ExecutiveChronicles | How to Qualify for Teaching Certification in Nevada | People who enjoy working with younger children, often find themselves wanting to be teachers. If you want to guide and inspire the next generation, then this career path could be perfect for you. In every state of the United States, you’ll need to be certified as a teacher before you can start teaching. This especially applies to teaching students in public schools.
Traditionally, to get your teaching license, you’ll first need to get your bachelor’s degree. This degree should be from an institution that’s accredited. You should also consider completing a preparation program for teachers, which can help you with getting certified. There are also standardized tests that you’ll need to pass. In Nevada, you’re required to get certain credits in the area you choose as your specialty to get certified.
In Nevada, there are alternative ways you can get your teaching certification as well. It’s one of only eight states that offer reciprocity of teacher licenses for teachers that are based out of the state. Nevada currently has a shortage of teachers, which has led to the state investing in teaching grants. If you choose to become a school teacher in Nevada, you’ll earn an average salary of $56,780 every year.
Now, let’s see how to get a teaching certification in Nevada. Read on, Nevada teachers of tomorrow.
Becoming a teacher in Nevada
There are four kinds of teaching licenses that you should know about. These include a provisional license, a standard license, a professional license, and a retiree license. If you have any testing deficiencies, then you can apply for your provisional license.
If you get a standard teaching license, then it will be valid for around five years. A professional license, on the other hand, is valid for six to ten years. Teachers based in Nevada, who have at least fifteen years of experience in teaching, can apply for a retiree license. If you want to teach in high school, then you can add subjects to your license as either minor or major endorsements. These subjects can include math, chemistry, history, and more.
Meet educational requirements
Before you can apply for your teaching certification, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s or even an associate’s degree from an accredited University. You can also get your degree online as well. You’ll need to have a minimum GPA of at least 2.5.
You’ll need to have a specific number of credits, in certain subject areas, based on what kind of teacher you want to be. Let’s say, you want to teach elementary school students. Then you’ll need to get eight credits when it comes to student teaching that is supervised. You’ll need to have eighteen credits when it comes to teaching elementary school subjects. You’ll also need fifteen credits when it comes to the implementation of the curriculum, and an additional eighteen credits in specific subjects.
If you want to teach middle school students, or those in high school, then the number of credits you need will vary. If you want to teach in high school, then you can add specialties to your license by getting credits in those subject areas.
Completing necessary training
In order to get your teacher certification in Nevada, you’ll need to complete a preparation program that’s approved by the state. You’ll need experience in teaching students, your college practicum, as well as eight credits when it comes to student teaching that is supervised. When you’re a student teacher, you’ll be supervised by a college supervisor, as well as one cooperating teacher.
If you have your degree but didn’t complete a preparation program for teachers, then you can qualify for alternative certification in Nevada. You can get a conditional license when you apply to get your alternative license.
Passing certification tests
There are Praxis exams that you’ll need to pass. The first of these is for core academic skills, meant for educators. This tests your knowledge in writing, reading, as well as math. Then, you’ll be assessed on your academic knowledge in terms of the four separate grade school levels.
You’ll also need to sit for subject assessments. Subjects can include elementary education, early childhood knowledge, world languages, and more.
Applying for certification
Once you get your teacher certification in Nevada, then you can apply for your teaching license. You’ll need to complete your application form and provide your official transcripts. You’ll also need to go through a background check. Your fingerprints will be recorded. For new applications, you’ll need to pay $180. For additional endorsements, you will need to pay $50.
Conclusion
Once you get your teaching license in Nevada, you can start working as a teacher. However, you’ll need to renew your certification from time to time. Your license will need to be renewed at least nine months before the current license expires.
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