Teacher Certification

Corps members don’t have to have studied education prior to applying to the corps. In fact, most corps members did not. But all corps members must receive a teaching credential before they’re hired by a school and they must be considered “highly qualified” according to state-specific requirements. Since most corps members haven’t completed a traditional course of study in education before teaching, they’re considered “non-traditional” teachers in most states. The credentials they receive are often referred to as “alternative” certificates or licenses.

In most states, corps members must:

Prior to teaching
Pass a content-knowledge test and/or have completed specific college courses as part of a major or minor related to the subject they will teach.

During their teaching commitment
Complete coursework toward the next level of certification or licensure.  Depending on the region, corps members can complete coursework through a local college or university, another certification provider such as a school district, or a nonprofit such as Teach For America.

In many of our regions, corps members also have the option of completing a master’s degree by the end of their two-year teaching commitment.

Teach For America regional staff members work with corps members to make sure they meet initial requirements and have the required credentials before teaching. The costs for certification programs, including tuition at local colleges, universities, or other providers, vary by region. Many corps members use their AmeriCorps grants to cover at least some, if not all, of these costs. Some states and districts provide additional financial assistance, but in some cases, corps members must cover the remaining costs.