Want to become a teacher in the great state of Washington, D.C.? 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 Washington D.C.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

To teach in the U.S., educators must hold at least an undergraduate degree. To earn your teaching credential in Washington D.C., you will have to complete the appropriate number of undergraduate courses and standardized exams, as well as an accredited teacher certification program. A list of accredited teacher education programs in D.C. can be accessed online.

Teacher education programs generally consist of two elements—curriculum and field experiences. The curriculum 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.

Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

Washington, D.C. requires its educators to attain passing scores on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators and the Praxis Subject Assessments. To earn your D.C. teaching credential, you will have to complete the appropriate number of undergraduate courses and standardized exams, as well as an accredited certification program.

Step 3: Submit a Washington D.C. 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 Washington D.C. Candidates seeking educator certification in D.C. must complete and submit the following forms

• Application for initial educator certification 
• Employment Authentication Form 
• Out-of-State Approved Program Completion Authentication Form 
• F4 Program Enrollee Admission and Hiring Authentication

View this checklist for details or visit the Educator Credentialing and Certification page on the DC Office of Superintendent of Education website.