Becoming a teacher is one of the most rewarding career paths one can choose, as it allows you to positively impact younger generations and fill their minds with valuable information. Teaching in the beautiful Aloha state is a wonderful opportunity for anyone wishing to become a teacher. Take a look at the requirements for obtaining a teaching license in Hawaii.
Hawaii Teacher Certification Requirements
Hawaii Teacher Certification Types
Hawaii offers three types of teaching licenses — the Provisional License, the Standard License and the Advanced License. The Standard License is the most common for new teachers in the state.
Hawaii Teacher Education
You must have at least a Bachelor’s Degree to become a teacher in Hawaii, and you must complete a State Approved Teacher Examination Program.
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Hawaii Teacher Certification Exam
Unless you have a license from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards or have a license with Meritorious New Teacher Candidate status, you must take the necessary Praxis examinations. The Praxis I Basic Skills Test is required for anyone wishing to become a teacher in Hawaii, and the Praxis II content exam is an additional requirement for certain fields. Additionally, those who haven’t completed a State Approved Teacher Education Program must take the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching tests.
Teacher Experience
Part of your State Approved Teacher Education Program (SATEP) involves field experience in a public or private classroom setting, the length of which is determined by your particular program.
Background Check
A criminal background check isn’t required to receive your teaching license in Hawaii, but it is required if you are hired by a Hawaii school system.
Alternative Certification and Other Requirements
- Hawaii Alternative Teacher Certification: Hawaii offers four types of alternate licensing methods, including the Respecialization in Special Education Program and the Alternative Licensing Program in Special Education for those wishing to become special education teachers, the Alternative Program for Shortage Area to recruit teachers into shortage areas and Troops to Teachers for ex-military members wanting to become teachers.
- Teacher Certification Renewal: Your Standard Teaching License is valid for five years, and you can renew it online within six months of its expiration date. You must complete, sign and submit your Verification of Experience for Renewal, as well as the Verification of Satisfying Hawaii Teacher Performance Standards Documentation.
- Hawaii Substitute Teaching: Requirements for becoming a substitute teacher in Hawaii vary depending on your educational background. If you lack a Bachelor’s Degree or have a degree but lack teacher training, you must complete a 30-hour teaching course online or in a classroom setting. If you are a retired teacher, a recent college graduate, or a licensed teacher, you may be exempt from this course depending on how recent your education and experience is.
- Reciprocity: If you are an out-of-state teacher wanting to teach in Hawaii, you must demonstrate verification of your NBPTS certification or your state-issued teaching certification.
Discover teacher certification programs in Hawaii that are a match for you!
What Does a Teacher Do in Hawaii?
Hawaii is unique in that it’s the only state with one unified school system. As such, teachers in Hawaii work closely with one another, as well as with administrators, businesses, students, parents, and the community to continually improve the state’s educational system. But like all teachers, their number one job is to provide instruction to students by teaching in a classroom setting, developing lesson plans, and addressing any behavioral issues.
Hawaii Teacher Salary
Salary for teachers varies depending on what grade level they teach. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, elementary teachers in Hawaii make approximately $57,370 a year, middle school teachers make around $57,740 per year, and high school teachers make an average yearly salary of $58,480.
Hawaii Teacher Certification Links
Teacher Certification Programs in Hawaii
Teacher Certification Programs in Hawaii
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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!