Are you interested in becoming a teacher in Hawaii?
The Hawaii Teaching and Certification Resource is an invaluable guide for learning about the requirements for becoming a certified teacher in the state.
This guide covers the necessary qualifications, preparation programs, testing requirements, and additional resources to help you make an informed decision about your teaching career in Hawaii.
Requirements to Become a Teacher in Hawaii
In order to become a teacher in Hawaii, individuals must complete a state-approved teacher preparation program and possess a bachelor’s degree or higher to obtain a Provisional License. After three successful years of teaching, applicants can apply for a Standard License. After five years and earning a higher degree or NBPTS certification, an Advanced License can be applied for.
The list of approved teacher education programs can be found through the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, and must have regional accreditation and CAEP accreditation for quality curriculum and standards. Additional requirements include passing the Praxis Subject Assessments, the Core Academic Skills for Educators exam, and the Principles of Learning and Teaching exam. A state and federal background check must also be conducted. Completion of student teaching fieldwork is also required.
These guidelines are set by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board.
Finding Approved Teacher Education Programs
All prospective educators in Hawaii must attend a state-approved teacher preparation program, and there are several resources to help compare and find the best program for each individual.
To ensure quality curriculum and standards, confirm the regional accreditation of the program and look for additional accreditation from CAEP.
Using the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, prospective educators can check the list of approved programs, as well as use the sortable table on Hawaii schools page to compare key metrics of approved programs.
Additionally, the US Department of Education has a Teacher Shortage Areas list, which helps to identify specific subject areas with teacher shortages.
With the help of these resources, educators can more easily find the best program to suit their individual needs. Ultimately, this will help ensure the success and quality of future teachers in Hawaii.
Teacher Education Requirements
To become a certified teacher in Hawaii, individuals must fulfill the requirements set by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board. This includes completing a state-approved teacher preparation program and obtaining a Provisional License.
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for a Provisional License. Applicants must also pass the appropriate Praxis Subject Assessments for their desired subject area and grade level.
To obtain a Standard License, teachers must have three years of successful teaching. An Advanced License requires five years of successful teaching and a higher degree or NBPTS certification.
In addition to these requirements, a state and federal background check, fingerprint card, and student teaching fieldwork must also be completed.
With teacher shortages in 2021-22 for special education, mathematics, science, language arts, and career and technical education, now is a great time to pursue a career in teaching in Hawaii.
Teacher Testing Requirements
Before pursuing a career in teaching in Hawaii, it is important to understand the teacher testing requirements set by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board. These include:
- Taking and passing the appropriate Praxis Subject Assessments for the desired subject area and grade level
- Passing the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam
- Out-of-state program completers may need to take the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching exam
- Ensure content knowledge and teaching skills through Praxis exams
These rigorous requirements serve to ensure that Hawaii teachers are well-equipped with the skills they need to appropriately teach their students.
Additional Teacher Certification Requirements
In addition to testing requirements, there are other essential certification requirements that must be met in order to become a teacher in Hawaii. These include a state and federal background check, a fingerprint card for a criminal history record check, and completion of the teacher preparation program requirements, including student teaching fieldwork.
Additionally, candidates must comply with the background check requirement for public school employees and meet any additional certification requirements set by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board.
Fulfilling all of these requirements will ensure that educators have the necessary qualifications to work in Hawaii’s educational system and provide excellent instruction to students.
Conclusion
The Hawaii Teaching and Certification Resource is a valuable guide for individuals interested in becoming a teacher in Hawaii. It offers a comprehensive overview of the necessary steps and requirements for pursuing a teaching career in the state.
One of the key aspects covered in the resource is the qualifications needed to become a teacher in Hawaii. This includes educational requirements, such as a bachelor’s degree, and any specific subject area or grade level endorsements that may be required.
In addition to qualifications, the resource also provides information on preparation programs that aspiring teachers can consider. These programs can help individuals gain the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the classroom.
Testing requirements are another important aspect covered in the resource. It outlines the various tests that individuals must take, such as the Praxis exams, to demonstrate their competency in teaching.
Finally, the resource also highlights additional resources that can be helpful for aspiring teachers. This includes information on scholarships and grants, as well as professional development opportunities.
By understanding and utilizing the information provided in the Hawaii Teaching and Certification Resource, individuals can confidently pursue a career in teaching in Hawaii. With the right resources and preparation, they can increase their chances of success in this rewarding profession.
