Requirements for ECE Teacher Certification in Indiana
The advantages of children going to preschool to prepare them to enter kindergarten has been largely embraced by most states throughout the country. The state of Indiana is often called the Hoosier State with a great love of basketball, but it currently gets a grade of C+ by some organizations that score public education offered in States across the Nation. Indiana is one of only 11 states in the country that doesn't provide funding for preschools. Even so, preschool teachers are still in demand and, with a new program starting up that promises to increase funding for early education, there may be a sharp increase in the need for early childhood educators in the coming years.
Step 1. Begin Your Approved Teacher Preparation Program
Indiana requires the completion of an approved preparation program for early education teachers. Usually these programs go hand-in hand with earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree. However, as long as you complete a degree from a regionally accredited college, university, or school you can take a certification preparation program after the fact, if you didn’t complete one as part of your degree.
Prospective teachers do need coursework in early childhood education as well as childhood development, even if you opt for the post-graduate preparation program. For those seeking this type of employment, you will want a program that offers coursework that teaches you techniques and methodology for teaching. It should give you student teaching experience as well, that is, hands-on experience in a classroom. With multiple approved programs in the state, there are plenty of opportunities to gain the necessary early childhood education you need.
Coursework should include a foundation of scientifically-based reading instruction, English language arts, science, mathematics, physical education, health and wellness, and social studies. You will need to have either taken and scored well enough on an SAT, ACT, or GRE or you may be required to take 'CASA’ which is the Indiana Core Academic Skills Assessment. This test determines a candidate’s skill levels in mathematics, writing, and reading to ensure that they are satisfactory in all subjects taught by a preschool teacher.
Step 2. Examinations
After a candidate has completed their degree program and their teacher preparation, it will then be necessary to take two additional exams. The Content Assessment tests a candidate’s knowledge of early childhood generalist topics including: reading, mathematics, science, health, and social studies. The second test is specifically for early childhood education. A candidate will need to get at least a score of 220 on each test in order to pass. They can be taken any time of the year at one of the official CBT sites. There are only 3 available testing sites in the state, so you’ll want to register ahead of time and make certain you have time to get there early so you can take the test and obtain your licensure.
Step 3. Additional Courses Needed for Licensure
As well as teaching qualifications, you will also be required to pass approved training for secondary safety skills. These include: performing the Heimlich maneuver, CPR, and the use of an automatic external defibrillator or AED, and passing a background check. Some teachers may already possess a valid certification in these techniques and, if so, they may be exempted from the need to take additional courses. It may also be necessary to take a course on child suicide when getting your initial licensure. The world of a child has become more complicated over the last several years and teachers are required to be prepared for more and more challenging situations.
Step 4. Get Your Initial License
Once a candidate has met all the requirements mentioned above, they will then be eligible to apply for their initial licensure. The Indiana Department of Education and the LVIS is where you will submit your application. They have many online training seminars as well as training manuals that will tell you exactly how you will create your profile and how to easily update it. These lectures will also walk you through the steps of applying for your licensure in the state. Since the application process takes place almost entirely on this website, it is important for you to familiarize yourself with it.
Step 5. Complete Your Eligibility to Apply for Your Proficient Teacher Licensure
Once you have come to the end of your 2-year initial license and, provided you have completed IMAP, then you will be able to apply for a practitioner license which will be good for five years. This will mean applying for the license using your profile on the LVIS and you'll need to get your employer to send the IDOE your school IMAP approval form.
When it's time to renew your proficient practitioner license you will need to show that you have completed a minimum of six credit hours at a regionally accredited University or College. Very often preschool teachers will meet this requirement by working towards a master's degree. Six credit hours won’t complete a degree, but with a little extra work each year, it certainly won’t take long. This extra work can result in a Master’s in Education, a Master of Arts in Teaching, or a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning.
Popular Career Choices
Preschool Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
Special Education Teacher
The Governor Approves A Pre-Kindergarten Pilot Program
Although the state is one of the few in the country that still does not provide funding for pre-kindergarten, the governor has in recent years signed a pilot program for the benefit of pre-k students into law. This program will make grants available to children who are eligible. The Family and Social Services Administration in Indiana has been given the responsibility of overseeing and administering these grants. The most likely candidates for these programs are non-profit providers, public-school districts, and other non-profit organizations. These funds are the first designated by the state toward Pre-K education. By some estimations, it could cover the cost for as many as 4,000 children. It is considered a positive step forward for the Hoosier state and its education program.
Accredited Indiana Programs
The Indiana Department of Education has three main licenses that a preschool teacher would want to consider. The first is called the initial practitioner (IP) license and it is specifically for new teachers. This license is issued for 2 years and is meant to be replaced at the end of that time with the next license level. In order to apply for the next license, you will need to complete the IMAP or Indiana Mentor and Assessment Program. This program requires you to enroll to participate both years that you hold your IP license. The second year you will complete the assessment tool for teachers, based on the five INTASC Principles. When you receive your letter of completion from your school on school letterhead, you will be able to then apply for your Practitioner license.
The next level is the proficient practitioner license. This license is issued for 5 years and usually only given to those teachers who have completed IMAP. You can also complete a PGP (Professional Growth Plan) to gain licensure, but this is a complicated process that you’ll have to work out with your school district and gain the necessary CEU’s during the 2 years you hold initial licensure.
Finally, there is the accomplished practitioner license which will be issued for 10 years and given to those who have met all of the state's requirements and demonstrated their ability to be a highly proficient teacher.
Just as in other states, Indiana has alternative routes for teachers. If someone comes from another state, they may be able to receive licensure if the Indiana Department of Education determines that their out-of-state qualifications are satisfactory for Indiana. There may be situations where an out-of-state teacher is found to have some deficiency to meet all the requirements set by Indiana and in this case, they may be given a reciprocal permit that will let the individual teach while at the same time receiving training in the areas of deficiency to meet the state's requirements.
The LVIS is the Licensing Verification and Information System used in Indiana. This is where you complete the step-by-step process. There will be some fees involved and it will be necessary to provide official transcripts as proof of your qualifications in the state you come from as well as meeting all the required assessments.
Early Childhood Education (ECE) Degree Programs Available in Indiana
There are well over two dozen approved programs available for those wanting to enter the workforce as a preschool or other early education teacher. If you're still a high school student, then you might want to talk to a counselor to make sure that you are taking classes that will help you as you move through the qualification process. You can also ask if there are opportunities to work as a teacher's assistant to gain real-world experience.
Ball State University
This is a respected state-run research school. You can earn a 4-year degree in early childhood education and in elementary education. They also offer a few choices towards a master's degree as well as doctoral degrees.
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance Services; MS.
Curriculum and Instruction; MS., Dr, & Post-grad Certificate
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; BS.
Education; Post-grad Certificate
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs; BS.
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Autism; MS. & Post-grad Certificate
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Emotional Disturbances; Post-grad Certificate
Educational Leadership and Administration; MS., Dr., & Post-Grad Certificate
Educational, Instructional, and Curriculum Supervision; Dr.
Elementary and Middle school Administration/Principalship; Post-grad Certificate
Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching; undergrad & Post-grad Certificate
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching; BS. & MS.
Reading Teacher Education; Post-grad Certificate
Special Education and Teaching; MS., Dr., & Post-Grad Certificate
Accreditation By: General Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission; Education Program Accreditation by CAEP
Manchester University
This is a traditional liberal arts school. You can earn an associate's degree in early childhood education at this college or go on to complete your bachelor's degree in elementary education.
Degrees Offered:
Education, General; BS
Elementary Education and Teaching; BS.
Accreditation By: General Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission; Education Program Accreditation by NCATE
Butler University
This is a School of Science and they offer a liberal arts education. The University has a bachelor degree program in elementary education. This school also offers a graduate initial licensure program that teachers can complete.
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance Services; MS.
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; BS.
Education, General; BS. & MS.
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Vision Impairments Including Blindness; Post-grad Certificate
Educational Leadership and administration; MS.
Elementary Education and Teaching; BS.
Special Education and Teaching; Post-grad Certificate
Student Counseling and Personnel Services; Post-grad Certificate
Accreditation By: General Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission; Education Program Accreditation by NCATE
Indiana University Bloomington
Indiana University has eight campuses and Bloomington is considered the state’s flagship campus. When you come to the school you can complete whatever degree level that you like. It offers Bachelor degrees, masters degrees, and doctoral degrees in elementary education and early childhood education. Some of the other campuses also have a number of degree programs available.
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance Services; MS. & Dr.
Curriculum and Instruction; Dr.
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; BS.
Education, General; MS., Dr., & Post-grad Certificate
Educational Leadership & Administration; MS. & Dr.
Elementary Education and Teaching; BS. & MS.
Special Education and Teaching; BS., MS., & Dr.
Speech Teacher Education; MS. & Dr.
Accreditation By: General Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission; Education Program Accreditation by CAEP; School Psychology Program accredited by the American Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation.
Those that have actually presently finished a bachelor's degree however did not complete a teacher prep work program may be prospects for a various course to educator accreditation in Indiana. Alternate courses can be a practical approach to begin a career as a classroom instructor, enabling you to get experience while completing common instructor qualification needs.
Those looking for a various path to teacher qualification in Indiana need to hold at least a bachelor's degree. Leads should fulfill the precise very same qualifications as standard path instructors ahead to be absolutely certified yet could receive added time to meet the requirements while coach in a course configuration. People following this path generally complete a post-graduate certificate or a master's level in education as well as learning as components of an alternate teacher prep work program.
Nonetheless, there is an increased path for master's level proprietors, in addition to a path for job and likewise technical education and learning topics that might not require a bachelor's level. Nevertheless, in all situations, teachers will absolutely call for the end of official teacher training in order to wind up being certified. If you hold a master's level or higher, Indiana utilizes a postgraduate degree path that leads to an instructional permit at the second (qualities 6-12) degree.
When supplied, this certification enables you to instruct in Indiana charter organizations, nevertheless not various other sort of public K-12 schools. Individuals with a bachelor's level could happen to be approved to show in Indiana through Change to Coach. Change to Coach programs are two-semester curricula that prepare those with bachelor's degrees carefully content places to end up being certified.
You can see a listing of licensed Adjustment to Teaching programs by means of the Indiana Department of Education And Also Learning. The Task Expert authorization is for those that meet amongst the following: A bachelor's level in the based upon be instructed with a Grade Point Average of at the very least 3.0, a passing rating on the CORE material exam, as well as likewise 4,000 hrs of work experience in the past 5 years pertinent to the material location to be taught. A bachelor's degree in the based upon be instructed with a GPA of at the very least 3.0 in addition to at the very least 5,000 hrs of job experience in the previous seven years referring to the material location to be taught. A passing rating on the CORE material licensure exam plus 5,000 humans resources of work experience in the past 7 years in the material area to be taught. The Job Specialist authorization, when provided, allows the proprietor to lead a class mentor in a specific topic while finishing educator training.
Either before or during completion of a teacher preparation job program, prospects for different instructor qualifications in Indiana have to take as well as pass the appropriate Indiana CORE Academic Abilities Analysis (CASA), which determines understanding in the material areas to be instructed. To discover extra on specific examinations required by topic as well as top quality degree, speak to the Indiana Department of Education and learning teacher screening internet site. Those that already hold a training certificate in one more state as well as hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accepted establishment might apply for a Reciprocatory Authorization, which means one year as well as is not renewable.
Requirements for a Preliminary Professional Indiana mentor permit include posting passing scores on the required evaluations along with consisting of any type of sort of educational deficiencies. For a lot more information, visit our overview to mentor license reciprocity or call the Indiana Department of Education And Learning. Due to the truth that the various certification procedures are intricate, we have in fact explored as well as provided detailed college programs listed below for people who have a bachelor's level beyond education and also want to become an instructor.
Indiana is a wonderful state in which to work as a teacher. The qualification treatment for in-state teachers is managed by the Indiana Division of Education as well as is outlined here to help you discover precisely how to end up being a teacher in Indiana. In order to be qualified for Indiana educator licensing, candidates have to hold a bachelor's degree, complete an accepted educator prep work program, and pass the state-required examinations.
You can find a list of accredited in-state programs listed below. The Division of Education and learning and also finding out additionally provides a listing of approved online along with distance programs. Universities that are not accepted or that are out-of-state in addition to not having local accreditation will not accredit potential customers for Indiana instructor licensure. To contrast essential metrics for these state-approved teacher prep work programs, you can use the sortable table on our Indiana establishments web page.
Accreditation from this company, which is the result of the financial obligation combination of the National Council for Certification of Teacher Education (NCATE) as well as the Teacher Education And Learning And Also Learning Accreditation Council (TEAC), is considered as a marker of quality in instructor education and learning. Indiana educator accreditation guidelines require candidates to complete an educator preparation job program at an authorized as well as accredited university, either while making a bachelor's degree or after.
After ending up an approved Indiana instructor preparation job program, potential customers should take the Indiana CORE Academic Abilities Analysis (CASA), which assesses expertise in the internet material areas to be informed. Prospects have to likewise take the Indiana REPA/REPA3 examination, which measures capabilities in addition to understanding in rearing as well as child improvement. Effective July 2019, the CASA basic abilities examination is no longer required for Indiana instructor licensing, though some instructor prep job programs might need it for program admission.
The fingerprint-based history check has to be sent out by means of Indiana's digital Fingerprinting Network (INkless) prior to the instructor certification application being submitted to the Division of Education and also learning. Additionally, Indiana requires all teachers to hold a legitimate accreditation in mouth to mouth resuscitation, the Heimlich Maneuver, along with automated outside defibrillator (AED) usage. These certifications need to be issued by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Company or different other suppliers authorized by the Division of Education and learning.
When candidates have completed all of the demands as stated by the Indiana Division of Education, the application for a teaching certification requires to be finished making use of the on-line Licensing Confirmation as well as also Info System (LVIS). Required maintaining documents contain: Proof of successful completion of an accredited Indiana instructor prep work program. Evidence of successful conclusion of calls for exams.
If you have not been thinking about going back to school for your next degree, then you need to take a closer look at what you need to know about teaching at a preschool. Here are some of the important facts that you will want to keep in mind when choosing an Indiana preschool school.
The first thing that you will need to be concerned about is your educational background. You will need to show that you have the skills to teach young children and are willing to work with children who are quite a few years older than you.
You may also want to have the ability to create your own classroom and even set your own rules for teaching your students. You will need to have the ability to explain the concept of math to your students in a way that they can understand. You will also need to be able to show students that you have the right attitude towards learning.
When you decide that it is time for you to go back to school for a new degree, you will need to choose a preschool that you can feel comfortable working with. Many schools have different requirements, so you will want to find a school that you can get along with.
Going back to school can be an overwhelming time for many people. Your job as a preschool teacher is to help students learn all of the concepts that they need to succeed. You need to make sure that your class members learn what they need to know in order to learn how to get the most out of their education.
In order to be successful, you need to make sure that you make time to interact with students. You should be available to answer any questions that you have and help students understand the concepts that you are teaching.
Make sure that you do not forget to provide your own tools for teaching and you do not rely on a large classroom to keep your students engaged. This will help make sure that they stay on task with their lessons and get the most from them.
If you want to get started on your career as a preschool teacher in Indianapolis, you will want to take a close look at what degree options that you have to choose from. You will be able to make the best choice by making sure that you know what it is that you want to do before you even begin.
Once you are ready to get started, make sure that you find a school that you can work with. A school that you will enjoy working with is one that has a great curriculum and that offers a variety of courses that will be interesting for you.
The best way to make sure that you are choosing the right course for you is to spend some time on the internet. You will be able to see what schools in Indianapolis offer what courses. and you will also be able to see what other people are saying about the schools that you are considering.
After you make a list of what courses you want to take and what programs that you would like to get into, you need to make sure that you do all that you can to prepare for them. You can do this by getting good grades and by taking every college class that you can get a hold of. You will want to make sure that you are not taking extra classes just to get into a certain program because you think that it is necessary.
You will also need to make sure that you are taking care of your grades so that you do not have to worry about your next job as a teacher. It is very important that you are able to graduate from college on time and that you make sure that you work hard.
Finally, you will want to make sure that you are looking for jobs. If you are looking for a job in this field in Indianapolis, you will want to make sure that you are looking at all of the different schools that you can to make sure that you can find the best job that you will be able to have.
Career Options and Salary Info for Teachers
Because this was one of the states that were among the last to embrace pre-kindergarten, it is essentially having to play catch-up. For this reason, the preschool teacher jobs in the state will see significant growth over the next several years. Some projections suggest that it could be well over 40% higher than the national rate. The state is believed to need to increase its workforce by at least 1/4 as well as replacing a number of teachers that will be retiring over the next few years.
All of these factors mean that the position of preschool teacher in Indiana is likely to be a good choice with a secure future. According to a number of studies, the position of preschool teacher is believed to be one of the strongest and most secure occupations in terms of its likely growth over the next several years. Indiana would be one of the states needing a higher than average number of new preschool teachers.
Salaries are fairly comparable to those found throughout the country in this type of profession. The actual salary will depend on the part of the state where you teach as well as your qualifications and experience. The low-end of the salary scale is around $17,000 a year and the high-end is just under $40,000 a year. An average preschool teacher in the state will typically earn between $24,000 to $28,000 a year. The state currently employees well over 4,000 Preschool teachers and those numbers are likely to increase in the coming years.