Despite being one of the smallest states in the country, Delaware has big needs when it comes to the professions of teaching. Teaching in Delaware means preparing the state’s students for future academic success and being able to find premier job opportunities.
If you’re interested in becoming a teacher in Delaware, there are many steps that you must take. Delaware wants its teachers to be of the highest quality, which is why prospective teachers will have to meet certain licensing requirements. Read about the certification requirements for becoming a teacher in Delaware, and examine the salary for different types of Delaware teachers.
Delaware Teacher Certification Requirements
Delaware Teacher Certification Types
In Delaware, you can apply for an Initial Teacher License if you meet certain requirements. This initial license can be later upgraded to a Standard License.
Delaware Teacher Education
The basic education requirement for becoming a teacher in Delaware is a Bachelor’s degree. Also, you will be required to complete an educator preparation program that includes a student teaching component. Your program needs to be offered by an accredited institution and have received accreditation from the NCATE or NASDTEC, as well as offer a certificate that is equivalent to a Delaware certificate.
Featured Schools
Delaware Teacher Certification Exam
Before receiving your initial license, you will need to pass the Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills Test. Before earning your Standard License, you will need to pass the Praxis II exam in the education field of your choice.
Teacher Experience
Aspiring teachers in Delaware are required to complete a student teaching program. Before your Initial License, you will also need to participate in at least 15 hours of professional development. If you have one year of teaching experience with 91 days of teaching in a Delaware school, you will not need to complete student teaching.
Background Check
To receive a license in Delaware, you must have a current state child abuse clearance and provide your fingerprints for a background and criminal history check.
Alternative Certification and Other Requirements
- Delaware Alternative Teacher Certification: Delaware allows you to enroll in an Alternative Routes for Teacher Licensure and Certification Program if you meet certain requirements. These include both educational requirements and experience requirements.
- Teacher Certification Renewal: Your Initial License and Standard License is valid for three years. When these expire, you can earn a Continuing License. The Continuing License lasts for five years and requires 90 professional development hours to be renewed.
- Delaware Substitute Teaching: Substitute teaching in Delaware is controlled in individual school districts. You will need to check the rules for whatever school district where you wish to substitute teach.
- Reciprocity: Delaware recognizes teaching certificates from states that participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. If your certificate was earned in one of these states, you can get a teaching license in Delaware.
Discover teacher certification programs in Delaware that are a match for you!
What Does a Teacher Do in Delaware?
Most people understand that the primary job of a teacher is instructing their students. However, teachers in Delaware and other states are responsible for many other tasks as well. Effectively managing your classroom and student behavior is a duty of a teacher, as is regularly evaluating the progress of your students. You may also be required to work with the school administration, fellow Delaware teachers, and the parents of your students.
Delaware Teacher Salary
To learn about your potential salary as a Delaware teacher, you only need to examine the data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS report of 2015 estimated that secondary school teachers in Delaware earned a median salary of $59,590. The same report stated that elementary school teachers earned $60,810 and middle school teachers received a salary of $59,160.
Delaware Teacher Certification Links
Teacher Certification Programs in Delaware
Teacher Certification Programs in Delaware
(It’s fast and free!)
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!