Want to become a teacher in the great state of Alabama? If so, you have come to the right place. Below you will find a short article that lists the 4 steps to becoming a teacher in Alabama.

Step One: Finish a bachelor’s degree and other coursework that may be required. Each state requires that you have a bachelor’s degree to become a teacher. Also, some may require you to possess certain credit hour requirements in specialty areas.

Step Two: Complete a state-approved teacher education program. In Alabama, there are three levels of teacher certification:

• Class B (bachelor’s degree)
• Class AA (sixth-year program)
• Class A (master’s degree)
• Alternative Class A (master’s degree)

All of which require the completion of a state-approved education program. Potential teachers can find a listing of approved teacher education programs on the Alabama State Department of Education (ASTE) website. If you received your degree and certification outside of Alabama, you should check the ASTE website to ensure that Alabama has reciprocity with the state in which you received your degree.

Step Three: Pass required exams. This includes the Basic Skills Assessment requirement and the content-specific assessments (Praxis Exam) required for their level of instruction. The Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program (AECTP) consists of two assessments: the Basic Skills Assessment and the Praxis II Content Exam.

Step Four: Submit an Alabama teaching credential application. After you have completed your degree and certification requirements, you are ready to apply for a teaching credential.

Teacher education candidates interested in obtaining teacher certification in the state of Alabama must meet the following requirements:

• Fill out an application for Alabama certification
• Pay a non-refundable $30 application fee
• Provide official transcript(s) of all degrees and credits earned, sent in sealed envelopes from the institution(s)
• Pass a background check
• Fill out any supplemental form(s) required by Alabama certification application and present any and all supporting document(s)

See this checklist for further details.

There may be other requirements that have not been covered here. Contact the ASTE for more information.