Alabama Teacher Certification

Teaching Programs in Alabama

So you want to earn your Alabama Teacher Certification? Let's take a look at the step by step instructions:

Traditional Approach for the Alabama Teacher Certification

1. Earn your Bachelors Degree or higher from an accredited university. If you already have a bachelors degree, then take the steps necessary to earn your Master’s Degree ASAP.
2. Teacher Preparations: This will include teacher prep courses, student teaching, and other types of internships. In order to receive an Alabama Teacher Certification, you must have some experience in teaching, even if it is unpaid.
3. Schedule an appointment to speak with one of the representatives at the Alabama Department of Education (334) 242-9935 about earning a Alabama Teacher Certification.
4. Pass your Basic Skills Test exam (APTTP)
5. You will need to complete the Subject Area Competence assessments for your desired area of instruction (Praxis II)
6. Submit the following:
   • Completed Application
   • $20 check/money order payable to Alabama State Department of Education
   • $49 fingerprint fee
   • Official transcripts, degrees, and school credits
   • Fingerprint cards, release form, and background check form
   • Copies of all test scores
   • Mail to:
     Teacher Education and Certification Office
     5215 Gordon Persons Building
     P.O. Box 302101
     Montgomery, AL 36130-2101
     (334) 242-9700
7. *Do you want to renew your Alabama Teacher Certification?*
   • Apply for your renewal

Alternative Approach for the Alabama Teacher Certification

Alternatively, there is another path you can take to get your teaching credentials in Alabama. The state offers a Baccalaureate-Level Certificate which allows the holder to start their teaching career before they complete their teacher education program. The certificate is valid for 1 year and can be renewed up 3 times before they must continue the standard path.

1. Obviously you must still earn your Bachelors Degree from an accredited university. Ideally, you should always continue your education in efforts to earn a Master’s degree.
2. Schedule an appointment or speak to one of the representatives at the Alabama Department of Education (334) 229-4271 about earning a Baccalaureate-Level Certificate
3. Pass your Basic Skills Test exam (APTTP)
4. You will need to complete the Subject Area Competence assessments for your desired area of instruction (Praxis II)
5. You must get a mentor at the school where you would like to teach assigned by your superintendent or headmaster
6. Submit the following:
   • Completed Application
   • $20 check/money order payable to Alabama State Department of Education
   • $49 fingerprint fee
   • Official transcripts, degrees, and school credits
   • Fingerprint cards, release form, and background check form
   • Copies of all test scores
   • Mail to:
     Teacher Education and Certification Office
     5215 Gordon Persons Building
     P.O. Box 302101
     Montgomery, AL 36130-2101
     (334) 242-970

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