, alternative certification programs like those offered by the American Board or Indiana Teachers of Tomorrow can accelerate the process. Some candidates in these programs qualify for a temporary permit that allows them to begin teaching under supervision while finishing their training.

How Can I Become a Teacher in Indiana for Free?

Indiana offers several opportunities to help reduce or eliminate the cost of becoming a teacher. One of the most generous is the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, which provides up to $10,000 per year to students who commit to teaching in Indiana for at least five years after graduation.

Other options include TEACH Grants, which are federally funded and available to students who agree to teach in high-need subject areas or schools serving low-income communities. You can also explore local university scholarships, tuition reimbursement programs, and other state grants.

Can You Start Teaching With an Associate Degree?

No, an associate degree alone does not meet the minimum education requirement for licensure in Indiana. To become a certified high school teacher, you must have a bachelor's degree and complete a state-approved teacher preparation program.

However, an associate degree can be a great first step. Many students begin at a community college, complete general education courses, and then transfer into a four-year institution to finish a bachelor's degree in education or a content area. This path can be more affordable while still leading to licensure.

Explore Teaching Degrees in Indiana

Whether you're just beginning your education or transitioning into teaching later in life, Indiana offers affordable and flexible programs that lead to licensure. Browse teaching degrees featured on Learn.org to find a path that fits your goals.