How To Become a Teacher in Idaho 2025

<p>The <a href="https://learn.org/articles/fastest_program_to_become_a_teacher.html">fastest way to become a teacher</a> is by correctly following all of the rules set by the state's department of education. The requirements to become a teacher include education and certification. Below, we'll explore these conditions and the steps you need to start your teaching career. </p> <h3 id="section---Step1DecideWhatSubjectAndGradeLevelYouWantToTeach">Step 1: Decide What Subject and Grade Level You Want To Teach</h3> <p>Before you begin your journey to becoming a teacher in Idaho, it's important to decide which age group and subject area you want to teach. The requirements can vary significantly depending on whether you plan to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Kindergarten_Teacher_How_to_Become_a_Kindergarten_Teacher_in_5_Steps.html">become a kindergarten teacher</a>, teach middle school students, or work with high school students. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAnElementarySchoolTeacher">Becoming an Elementary School Teacher</h4> <p>If you want to work with children in kindergarten through sixth grade, you'll need to pursue an elementary education degree. Idaho requires elementary teachers to have a broad understanding of multiple subjects, including reading, math, science, and social studies. Classroom management skills and knowledge of child development are also essential. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAMiddleSchoolTeacher">Becoming a Middle School Teacher</h4> <p>To meet <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Are_the_Requirements_to_be_a_Middle_School_Teacher.html">middle school teacher educational requirements</a>, you'll typically need to major in a specific subject area such as math, English, or science and complete a teacher preparation program. In Idaho, middle school teachers must also pass specific content area exams and be certified for the grade level and subject they wish to teach. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAHighSchoolTeacher">Becoming a High School Teacher</h4> <p><a href="https://learn.org/articles/High_School_Teacher_How_to_Become_a_High_School_Teacher_in_5_Steps.html">High school teacher educational requirements</a> in Idaho include earning a bachelor's degree in your subject area (e.g., biology or history) and completing a state-approved teacher preparation program. You'll also need to pass the Praxis content knowledge exams for your subject. </p> <h3 id="section---Step2ChooseYourMajor">Step 2: Choose Your Major</h3> <p>Choosing the right major is a crucial step toward becoming a certified teacher. Your major should align with the grade level and subject area you intend to teach. </p> <p>In Idaho, completing a state-approved educator preparation program is essential. These programs provide necessary coursework and field experiences and also lead to an institutional recommendation for certification and endorsements in specific teaching areas. </p> <h3 id="section---Step3EarnYourBachelorSDegree">Step 3: Earn Your Bachelor's Degree</h3> <p>To become a licensed teacher in Idaho, you must earn a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Your undergraduate degree program should include a state-approved teacher preparation component. </p> <p>A key requirement of this program is completing a semester-long student teaching job. This experience helps you apply what you've learned while gaining valuable feedback from mentor teachers. </p> <h3 id="section---Step4ConsiderAMasterSDegree">Step 4: Consider a Master's Degree</h3> <p>While not mandatory, earning a master's degree can lead to professional development. Most teachers see a salary bump after earning an advanced degree. Leadership opportunities can also open up after earning a graduate degree. </p> <p>You may also want to deepen your expertise, which benefits both you and your students. Many Idaho universities offer online programs tailored for working educators, providing flexibility to advance your education while continuing to teach. For example, Boise State University offers a remote Master of Arts in education, language, literacy, and culture. </p> <h3 id="section---Step5PassIdahoTeachingExamsAndGainLicensure">Step 5: Pass Idaho Teaching Exams and Gain Licensure</h3> <p>When you complete a state-approved bachelor's degree program, you'll take the Praxis exams for your content areas. At the end of your program, your institution will provide a recommendation for certification to the State Board of Education (SBE) once you've met all academic, fieldwork, and testing requirements. </p> <p>The application for licensure includes official transcripts, your Praxis exam score, and a completed background check. Once processed, you'll receive your Standard Instructional Certificate, allowing you to begin teaching in Idaho. </p> <h3 id="section---Step6ApplyForTeachingJobs">Step 6: Apply for Teaching Jobs</h3> <p>Once you've earned your Idaho teaching certificate, you can begin applying for teaching positions across the state. Most public school districts and charter schools post job openings on their websites or through centralized platforms. When applying, adjust your resume and cover letter to each position. This may mean drawing on specific student teaching experiences or earned endorsements. </p> <h2 id="section---HowToChooseTheRightTeachingDegreeProgram">How To Choose the Right Teaching Degree Program</h2> <p>Choosing the right teaching degree program is essential to meeting your career goals. As previously stated, the major is critical, as it will determine what grade levels you can teach. However, you should also consider the college or university. </p> <p>Look for programs with strong reputations, high licensure pass rates, and experienced faculty. Attending an academically rigorous school like the University of Idaho can lead to better career prospects. Additionally, some schools may provide greater support, both through your academic program and job hunt. </p> <h2 id="section---FAQsAboutBecomingATeacherInIdaho">FAQs About Becoming a Teacher in Idaho</h2> <p>Do you have questions about becoming a teacher? Below, we'll answer some of the most common questions prospective teachers have about the process. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatRequirementsAreNeededToBeATeacherInIdaho">What Requirements Are Needed To Be a Teacher in Idaho?</h3> <p>You must earn a bachelor's degree, complete a state-approved teacher preparation program, pass Praxis Subject Assessments, and clear a background check to become a teacher in Idaho. Your degree and coursework must align with your intended grade level or subject to qualify for certification and endorsement. </p> <h3 id="section---HowFastCanYouBecomeATeacherInIdaho">How Fast Can You Become a Teacher in Idaho?</h3> <p>Traditionally, it takes about four years to complete a bachelor's degree and licensure program. However, alternative routes, like the American Board For The Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE), can allow you to begin teaching within one to two years, depending on your background and how quickly you complete program requirements. </p> <h3 id="section---HowDoIRenewMyTeacherCertificationInIdaho">How Do I Renew My Teacher Certification in Idaho?</h3> <p>Idaho teaching certificates must be renewed every five years. You'll need six semester credits of professional development earned during the certification period. Submit official transcripts and the renewal application to the Idaho State Department of Education before your certificate expires. </p> <h3 id="section---DoRequirementsDifferAtPrivateSchoolsAndPublicSchools">Do Requirements Differ at Private Schools and Public Schools?</h3> <p>Yes, but not when it comes to certification. In Idaho, teachers at both public and accredited private schools are required to hold a valid teaching certificate issued by the State Board of Education. However, private schools are not required to be accredited, registered, or approved by the state, giving them more operational flexibility. </p> <h2 id="section---ExploreOnlineEducationPrograms">Explore Online Education Programs</h2> <p>Aspiring teachers must meet certain state requirements to become licensed educators in Idaho. If you're looking to enter the education field, explore the teaching programs listed on Learn.org. Contact each school individually to learn more about their offerings.</p>