Teachers

Build Your Teaching Career in the United States

To work as a Teacher in the United States, whether you're a US citizen or an international/foreign student, you must meet specific education, certification, and immigration requirements.

Teachers instruct students in a wide variety of subjects at elementary, middle, and high school levels. They develop lesson plans, assess student progress, and create supportive learning environments.

Educational Requirements:

  • US students must complete a bachelor's degree in education or in the subject they plan to teach, plus a teacher preparation program.
  • Foreign students studying in the US must be accepted into an accredited education program and obtain appropriate student visa status (F-1).
  • Foreign students, educated outside the US must have their foreign teaching credentials evaluated for equivalency to US standards through organizations like WES or ECE.

Certification and Licensing Requirements:

  1. Complete state-approved teacher preparation program including student teaching experience.
  2. Pass state-required exams (such as Praxis Core, Praxis Subject Assessments, or state-specific tests).
  3. Obtain teaching license/certification in the state where you plan to teach (each state has different requirements).
  4. Pass background checks and fingerprinting requirements.
  5. Complete continuing education requirements to maintain and renew teaching license.
  6. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and obtain proper work authorization (H-1B visa, J-1 exchange visitor, or permanent residency).
  7. Foreign-educated teachers may need additional coursework in US educational practices, child development, and state-specific curriculum standards.