Want to become a teacher in the great state of Idaho? 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 Idaho.

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 Idaho also requires students to complete a state-approved teacher education program to receive certification. Additionally, educators in Idaho must meet the following undergraduate courses requirements depending on the desired level of teaching:

Elementary Education: At least 24-semester semester-hours relating to the skills and subject matter of elementary education is required, with at least 6 hours in developmental reading and 6 hours in elementary student teaching.

Secondary Education: At a minimum, 20 semester hours in edtech and the professional subject matter of secondary education are mandated, including 3 semester-hours of reading in the desired content area and 6 semester hours of student teaching in secondary education. Also, two fields of secondary teaching must be prepared, a primary field with 30 semester-hours and a secondary with 20 semester-hours.

Special Education: A minimum of 30 semester hours in special education.

Teacher education programs generally consist of two elements—curriculum and field experiences. Curriculum typically includes 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. Idaho educator programs must be sanctioned by the State Board of Education and must comply with CAEP (Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation) benchmarks.  Additional information can be accessed on the Idaho Board of Education Educator Preparation page.

Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

Teachers in Idaho must take the Praxis II: Subject Exams in their area of specialty. Visit the Idaho Department of Education Certification page to learn how to get your Teaching Credential in Idaho. Learn more about getting your teaching credentials. 

Step 3: Submit an Idaho Teaching Credential Application

Have you finished your teacher education program, including student teaching, and passed the necessary assessments? If so, you may apply for an initial teaching certification in Idaho. Complete the Application for an Idaho Certificate/Credential and submit it to the state department of education.