Being a teacher is one of the most important jobs that there is, particularly in a state like Alaska. As a largely isolated, rural state, working as a teacher in Alaska can be much more difficult than in other states. However, if you choose to be a teacher in Alaska, you’ll be getting one of the most rewarding careers possible.
Like every state across the country, Alaska has very specific requirements for becoming a teacher, including earning a degree and being tested on your basic skills. Read about becoming a teacher in Alaska and find out what your salary might be as an educator in this state.
Alaska Teacher Certification Requirements
Alaska Teacher Certification Types
Alaska offers three certifications for teachers. The first is an Initial Teacher Certification. The second is called a Professional Teacher Certification, which is earned after completing multicultural studies and continuing education credit hours. The final certification is called a Master Teacher Certification. You must have earned the two lower certifications before earning your Master Teacher Certification.
Alaska Teacher Education
You will need at least a Bachelor’s degree in Education and have completed a teacher preparation program.
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Alaska Teacher Certification Exam
Alaska requires that you complete a Basic Competency exam before becoming a teacher. This will usually be the Praxis I exam. If you want to be licensed as a teacher in a specific discipline, like Math or Science, you will need to pass the Praxis II exam. This is only required for the Professional Teacher Certification.
Teacher Experience
There are no experience requirements needed to become a teacher in Alaska. However, you will usually gain real-world experience during the final year of your teacher preparation program. You will need two years of experience to earn the Professional Teacher Certification.
Background Check
Alaska teachers are required to pass a background check.
Alternative Certification and Other Requirements
- Alaska Alternative Teacher Certification: If your Bachelor’s degree isn’t in education, you can get an alternative AKT2 certification. You will need to have at least a 2.5 GPA in a related field and complete pre-service learning.
- Teacher Certification Renewal: The Initial Teacher Certification lasts for three years and cannot be renewed. The Professional Teacher Certification lasts five years. Renewal requires current employment, six hours of continuing education, and passing another background check. The Master Teacher Certification lasts ten years and has the same renewal requirements as a Professional Teacher Certification.
- Alaska Substitute Teaching: Alaska does not maintain state level rules for substitute teaching other than needing a Bachelor’s degree.
- Reciprocity: You can be certified in Alaska through reciprocity by providing proof of certification in another state.
Discover teacher certification programs in Alaska that are a match for you!
What Does a Teacher Do in Alaska?
There are many tasks that you will complete while working as a teacher in Alaska. Primarily, you will provide instruction to your students. Sometimes this will be to your class as a whole and sometimes this will be in a one-on-one setting. Other common tasks for an Alaska teacher include curriculum development, behavioral intervention, coordinating with other teachers and communicating with your students’ families.
Alaska Teacher Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides salary data for teachers in Alaska. Your salary will largely depend what school level you are hired to teach. For instance, kindergarten and elementary school teachers in Alaska in 2015 made a median yearly salary of $73,050. During the same year, middle school teachers earned $75,950 and high school teachers made a median salary of $82,020.
Alaska Teacher Certification Links
- Alaska Department of Education
- ALASKA DIRECTORY OF APPROVED TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS
- Alaska Teacher Certification Homepage
Teacher Certification Programs in Alaska
Teacher Certification Programs in Alaska
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Choose your area of study and receive free information about programs you are interested in. Becoming a teacher is an important decision that requires commitment, dedication, and passion. Teacher certification requirements vary by state. However, there are a number qualifications that every state requires to teach at the public school level. Request information from multiple schools to find the best program and educational opportunity for you!