Educators: Curriculum & Instruction

• To use your state’s Department of Education (DOE) or Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website, first locate the correct site and then follow general navigation steps:
  • Use a search engine: Enter “California Department of Education” or “Texas Health and Human Services” into a search engine. The official website will be a .gov domain.
  • The federal government’s official site, USA.gov, provides a directory for contacting state health and education departments.
• Once on the DOE website, look for common information sections such as “For Families,” “For Educators,” or “Programs and Services”.
• The website’s “Licensing” or “Professional Development” section will have information about teaching credentials, application procedures, and verification tools. (Example: Indiana Department of Education)
  • If you need licensing assistance, most DOE state sites will have a number, submission form, or email address for you to contact.
• Find specific requirements for your path: The site will have information on the requirements for new teachers, out-of-state applicants, and other specific situations.
• Check for alternative routes: Search for information on alternative licensure or transition programs if you don’t have a traditional education degree.
• Find lists of approved programs: The DOE website should have a list of approved teacher preparation programs at colleges and universities in your state.

Review the recently published “Guide on Teacher Workforce Credentialing: A Look Into the Initial License Requirements, Diverse Pathways Into the Teaching Profession, and Reciprocity Policies”. This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at teacher licensure requirements across all 50 states and Washington, DC. It explores various alternative pathways into the teaching profession, including Grow Your Own programs, teacher residency initiatives, and registered apprenticeship programs.

To find information on how to teach in your state, you should consult your state’s Department of Education website or Teach.Com: Teacher Certification Requirements by State.

Steps For Educators:

• Determine your eligibility: What is your highest level of education? Do you already have a bachelor’s or masters degree? Are you looking to change careers? This will help you narrow down the available pathways.
  • A four-year degree is the standard foundation for all public school teachers in the U.S.. In many cases, it is advantageous to major in the subject you wish to teach, especially for middle and high school positions.
• Choose your teaching area: Which grade level and subject do you want to teach (e.g., elementary, high school English, special education)?
• Locate the requirements for your target grade level and subject: Certification requirements for elementary (K–6), secondary (5–12), special education, or specific subjects like science or art will differ.
• Check state-specific requirements for licensing: Licensure rules vary by state, so it’s essential to research the requirements for the state where you plan to teach:
  • Explore Get Your Teaching Credential.
  • Explore Transition to Teaching (ToT) programs: These are specifically for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree or masters degree and are transitioning into education. Some states have programs that lead to a permit while you work toward full licensure or certification:
    • Simply search “Transition to Teaching Options in [your state]” to find out more. Your state department of education should also have more information available.
• Fulfill student teaching requirements: This often mandatory, hands-on experience in a classroom under the supervision of an experienced teacher allows you to apply pedagogical theories in a real-world setting.
• Pass required exams: Most states require passing a series of standardized tests, such as the Praxis exams, to assess knowledge of teaching skills and specific subject areas

Teaching online can open up interesting opportunities. The “take it anywhere” and adjunct-friendly nature of online teaching means flexibility with where you can teach and getting started even if you’re not sure you want to be a professor full time or if you’re still working toward earning your doctorate! Online teaching isn’t a one-size-fits-all role. Depending on the level of instruction and the platform used to teach, online teaching jobs can entail a wide range of responsibilities and duties.

Where do you begin? Here are some ways you can find an online teaching role:

Start With State Certifications & Licenses

• Along with a advanced degree, many teachers will supplement their education with certifications in areas such as literacy, math, science, or special education. With those credentials in hand, teachers can make more money and impact areas they’re highly invested in.
• If you’re looking to teach at a public elementary or high school, you’ll need to get certified in your state.
• When it comes to teaching certification, states have differing reciprocity agreements with other states. If you move to a new state, you’ll likely need to take new coursework or training:
  • For example, Texas does not offer automatic reciprocity with any other state. You’ll need to have your credentials reviewed and take Texas licensing exams.
  • On the other hand, Arizona is one of eight states that offers full reciprocity regardless of which state you’re certified in.
  • And if you’re a military spouse, there are special exemptions in 38 states to support your move.
• Search your state contacts on the U.S. Department of Education website for the most up-to-date information.

Build & Gain Experience

• The experience you’re required to have as an online teacher varies between platforms and even within the roles listed on each one.
• Also, consider exploring traditional student teaching roles to add weight to your resume.
• Along with student teaching, familiarize yourself with creating lessons and presenting materials online.

Define Your Ideal Online Teaching Environment

• With the versatile options for distance learning, your career has more options than ever before. Take some time to decide on your ideal work environment and structure.
• Ask yourself the following questions:
  • Do I want to teach the same students for an entire semester or year?
  • Would I like to leverage flexibility and work from anywhere or work mainly from my home office?
  • Am I hoping to work variable hours or stick to traditional school hours?
  • Do I want to work within a public school system or in a less traditional role?
  • Am I planning to use this as full-time or supplemental income?

Begin Exploring Institutions & Opportunities

• After setting your job search goals, begin your job search at educational institutions that offer online teaching opportunities.
• Traditional schools increasingly offer remote instruction, and many e-learning companies and platforms are dedicated to digital learning.
• Finding an online teaching role requires some strategy and knowledge of where to look.
• Start with these companies that frequently post remote teaching roles:
  • ACCEL Schools
  • Colorado Technical University – CTU
  • Kaplan
  • Pearson Virtual Schools
  • Purdue University Global
  • Stride, Inc.
    • SNHU & Stride have a working partnership! Talk with your faculty and/or academic advisor to learn more!

Curriculum developers are well-trained professionals in education who are responsible for creating curriculum processes and procedures and establishing teaching standards for school systems. Below, we will highlight how to become a curriculum developer, explore jobs, and more!

Start With State Certifications and Licenses

• A curriculum developer needs to have a teaching license and certification. The requirements to obtain a license vary by state, and each state may have its own licensure examinations.
• Some regions or districts may ask for extra licensing or certifications, such as an administrative license or certification in a course subject you want to specialize in. These courses may include principles of curriculum development, curriculum writing and curriculum theory.
• If you’re looking to be a curriculum developer, you’ll need to get certified in your state.
• When it comes to teaching certifications, states have differing reciprocity agreements with other states. If you move to a new state, you’ll likely need to take new coursework or training.
• Search your state contacts on the U.S. Department of Education website for the most up-to-date information.

Build & Gain Experience

• Many curricula developers have a wide range of classroom experience.
• Gaining experience in a classroom may allow a potential curriculum developer to understand what adjustments they could make to ensure students are learning the information from the curriculum.
• A successful curriculum developer typically has experience working with textbooks, technology and lesson plans, which can help them develop new curricula efficiently.
• Consider applying for traditional student teaching roles, teachers aides, or teacher assistant roles to bolster your resume.

Begin Exploring Institutions and Opportunities

• Consider doing job research to find an open position for a curriculum developer or curriculum specialist, or a similar occupations such as:
  • Educational content developer
  • Coding curriculum writer
  • Training content developer
  • Education specialist
  • Education coordinator
  • Educational program consultant
  • Training and development specialist
  • Instructional developer
  • Curriculum writer
  • Technical curriculum developer
  • Instructional designer
• Most companies that hire for curriculum developer positions are within the education, e-learning, and higher education industries. Below are just a few of the many companies that hire curriculum developers:
  • ETS – Educational Testing Service
  • Great Minds
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • McGraw-Hill Education
  • Pearson
  • Study.com