How to Become a Teacher in North Dakota?
If you want to teach in North Dakota, the first step is to become a licensed teacher. While there are different ways to do this, your options depend on your educational level and experience. At any point in your career, our guide will assist you in determining the best way for you. If you are just starting out and want to learn the basics about the certification process in North Dakota, we have got you covered. Perhaps you want to learn how to gain advanced certification and specialize, or perhaps you are a teacher considering relocating to North Dakota from another state and need to know about reciprocity.
Basic requirements for obtaining a teacher’s license in North Dakota
The Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) oversees and awards all teaching licenses in North Dakota. The ESPB is a non-profit organization comprised of ten education professionals. The Governor appoints each member, who may serve two three-year terms.
For new and experienced teachers, the ESPB provides two types of certification:
Initial In-State License: this teacher credential is only available to new teachers who have met all of the criteria, including passing a background check.
For those who have not yet taught for 18 months, the initial license is valid for two years and can be renewed.
First Five Year License: teachers with an initial in-state license who have been teaching for 18 months or more are eligible to apply for this level of licensure. It is valid for five years and can be renewed by completing continuing education, or re-education, credits.
North Dakota’s Minimum Education Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in teaching with a minimum GPA of 2.5 is required to begin the path to obtaining an initial license in North Dakota. A teacher education program will be included in your approved degree program. To obtain an initial license, you must complete this program. If your degree program includes a teacher education program, it may not be accepted in North Dakota. To meet the ESPB education standards, the program must be approved.
Student Teaching
A student teaching experience is included in all degree programs. This practical experience is important for providing you with hands-on training. You will be partnered with an instructor and work in their classroom to complete this experience. You will work toward organizing and teaching your own lessons through observation and constructive communication.
Your mentor will walk you through the student teaching process, pointing out areas where you should improve and areas where you succeed.
Pass the Certification Exams in North Dakota
To receive initial certification in North Dakota, all teachers must first pass the Praxis I Core Academic Skills for Educators test. This test includes fundamental skills such as reading, writing, and math.
You must also pass the Praxis II exam for the area in which you want to be certified. Since these exams come in a number of formats, you should always check with your degree program to make sure you are signing up for the right one.
Apply for a teacher license
You will be ready to apply for your North Dakota initial in-state license once you have completed your background check, degree program, and certification exams. Before submitting your application, double-check that your transcripts, background approval, and test scores have all been submitted.
Certifications by Specialty
The grade level and subject that you are qualified to teach in North Dakota are listed on your teaching license. To obtain these qualifications, you must first obtain a license in a specialty field.
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary — Middle School Teacher
- Secondary School Teacher
- Substitute Teacher Certification
- Physical Education (PE) Certification
- Special Education Certification
- English as a Second Language Certification
Teaching Reciprocity Agreements in North Dakota
If you are a teacher, reciprocity would allow you to transfer your out-of-state license to a North Dakota teacher license. North Dakota is a participant in the Interstate Agreement of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC). The agreement requires all participating states to develop a reciprocity declaration that spells out the standards and conditions for all out-of-state teachers pursuing licensure.
Alternative Teaching Certification
When the conventional path to licensure does not fit your education or experience, an alternative path to licensure might be a better fit. If you have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education or if you are a working professional in a field other than education who wants to move into teaching, you should seek an alternate direction. These ways can be found both nationally and in-state level. You can apply to:
- Teach for America;
- Troops to Teachers;
- Transition into Teaching for Career Changers.
