How To Become a Teacher: Your Guide to Teaching Certification and Degrees

If you’re considering a career in education, you’re on a path that can be incredibly rewarding and impactful. Becoming a licensed teacher involves several key steps, including earning a teaching degree and obtaining the necessary certifications. Whether you’re beginning your journey or making a career change, Wilmington University (WilmU®) offers comprehensive programs designed to lead you to teacher certification. 

Why Choose WilmU?

WilmU’s College of Education & Liberal Arts is both regionally and nationally recognized as the best choice for educators, cultivating skilled, innovative and effective teachers. All education programs are fully accredited and state-approved, meeting rigorous standards to prepare students for successful teaching careers. WilmU goes beyond accreditation by offering hands-on teaching experiences, tuition assistance options, Praxis support and even an innovative Praxis for Credit program so future teachers begin their careers with confidence. Notably, more than half of all Delaware educators earned their credentials at WilmU, and 12 of the last 16 Delaware Teachers of the Year were WilmU graduates. Additionally, 88% of graduates from the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program’s class of 2023 secured employment within a year of graduating.

Steps to Becoming a Licensed Teacher 

1: Choosing the Right Program

WilmU offers a variety of teacher preparation programs for individuals at different stages in their educational journey. If you’re entering the field directly from high school or community college, or if you’re an experienced professional seeking a new career, WilmU has the right program for you. The first step is to decide which program aligns with your career goals.

2: Praxis Exams

To demonstrate your content knowledge, you’ll be required to take the Praxis teacher certification exams, which are essential for earning certification in Delaware. WilmU provides robust support, including access to a dedicated Praxis Coordinator and specialized workshops, to help you succeed on these exams. Additionally, with WilmU’s Praxis for Credit, eligible students in the B.S. in Elementary Education (K-6) and B.S. in Middle Level Education (6-8) programs can earn up to 19 credits for passing Praxis exams.

3: Field Placements and Clinical Experience

Gaining hands-on experience through field placements is a vital part of your teacher training. At WilmU, you’ll complete multiple field placements and a full semester of student teaching. These experiences help you develop the practical skills needed to be an effective educator.

Another student teaching option is WilmU’s Year-Long Residency program. Teacher candidates selected for this innovative program are placed in a classroom with a mentor for an entire school year, allowing them to experience all aspects of teaching alongside their mentor. The Year-Long Residency program currently boasts a 100% hire rate, with all participants securing positions in the school or district where they completed their residency.

4: Licensure

After completing your degree and passing the required Praxis exams, you’ll be ready to apply for your teaching license. WilmU boasts a 100% licensure rate for graduates who seek licensure, reflecting the quality of their preparation.

Programs for Aspiring Teachers Bachelor’s Degrees

• Early Care and Education (Birth – Grade 2): Ideal for those interested in teaching in preschool programs, daycares or other childcare facilities. This program includes clinical placements and student teaching
• Elementary Education (K – 6): Prepares you to teach all content areas in elementary schools. Requires passing Praxis scores and a full semester of student teaching 
• Middle Level Education (6 – 8): Focuses on key subjects such as science, math, English and social studies. Includes a full semester of student teaching 
• Career and Technical Education (9 – 12): Prepares you to teach specific trades in high school and includes comprehensive coursework and student teaching 

Master’s Degrees

• Elementary Studies (K – 6): For those with a non-education bachelor’s degree who want to teach elementary students 
• Secondary Education (6 – 12): Prepares you to meet the academic and social needs of middle and high school students 
• Career and Technical Education (9 – 12): Focuses on teaching specific trades to high school students 
• Special Education: Provides several tracks depending on your area of interest and grade level 
• Interdisciplinary Studies in Education: Offers 11 areas of distinction to create a personalized master’s degree, which includes licensure options 

Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification (ARTC)

WilmU’s College of Education & Liberal Arts is both regionally and nationally recognized as the best choice for educators, cultivating skilled, innovative and effective teachers. All education programs are fully accredited and state-approved, meeting rigorous standards to prepare students for successful teaching careers. WilmU goes beyond accreditation by offering hands-on teaching experiences, tuition assistance options, Praxis support and even an innovative Praxis for Credit program so future teachers begin their careers with confidence. Notably, more than half of all Delaware educators earned their credentials at WilmU, and 12 of the last 16 Delaware Teachers of the Year were WilmU graduates. Additionally, 88% of graduates from the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program’s class of 2023 secured employment within a year of graduating.

Affordability and Support

WilmU is committed to making education affordable. WilmU’s Aspiring Teachers Scholarship provides a 15% tuition reduction per credit for Delaware high school graduates, which saves students up to $7,730 for a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, WilmU is one of the most affordable private universities in the region, with no difference in tuition for in-state and out-of-state students. 

Ready to start your journey to becoming a teacher?

If you’re ready to embark on a fulfilling career in education, Wilmington University is here to support you every step of the way. Attend an upcoming webinar to learn more about WilmU’s education degrees, get detailed information on the application process and discover the resources available to help you succeed.