Steps to Becoming a Teacher

Step 0 - Find your interests and more about our teaching degree programs, speak with an advisor to plan a path you want to take in becoming a teacher, and learn about specific opportunities like IKEEP that may be designed for your situation. More details can be found on our Potential Teacher Candidates page.

Step 1 - Apply to a degree program from U of I that leads to teacher certification in Idaho. We offer undergraduate and graduate level degrees, plus accelerated programs like Secondary Education (M.A.T.) which allows you to use an existing degree to teach a related subject. For more details, visit our Teacher Education Programs page.

Step 2 - Apply to the Teacher Education Program at U of I. Prerequisites include GPA ( > 2.75), fingerprinting submitted, and advisor interview. Once met, use our online teacher education program application.
If enrolled in the Secondary Education MAT program, also return to advisor the Teaching Majors & Minors Concentration form.

Step 3 - Teacher candidates work with a placement coordinator and apply to receive a teaching assignment. Prerequisites include scheduled PRAXIS exam and passed background check. Details can be found on our Student Teaching Internships page. When time, use our online Student Teaching Internship application.

Step 4 - Apply for Degree and Program Completion. Your specific process may be different depending on your situation. Details for each can be found on the U of I Registrar's Graduation page. For teacher certification only students (not to be confused with Academic Certificates), please contact Taylor Raney for details on graduation requirements.

Step 5 -  The Certification Officer will review all needed items before submitting to the State Board of Education (SBE) for teacher certification or additional teaching endorsements. Details on that process can be found on our Educator and Athletic Training Licensure page as well as the SBE Initial Certificate for Idaho Graduates page. For further questions, contact Taylor Raney.

Step 6 - Career Services at the U of I is available for assistance in finding employment. Some of our programs will also provide additional assistance as part of its cohort benefits.