Many colleges and universities let you complete your bachelor’s degree and teaching program together. So you might major in educator or your future teaching subject — like math, English or biology — and earn your teaching certificate, all at the same time. 

This can reduce the total cost and time you spend working toward your certificate! 

Undergraduate certification may be a good fit if:

• You know what subject and grade level you want to teach. 
• You are in high school, or your first or second year of college.

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can enroll in a one- to two-year standard teaching program to get certified. “Standard” just means you’ll take coursework and complete a student teaching experience before leading your own classroom. 

In a standard certification program, you can:

• Explore full-time and part-time program options.
• Control when you enroll in your program.
• Choose between a certificate-only or master’s degree and certification program.

A post-graduate program may be a good fit if:

• You decide later in college or after earning a degree that you want to teach.
• You majored in something different than the subject you want to teach.
• You want hands-on practice before you teach on your own.

Alternative certification pathways are typically for people who already have a bachelor’s degree. These programs often let you start teaching and earn a salary while you complete certification coursework. They often (but not always!) prepare teachers in high-need schools or shortage area subjects.

Alternative certification may be a good fit if:

• You’re a career changer.
• You decide later in college or after earning a degree that you want to teach.
• You’re a school staff member interested in teaching. 

Teacher residencies are based on the medical residency model, where hands-on practice and theory are more deeply integrated. They often take place at high-needs schools. 

You'll need at least a bachelor's degree to qualify for a teacher residency. Typically, you'll:

• Spend a full year in a classroom apprenticeship.
• Work alongside a mentor teacher.
• Earn a stipend during your first year. 
• Complete master's degree coursework.

The residency model may be a good fit if:

• You already have a degree in the subject you want to teach.
• You don’t have much experience with students and want plenty of mentorship when you begin.