Steps to become a teacher in Alabama

It is easy to become an elementary school, middle school, or high school classroom teacher in Alabama after you have graduated high school or have received your GED certificate. The first step to take toward becoming a classroom teacher requires enrollment into a four-year college to earn a BA degree in education or another subject that can be used in classroom education.

1. Alabama requires all classroom teachers to have earned their BA degree from an accredited college or university.
   

   Walden University Online
   Ashford University Online
   Western Governors University
   Capella University
   Jones International University
   DeVry University
   Saint Joseph University Online

   * There are so many accredited colleges that offer teaching degrees, and it is very important to ensure that the college you select meets your budget and convenience. So get free information from more than one college to make sure that you are making the right choice.
2. Alabama requires all new teachers to have had some classroom training through a program specifically approved by this state. In state and out-of-state programs are available that meet the Alabama requirements for licensing. Contact the Alabama Department of Education or call 334-229-4271 and speak to an advisor.
3. Download the application process form.
4. Alabama will require all new teachers to pass their Alabama Perspective Teacher Testing Program that will include subject oriented skills tests.
5. Alabama requires all new teachers to pass background checks with the Alabama Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
6. Professional educator certificates or licenses are valid for five years in Alabama. Alabama requires ongoing teacher education credits for license renewal.
7. Upon completion of accredited Education program send the following to the Alabama Department of Education.
   
   • Application packet
   • $20 application fee
   • Official Transcripts of all degrees and credits earned
   • Two fingerprint cards, a Release Form, a Background Review Consent Form, and $49 nonrefundable fingerprint fee
   • Copies of APTTP test scores
   
   
   To: Teacher Education and Certification Office
   5215 Gordon Persons Building
   Post Office Box 302101
   Montgomery, AL. 36130-2101
   

The largest school districts in Alabama are District 4 in Birmingham, District 8 in Huntsville, District 5 in Montgomery, and District 1 in Mobile. These large districts are a good place for new teachers to find employment quickly. Alabama has a nice teacher job board called, ‘Teach In Alabama’ that gives easy access to many job offerings within the state of Alabama.