Want to become a teacher in the great state of North Dakota? 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 North Dakota

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 North Dakota also requires students to complete a state-approved teacher education program to receive certification. North Dakota’s undergraduate prerequisite policy requires that students complete at least 22 semester hours of professional education courses, including courses. Also: 10 weeks of supervised student teaching is needed.

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. A listing of North Dakota colleges and universities and sanctioned teacher education programs can be found via North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board.

Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

To become a licensed teacher in North Dakota, you have to complete a foundational skills test as well as any subject area expertise assessments for the subject in which you plan to teach.

Basic Skills Test: Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CORE)

Subject Area Competence: Praxis Subject Assessments 

Principles of Teaching and Learning (PLT): Your specialty Praxis Subject Assessment

The state of North Dakota gives a two-year Initial In-State License to first-time applicants and the Five-Year Renewal License to candidates who have taught successfully for at least 18 months. Various other licenses exist for special situations. If you already possess a teaching license from another state, you may be eligible to earn your North Dakota credential via a process called interstate reciprocity. Check the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board’s Routes to ND Licensure for Out-of-State Educators document for additional information. Find out more about earning your North Dakota teaching credential on the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board.

Step 3: Submit a North Dakota Teaching Credential Application

Once you complete the educational requirements, pass the necessary exams, and complete student teaching, you can file the Application for North Dakota Educator’s Professional License. Send the application and the accompanying documentation to North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board, 2718 Gateway Ave, Suite 303, Bismarck, ND 58503-0585.