Teaching license reciprocity is an important process for transferring teacher certification from one state to another. Each state has its own set of guidelines and requirements for teacher certification reciprocity, and it is important for teachers to be aware of these.
In this article, we will discuss the requirements for a teaching license, the types of temporary or provisional certificates available, and the state-specific requirements for teacher certification reciprocity.
Requirements for a Teaching License
The requirements for a teaching license typically include:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school
- Completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program
Additionally, passing scores on content knowledge exams such as Praxis or CORE are needed. Equivalent out-of-state exams may be accepted as well. Some states may have additional requirements, such as:
- Coursework in specific areas, such as reading and ESL
- Praxis CORE or Praxis Subject Assessments for endorsement areas
In Georgia, the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) and content knowledge exams may also be required. Comparable exams taken in another state may be accepted.
Temporary or Provisional Certificates
Obtaining a temporary or provisional certificate can provide educators with the opportunity to fulfill requirements on a short-term basis. These certificates may be issued if basic knowledge or pedagogy exam requirements are not met, if experience or testing requirements are not met, or if testing or coursework requirements are not met.
Examples of these certificates include:
- Temporary Certificate
- Provisional Certificate
- Interim Certificate
- One-Year Reciprocal Teaching License
- Two-Year License
Reciprocity and Equivalent Certificates
Reciprocity is not generally recognized for out-of-state certificates based solely on testing, and equivalent teaching licenses must be equivalent to the state’s professional certificate. Out-of-state licenses are transferred to the closest in-state equivalent through teacher reciprocity. Expired out-of-state teaching licenses are not accepted, and an institutional recommendation is required if the license has expired.
| State | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Bachelor’s degree & state-approved teacher prep. |
| Alaska | Bachelor’s degree & Basic Competency Exam |
| Arizona | Bachelor’s degree & Professional & Subject exams |
| Arkansas | Bachelor’s degree & basic skills/content/pedagogy tests |
| California | Bachelor’s degree & Basic Skills test |
| New Hampshire | Bachelor’s degree & 3 years experience |
| New Jersey | Bachelor’s degree & state-approved teacher prep |
| New Mexico | Bachelor’s degree & state-approved teacher prep |
| New York | Bachelor’s degree & state-approved teacher prep |
| North Carolina | Bachelor’s degree & state-approved teacher prep |
Alabama Reciprocity Guidelines
In order to obtain a teaching license in Alabama, reciprocity guidelines require a bachelor’s degree and completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program.
Requirements for a teaching license also include:
- Passing scores on content knowledge exams (such as Praxis or CORE)
- Additional requirements may include coursework in specific areas (e.g. reading, ESL)
- Praxis CORE or Praxis Subject Assessments may be required
- Content knowledge exams required for specific endorsement areas
- Praxis Subject Assessments waived if candidate holds a bachelors degree in endorsement area
Alaska Reciprocity Guidelines
To obtain a teaching license in Alaska, there are several requirements and steps that must be followed.
Firstly, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree and pass the Basic Competency Exam. This exam evaluates a candidate’s proficiency in reading, writing, mathematics, and technology. It also includes an oral communication component. If a candidate passes the Basic Competency Exam, they become eligible to apply for a teaching license in Alaska. The license is initially valid for five years, with the option of renewal.
In addition to the Basic Competency Exam, candidates must also complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. This program must be completed within the state of Alaska. The teacher preparation program consists of coursework and practical experience in teaching. Once a candidate successfully completes this program, they become eligible to apply for a teaching license in Alaska.
The process of obtaining a teaching license in Alaska is designed to ensure that all teachers are qualified to provide high-quality instruction to students. Furthermore, the state has reciprocity guidelines in place to ensure that teachers from other states meet the same qualifications as those from Alaska. These guidelines contribute to maintaining a high standard of teaching in the state.
Arizona Reciprocity Guidelines
To obtain a teaching license in Arizona, there are several requirements that need to be met. These include having a bachelor’s degree and passing Professional and Subject Knowledge exams. Candidates must also complete a state-approved teacher preparation program and demonstrate knowledge of content in the area they plan to teach.
In addition to these general requirements, there are specific requirements for Arizona teacher certification reciprocity. These include passing scores on content knowledge exams, such as Praxis or CORE. Equivalent out-of-state exams may also be accepted.
Furthermore, additional requirements may be necessary, such as coursework in specific areas. For example, the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) may be required. There are also content knowledge exams that are necessary for specific endorsement areas.
Overall, meeting these five requirements is essential for obtaining Arizona teacher certification reciprocity.
Arkansas Reciprocity Guidelines
Regularly, Arkansas requires a bachelor’s degree and passing basic skills, content area, and pedagogy tests for teacher certification reciprocity. For those seeking a license in the state, they must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Bachelors | Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school. |
| Preparation | Completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program. |
| Tests | Passing scores on content knowledge exams (such as Praxis or CORE) or equivalent out-of-state exams may be accepted. Additional requirements may apply. |
The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) regulates the state’s teacher certification programs and provides information about the requirements for reciprocity. Those who don’t meet the reciprocity guidelines may still be eligible for alternative certification options.
California Reciprocity Guidelines
In California, teacher certification reciprocity requires a bachelor’s degree and passing California’s Basic Skills test. To become certified in California, educators must meet the following criteria:
- Bachelors degree from a regionally accredited school
- Completion of state-approved teacher preparation program
- Passing scores on content knowledge exams (such as Praxis or CORE)
- Equivalent out-of-state exams may be accepted
- Additional requirements may include coursework in specific areas (e.g. reading, ESL)
New Hampshire Reciprocity Guidelines
Reciprocity in New Hampshire necessitates a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school and three years of experience out of the last seven in an Interstate Certification Contract state. Those seeking a teaching license must also have taken the proper courses and tests to meet the state’s criteria.
Those with out-of-state certificates must have them transferred to the closest in-state equivalent. Expired out-of-state teaching licenses are not accepted, but may be eligible for an institutional recommendation.
Those with a temporary certificate must pass the required exams or take courses to gain a full license. Reciprocity is not automatic and depends on each state’s individual requirements. It is important for teachers to research and familiarize themselves with the requirements of the state they plan to teach in.
New Jersey Reciprocity Guidelines
In New Jersey, a teacher must possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school and have completed a state-approved or NCATE/CAEP accredited teacher preparation program in order to be eligible for reciprocity.
Qualifications for a teaching license include:
- Bachelors degree from a regionally accredited school
- Completion of state-approved teacher preparation program
- Passing scores on content knowledge exams
- Equivalent out-of-state exams may be accepted
- Additional requirements may include coursework in specific areas
Conclusion
In conclusion, the teacher certification reciprocity process is a valuable tool for teachers wishing to transfer their certification from one state to another. Each state has its own standards and procedures for teacher certification reciprocity, and it is important to understand the specific guidelines for each state.
Additionally, the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement and Compact Agencies provide support to teachers aiming to take advantage of teacher license reciprocity. By familiarizing themselves with the reciprocity guidelines of each state, teachers can ensure a successful transfer of their teaching license.
