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

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 Utah also requires students to complete a state-approved teacher education program to receive certification. As in most U.S. states, teacher education programs in Utah are comprised of a combination of curriculum and field experiences. Courses often include instruction on foundational knowledge, skills, and teaching methodology, as well as preparation in researching, creating, and implementing learning experiences in various fields of study. Field experiences include classroom observation, student teaching, or internships.

Generally, an undergraduate degree is the minimum requirement for educators to become certified. Some specialty areas do require educators to complete a specific number of hours or courses. A full list of the requirements to add a license area of concentration to an existing teaching license is hosted on the Utah State Board of Education website.  A list of accredited teacher education programs in Utah can be found on the Utah State Board of Education website.

Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

For initial licensure, applicants must pass the Praxis exams related to their certification area. A full list of the exams needed for the certification area is available on the website of ETS, which administers the Praxis examinations. Also, educators moving from a Level Step 1 certification to Level 2 must pass one Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching test.

Initial Teaching Certifications

Utah has three license levels:

• Level 1 (good for three years and renewable) is for beginning educators  
• Level 2 (five years, renewable), is for educators who have completed the Early Years Enhancement program  
• Level 3 (seven years, renewable) is for any educator who has earned either a Ph.D. or National Boards.

Several concentration areas can be added to your license based on the grade level you will be working with. If you already have a  teaching license from another state, you could be eligible to earn your Utah teaching credential through interstate reciprocity. Find out more about earning your Utah teaching certification at the Utah State Board of Education website.

Step 3: Submit a Utah Teaching Credential Application

In Utah, candidates for licensure must complete licensure application requirements through their teacher education programs. Candidates must follow up with their universities or colleges to ensure that their applications were sent to the USOE and that all information is correct. Applicants may qualify our online application process. Candidates should authenticate this information with their institutions. If you are eligible for the online procedure, you will be able to print out a copy of your new license immediately.