Do you want to be a teacher in the wonderful state of Alabama? If this describes you, you’ve come to the correct place. Below is a short article that outlines the four steps to becoming a teacher in Alabama.

Step One: Complete a bachelor’s degree and any additional coursework that may be required. To become a teacher, each state requires a bachelor’s degree. Furthermore, some may require you to have specific credit hour requirements in specialty areas.

Step two is to complete a teacher education program that has been approved by the state. There are three degrees of teacher certification in Alabama:

Bachelor’s degree (Class B)

AA class (sixth-year program)

A-level (master’s degree)

Alternative A-level (master’s degree)

All of these things necessitate the completion of a state-approved education program. On the ASTE website, prospective educators can find a list of approved teacher education program. If you earned your degree and certification somewhere other than Alabama, you should check the ASTE website to see if Alabama has reciprocity with the state where you earned your degree.

Step three is to pass the required exams. This includes both the Basic Skills Assessment and the content-specific assessments (Praxis Exam) that are required for their level of instruction. The Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program (AECTP) includes two exams: the Basic Skills Assessment and the Praxis II Content Exam.

Step four: Submit an application for an Alabama teaching credential. Once you’ve finished your degree and certification requirements, you’re ready to apply for a teaching certificate.

Candidates for teacher education who wish to obtain teacher certification in the state of Alabama must meet the following requirements:

Fill out an Alabama certification application.

Pay a $30 non-refundable application fee.

Pass a background investigation.

Official transcripts of all degrees and credits achieved, submitted in sealed envelopes from the university, must be given (s).

Fill out any other form(s) that may be requested by the Alabama certification application and present all supporting documentation (s).

For more information, consult this checklist.

Other requirements may exist that have not been addressed here. For more information, please contact ASTE.