Get Licensed Internationally 

Get licensed internationally 

(outside the USA)

Teacher licensure programs in the United States prepare teachers by covering educational foundations, learning theories, classroom management, instructional strategies, curriculum design, special education, and educational psychology. They also cover literacy, assessment, professionalism, instructional planning, technology, field experience, multicultural education, policy, and community engagement. This foundation ensures candidates meet teaching demands and impact student learning.

The teacher practicum in US programs ranges from several weeks to a full academic year, with most programs requiring 12 to 16 weeks. It provides supervised teaching experience, allowing teachers to apply knowledge, develop strategies, manage classrooms, engage with students, build confidence, and gain feedback from mentors.

Steps

Firstly, it will be necessary that you are at a school which has an accreditation recognized by both the US State Department and the US Department of Education. Those accrediting bodies are:

• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA-CESS), www.msa-cess.org/.

• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) - Commission on International Education (CIE), cie.neasc.org/.

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), www.cognia.org/.

• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), www.acswasc.org/.

Secondly, you will need a mentor teacher with at least 2 years of classroom teaching experience with a valid teacher license. You will also need a school principal with a valid US leadership license.

Any degrees earned at US universities will be automatically accepted by your selected program. Any degrees earned outside the United States must be approved through a credential evaluation process (explained below). However, if you have any degrees from these universities, your degrees will be accepted once your transcripts have been verified:

• American University in Cairo (AUC), www.aucegypt.edu/.

• American University of Afghanistan (AUAF), www.auaf.edu.af/.

• American University of Armenia (AUA), www.aua.am/.

• American University of Beirut (AUB), www.aub.edu.lb/.

• American University of Central Asia (AUCA), www.auca.kg/.

• American University of Kuwait (AUK), www.auk.edu.kw/.

• American University of Nigeria (AUN), www.aun.edu.ng/.

• American University of Paris (AUP), www.aup.edu/.

• American University of Sharjah (AUS), www.aus.edu/.

• American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC), www.aucmed.edu/.

Credential Evaluation

Credential evaluation is a process where a specialized organization assesses and translates foreign academic qualifications into their US equivalents. This evaluation helps US universities, employers, and licensing boards understand the educational background of students who have completed their studies outside US schools.

Key Steps in Credential Evaluation:

1.  Selecting a Credential Evaluation Service

Students typically choose an evaluation service recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE).

2.  Submitting Documents

Students must provide official transcripts, diplomas, and other relevant academic documents from their foreign institutions. These documents may need to be translated into English.

3. Evaluation Process

The evaluation service reviews the submitted documents to determine the equivalency of the foreign education to US standards. This can include assessing the level, scope, and content of the educational program.

4.  Receiving the Evaluation Report

After the review, the service provides an evaluation report that outlines the US equivalency of the foreign degree. This report is then submitted to the US university, employer, or licensing board as part of the application process.

Recognized Credential Evaluation Services

• • •  World Education Services, www.wes.org/.

    •  Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), www.ece.org/.

    •  Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. (JS&A), www.jsilny.org/.

    •  International Education Research Foundation (IERF), www.ierf.org/.

    •  SpanTran: The Evaluation Company, www.spantran.com/.

Programs which grant teacher license training

These programs provide multiple pathways to obtain a valid teaching license online, catering to various specializations, costs, and time commitments to suit diverse needs and backgrounds. One is not "better" than another. Differences are in focus of program.

• American College of Education (ACE)

"Master of Arts in Teaching." American College of Education, www.ace.edu/program/master-of-arts-in-teaching-elementary-education/.

Description: The American College of Education offers an online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with concentrations in Elementary and Secondary Education. The program includes coursework on teaching strategies, classroom management, and educational technology, culminating in a student teaching experience.

Estimated Price: Approximately $9,500 for the entire program.

Time Required: 18 months to 2 years.

• Arizona State University (ASU) Online

"Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Early Childhood Education." Arizona State University, www.asuonline.asu.edu/online-degree-programs/graduate/master-education-curriculum-and-instruction-early-childhood-education/. 

Description: ASU Online offers a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Early Childhood Education. This program prepares students for initial teacher licensure and includes coursework in child development, learning environments, and teaching methods. 

Estimated Price: Approximately $11,916 for the entire program. 

Time Required: Approximately 2 years.

• Florida State University (FSU) Online 

"Online Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction." Florida State University, www.distance.fsu.edu/programs/masters-degree-curriculum-and-instruction. 

Description: FSU offers an online Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction designed for those seeking initial teacher licensure. The program focuses on educational research, curriculum development, and instructional strategies, combining online coursework with practical experiences. 

Estimated Price: Approximately $15,000 for the entire program. 

Time Required: Approximately 2 years.

• Liberty University Online 

"Online Master of Arts in Teaching." Liberty University, www.liberty.edu/online/education/masters/teaching/. 

Description: Liberty University offers an online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) that prepares students for initial licensure in Elementary, Secondary, or Special Education. The program includes core courses, practicum experiences, and student teaching. 

Estimated Price: Approximately $415 per credit hour (total cost varies based on the number of credits required). 

Time Required: Approximately 1.5 to 2 years.

• Moreland University 

"TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program." Moreland University, www.moreland.edu/programs/teach-now/. 

Description: Moreland University offers the TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, designed for individuals seeking an alternative route to teacher certification. The program features project-based learning, virtual classrooms, and clinical practice experiences. 

Estimated Price: Approximately $6,000 for the entire program. 

Time Required: 9 months to 1 year.

• University of Southern California (USC) Rossier School of Education 

"Master of Arts in Teaching." USC Rossier School of Education, www.rossier.usc.edu/programs/masters/teacher-preparation/. 

Description: The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at USC Rossier School of Education is designed for aspiring teachers looking to earn a teaching credential online. The program offers concentrations in various subjects, combining online coursework with field-based experiences. 

Estimated Price: Approximately $48,000 for the entire program. 

Time Required: Approximately 2 years.

• University of West Florida (UWF) Online

"TeacherReady Online Teacher Certification Program." University of West Florida, www.teacherready.org/. 

Description: The TeacherReady program from the University of West Florida is an alternative teacher certification program delivered online. It is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree and want to become certified teachers. The program includes online coursework and a field experience component. 

Estimated Price: Approximately $6,000 for the entire program. 

Time Required: Approximately 9 months.

• Western Governors University (WGU) 

"Teachers College." Western Governors University, www.wgu.edu/online-teaching-degrees/become-teacher.html. 

Description: Western Governors University offers various online programs for aspiring teachers, including Elementary Education, Special Education, and Secondary Education. WGU’s competency-based learning model allows students to progress through courses as soon as they demonstrate mastery of the material. The program includes coursework, clinical practice, and a demonstration teaching experience. 

Estimated Price: Approximately $3,575 per six-month term (total cost varies based on the time taken to complete the program). 

Time Required: 1 to 2 years, depending on the student’s pace and transfer credits.

Summary of Programs

• Most affordable path to teacher licensure: Moreland University and UWF Online. Both are $6,000 USD.

• Fastest route to teacher licensure: Moreland University and UWF Online, 9 months.

• Most affordable path to a Master’s degree with a teacher license: ACE.

Take the Teacher License Exam

This is your last step. Depending in which program you chose and which US state you wish to hold your license, you will take the appropriate exam at an exam provider. Currently, the most common exams are offered through Praxis. Typically, aspiring grades 6 to 12 teachers may also add subject specialties, but this is dependent upon the subject one plans to teach and the state of license registration. K-6 teachers have their own exam which determines their preparedness to teach a wide range of topics as a homeroom teacher.

Educational Testing Service (ETS)

• Offers the Praxis Series tests, which are widely used by many states for teacher certification.

Pearson Education

• Administers various teacher licensure exams such as the National Evaluation Series (NES) and state-specific tests like the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) and the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES).

Whatever your decision, good luck!

For the busy teacher:

If you are not able to pursue teacher training at the moment, or, you have been out of teacher training for a long time and want to 'brush up' on modern strategies, try these resources:

• Edutopia, www.edutopia.org/.

• "Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Introduction to Student Assessment." Coursera, www.coursera.org/learn/learning-assessment?msockid=3d49bb37df1b6ad62891a999de1f6bb3.

• “Free Courses." The Open University, www.open.edu/openlearn/free-courses/full-catalogue.

• "Khan Academy for Teachers." Khan Academy, www.khanacademy.org/educator.

• "Professional Excellence.” National Education Association (NEA), www.nea.org/professional-excellence.

• Lemov, Doug. Teach Like a Champion 2.0: 62 Techniques that Put Students on the Path to College. Jossey-Bass, 2015. [Book]

• "Teach Like a Champion." Doug Lemov, teachlikeachampion.com/.

• TeacherVision, www.teachervision.com/.

• Teaching Channel, www.teachingchannel.com/.

• “Teaching Courses.” Future Learn, www.futurelearn.com/subjects/teaching-courses.

Remember: Teachers are lifelong learners, and we always support each other! 🏆