Wondering if you need a degree to teach? Read this post to learn about teacher certification, alternative paths, and how to become a teacher without an education degree.  

Can I Teach Without a Degree?

All 50 states require public school teachers to have at least a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certification. A degree in education or a specific subject (i.e. math, science, language, etc.) is the fastest route; however, there are many alternative paths that allow aspiring teachers to gain their certification without an education degree. Some schools may allow you teach without a degree if you are in the process of completing an alternate program. Degree requirements also depend on which capacity you will be teaching in (lead teacher vs. teacher assistant) and the type of school you are working in (public vs. private).

Teaching Requirements Vary by State and School Type

If you choose to go the nontraditional route to become an educator, it is important to keep in mind that not every state has the same requirements, and some states may not accept alternative programs or teaching certifications from other states. For example, some states may offer a K-6 certification, K-12 certification, or 4-8 certification. A 4-8 certification from one state would not transfer to a state that only offers a K-6 or K-12 certification. You should be familiar with your state’s requirements and be sure to pick a program that is approved by your state and school district.

Teaching requirements may also vary by school type. Public schools receive state funding and must follow state laws and requirements when it comes to hiring. If the state law requires teachers to have a degree, the schools must adhere to that requirement, even during teacher shortages. Exceptions may be made if a person is working towards a degree through an alternative program or is working as a substitute teacher. 

Private schools often have more flexibility in who they can hire because they do not receive state funding and therefore do not always have to follow state requirements for hiring. Some states, like Florida, require private school teachers to have either a bachelor’s degree in any field, three or more years of K-12 teaching experience, or expertise in a specific subject. Again, this varies state to state so be sure to check your state’s requirements and laws. 

Charter schools on the other hand, are publicly funded and often have the same requirements for hiring as the district they are in. Their flexibility is usually more in curriculum and programming rather than hiring practices.

How to Become a Teacher Without an Education Degree

Alternative Teacher Certification Programs

Alternative teacher certification programs allow an individual with a bachelor’s degree in any field to complete coursework to become eligible for their teaching certification. These programs help place participants in classrooms where they can shadow veteran teachers as well as implement lesson plans, classroom management techniques, and more with the supervision of a certified teacher who can provide feedback. Many of these courses are fully online except for the classroom practicum. Most states will hire educators who are enrolled in an alternative certification program even if they have not yet completed it. 

State Certification Options

Most states offer multiple routes for individuals to become educators. Some offer Educator Preparation Institutes (EPIs), which are programs implemented by approved colleges and universities that provide coursework and training to prepare you for certification while you work as a teacher.

Another route your state may offer is a Professional Development and Certification Program. These programs are like EPIs but may or may not be implemented by colleges and universities and have an emphasis on exam preparation. States have different requirements for certification, but most require applicants to pass exams in their subject field as well as in pedagogy and/or theory. 

Some districts have their own alternative certification program available. This may be ideal for those who want to begin working as an educator, need local classes and training, and a budget-friendly option. 

Finally, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Certification may be accepted by some employers as proof of subject area expertise, allowing an individual to teach in that specific subject. 

Teaching Roles That May Not Require a Full Degree

If you have an associate’s degree or a certification in early childhood education, this can open the door to the educational world for you and be a great steppingstone to launch your teaching career. The following positions do not require a degree in most states: substitute teacher, preschool teacher, teacher assistant, special education paraprofessional, and tutor. While some of these positions require an associate’s degree, some of them only require a certificate or training. 

FAQ and Recap

Q: What degree do I need to be a teacher?

A: Requirements vary by state and school, but most schools require at least a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certification. If you do not have a degree in education, a bachelor’s degree in any field paired with an alternative certification program can be sufficient to earn your teaching certification. 

Q: Can you teach with an associate’s degree?

A: Yes. You can work in the education field with an associate’s degree in the following roles: substitute teacher, preschool teacher, teacher assistant, special education paraprofessional, or tutor. 

Q: I want to change careers. Can I become a teacher without going back to school?

A: Yes. If you have a degree in any field, you can complete an approved alternative certification program to be eligible for certification in your state. 

Q: How can I teach in private schools without a degree?

A: Private schools have more flexibility and can often hire based on subject area expertise. However, requirements vary state to state and school to school. You will need to check the requirements for a specific school to see if you are eligible to teach without a degree. 

Q: Do charter schools require teaching degrees?

A: Yes. Charter schools are publicly funded and usually adhere to the hiring requirements of their state and district. 

Q: Do you need a degree to teach preschool?

A: Yes. Some states only require an associate’s degree while others require a bachelor’s degree. In most states, you may work in a preschool as a teacher’s assistant or paraprofessional without a degree. 

Q: Do you need a degree to be a substitute teacher?

A: No, most states do not require substitute teachers to have a degree, but they are typically required to complete trainings and background checks.