How To Become a Teacher in Hawaii 2025

<p>The Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB) sets the educational, certification exam, and licensure requirements to become a teacher in the state. However, the pathway differs depending on the grade level and subject area you wish to teach, as well as whether you're entering the profession through a traditional or alternative route to find the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/fastest_program_to_become_a_teacher.html">quickest way to become a teacher</a>. </p> <h3 id="section---Step1DecideWhatSubjectAndGradeLevelYouWantToTeach">Step 1: Decide What Subject and Grade Level You Want To Teach</h3> <p>Step one in your teaching career is to choose an age group and subject area you want to teach, as each has unique licensure requirements in Hawaii. Elementary, middle, and high school teachers must meet different requirements. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAnElementarySchoolTeacher">Becoming an Elementary School Teacher</h4> <p>Elementary teachers in Hawaii work with students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Teaching at this level requires completion of a state-approved teacher education program, which includes coursework in child development, literacy, and mathematics, as well as elementary-level student teaching. If you're looking 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'll need a program that includes early childhood education components. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAMiddleSchoolTeacher">Becoming a Middle School Teacher</h4> <p>Middle school teachers, grades six through eight, need both subject-specific preparation, such as language arts or math, and pedagogical training. You must pass subject matter exams demonstrating your expertise. The middle school teacher educational requirements include coursework in adolescent development and classroom management tailored to the age group. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAHighSchoolTeacher">Becoming a High School Teacher</h4> <p>High school teachers in Hawaii focus on specific subjects, such as math, science, or history. Your degree program should include advanced coursework in your subject matter. To meet the high school teacher educational requirements, you'll also need to complete a teacher preparation program that includes student teaching in a high school. </p> <h3 id="section---Step2ChooseYourMajor">Step 2: Choose Your Major</h3> <p>Selecting your major is an important step along your path to becoming a teacher in Hawaii. Your major will depend on the grade level and subject you intend to teach. For instance, aspiring elementary school teachers should pursue a degree in elementary or early childhood education, which includes foundational coursework in literacy, math, and child development. Secondary education teachers should select a major related to the subject they want to teach (e.g., an English degree for future English Language Arts teachers). </p> <p>The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a variety of majors and HTSB-approved teacher preparation programs. Some programs offer dual licensure, which is particularly useful in Hawaii's smaller, rural school districts, where teachers often need to cover multiple subjects or grade levels. </p> <h3 id="section---Step3EarnYourBachelorSDegree">Step 3: Earn Your Bachelor's Degree</h3> <p>To meet the basic educational requirements to become a teacher in Hawaii, you must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Ideally, your education degree should come from a Hawaii-based HTSB-approved program, such as those offered by the University of Hawaii System. These programs are specifically aligned with Hawaii's educational standards and can provide local student teaching placements. </p> <p>Coursework typically includes topics in instructional strategies, educational psychology, classroom management, and curriculum design, with an emphasis on Hawaiian culture and inclusive education practices. Student teaching experience is a key component that will help you apply theory in actual classrooms. </p> <h3 id="section---Step4ConsiderAMasterSDegree">Step 4: Consider a Master's Degree</h3> <p>Though it is not required to teach in Hawaii, a master's degree can significantly enhance your career opportunities. Many Hawaii educators pursue a Master of Education (MEd) to deepen their knowledge in high-demand, specialized areas such as educational leadership, curriculum design, or special education. </p> <p>Earning a master's degree can also help you move from a provisional license to a standard or advanced license more quickly and qualify you for higher salary tiers under the Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) collective bargaining agreement. </p> <p>Programs like those at the University of Hawaii and Chaminade University include flexible online options for working teachers. Support is often available through federal TEACH grants or state-sponsored initiatives targeting high-need areas, such as Hawaiian language immersion. </p> <h3 id="section---Step5PassHawaiiTeachingExamsAndGainLicensure">Step 5: Pass Hawaii Teaching Exams and Gain Licensure</h3> <p>HTSB requires teacher candidates to pass several exams through the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to become fully licensed. First, all prospective teachers typically take the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators tests in reading, writing, and math. Next, teachers of a specific subject must pass a Praxis Subject Assessment (PSA) aligned with their subject and grade level; some candidates will also need to complete the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam. </p> <p>Once you've successfully passed your exams and completed an approved teacher preparation program, you can apply for your initial license through HTSB's online portal. Depending on your qualifications and experience, you will receive either a provisional, standard, or advanced license. </p> <h3 id="section---Step6ApplyForTeachingJobs">Step 6: Apply for Teaching Jobs</h3> <p>Once your Hawaii teaching license is approved, the next step is to begin your job search. The Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) is the largest K-12 employer in the state, serving all public schools across the islands. You can find and apply for job openings directly on their official website. </p> <p>Teachers can also explore opportunities at Hawaii public charter schools, which operate independently but still require state licensure. Additionally, Hawaii's many private schools may have their own hiring requirements. However, some positions, particularly those in remote communities, may offer relocation bonuses or student loan forgiveness as part of the state's efforts to recruit teachers. </p> <h2 id="section---HowToChooseTheRightTeachingDegreeProgram">How To Choose the Right Teaching Degree Program</h2> <p>Selecting the appropriate degree program is crucial when embarking on a teaching career in Hawaii. You should select an HTSB-approved program aligned with state licensure requirements that also supports your personal goals. </p> <p>Additionally, consider programs that offer specializations, such as dual licensure, which can be particularly valuable in rural areas. Also, determine if the program provides support for student teaching placements within the islands and whether it includes coursework on multicultural and inclusive education. Many Hawaii-based universities offer teacher education programs in hybrid or online formats, like the University of Hawaii at West Oahu's Bachelor in elementary education, to accommodate students living on neighboring islands. </p> <h2 id="section---FAQsAboutBecomingATeacherInHawaii">FAQs About Becoming a Teacher in Hawaii</h2> <p>These frequently asked questions cover key details to help you better understand what to expect once you're on the path to a teaching career in Hawaii. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatRequirementsAreNeededToBeATeacherInHawaii">What Requirements Are Needed To Be a Teacher in Hawaii?</h3> <p>To become a teacher in Hawaii, you must meet several key requirements to ensure that teachers are prepared to educate Hawaii's diverse student population. You must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, complete a HTSB-approved teacher preparation program, and pass all required Praxis exams. Additionally, you must undergo a background check and fingerprinting process administered by HIDOE. </p> <h3 id="section---HowFastCanYouBecomeATeacherInHawaii">How Fast Can You Become a Teacher in Hawaii?</h3> <p>If you already hold a bachelor's degree, the fastest way to become a certified teacher in Hawaii is through an HTSB-approved alternative certification program. You can usually complete an alternative certification in one to two years and begin teaching while completing coursework. However, this route still requires passing Praxis exams and student teaching. </p> <p>Some programs even offer stipends and placement support for high-need areas like special education or Hawaiian language immersion. </p> <h3 id="section---HowDoIRenewMyTeacherCertificationInHawaii">How Do I Renew My Teacher Certification in Hawaii?</h3> <p>In Hawaii, you must renew your teacher certification every five years through the HTSB. Renewing your license requires submitting proof of completion of professional development aligned with your field, along with your renewal application, through HTSB's online portal for submission and tracking. Acceptable activities include coursework, workshops, conferences, or curriculum development. </p> <h3 id="section---DoRequirementsDifferAtPrivateSchoolsAndPublicSchools">Do Requirements Differ at Private Schools and Public Schools?</h3> <p>The requirements to teach at private schools do differ from those at public schools in Hawaii. Teachers at public schools under HIDOE must hold a valid license from the HTSB. In contrast, private schools may set their own hiring standards and are not obligated to require state licensure. However, many still prefer HTSB-licensed candidates. </p> <h2 id="section---DiscoverOnlineEducationPrograms">Discover Online Education Programs</h2> <p>Now is the perfect time to start exploring online teacher preparation programs in Hawaii. Hawaii offers many flexible online programs that can help you take the next step toward a rewarding teaching career on the islands.</p>