Want to become a teacher in the great state of Delaware? If so, you have come to the right place. Below you will find a short article that lists the steps to becoming a teacher in Delaware.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

To teach in the U.S., educators must hold at least an undergraduate degree. The state of Delaware also requires students to complete a state-approved teacher education program to receive certification. Check with your teacher education program or the Department of Education for more information about specific requirements. Delaware does not list courses or semester-hour requirements, but every college or university teacher education program will have requirements of its own.

Teacher education programs generally consist of two elements—curriculum and field experiences. The curriculum includes typically instruction on teaching foundational skills, pedagogy (the science of teaching), and preparing students to research, create and implement learning experiences in their field of study. Field experiences often include field observations, internships, student teaching, or a combination of all three.

Delaware does allow 91 hours of substitute teaching instead of completing a formal student teaching program. Contact your teacher education program or the Department of Education for more information.

Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

Delaware requires proof of a passing score on the Praxis I Math, Reading and Writing exams, and the Praxis II: Subject Exam in your licensure area to earn a Standard Certificate. Delaware issues an Initial License (good for 3 years), a Continuing License after 3 years of effective teaching experience (renewable every 5 years), and an Advanced License (renewable every 10 years) for educators who have received National Board for Professional Teaching Standards licensure. Delaware also issues Traditional Certificates to teach a category, level, or subject area.

Step 3: Submit a Delaware Teaching Credential Application

Have you finished your teacher education program, including student teaching, and passed the necessary assessments? If so, you can apply for an initial teaching certification in Deleware. Teaching candidates must apply online through DEEDS (Delaware Educator Data System), the state’s online application process.