4 Steps to Earning Your Teaching Certification in Alabama 

It’s an exciting time to earn your teaching certification in Alabama:  

• The Alabama’s TEAMS act  now offers qualifying STEM teachers up to $20,000 more each year. 
   

• The Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) provides long-term incentives, such as retirement plans and competitive health benefits.  
   

• You could even qualify for over $30,000 in student loan forgiveness through the state of Alabama.  

While money isn’t all that matters, these tangible benefits make an already rewarding career much more feasible. So, where do you start? 

We broke down Alabama’s teaching certification process into four simple steps, giving you a clear view of what to do next: 

Step 1: Earn your education degree. 

The path to becoming a teacher in Alabama begins with learning. You’ll need to complete at least a bachelor’s degree in a program approved by the Alabama State Department of Education.  These programs will provide instruction in the principles of teaching and allow you to specialize in a specific subject, like math or history, for secondary school teaching.  

Note that the specifics of each program could differ, including the subject areas they cover. Carefully consider the area of teaching you’d like to pursue and make sure the program you apply for offers it.  

Step 2: Gain some classroom experience. 

The program you select will also require you to spend some time teaching in the classroom. This could include teaching internships, where you’ll have the chance to put what you’re learning into practice in a supervised environment. 

Part 3: Pass the required tests. 

Before acquiring your teaching certification, you must meet the requirements of the Alabama Educator Certification Assessment Program (AECAP). This program consists of two assessments:  

1. The Praxis® Subject Assessment: Designed to test both general teaching skills and subject-specific knowledge, such as math or history 
    

2. The Education Teacher Performance Assessments (edTPA®): An evaluation of your portfolio of work at the end of your program  

Both assessments ensure that you are well-versed to teach in your area of study.  

Part 4: Apply for your teaching certification.  

The Alabama State Department of Education is responsible for certifying teachers. Upon successful completion of your degree program, your institution will recommend you for approval to Alabama’s Department of Education.  

To officially earn your teaching certification, you’ll need to make sure you: 

1. Complete the above steps. 

2. Submit your official transcripts.  

3. Complete any other necessary requirements, like a background check.  

Athens State: THE Place to Complete Your Degree 

Our College of Education offers multiple bachelor’s degree programs leading to teaching certification in several focus areas, covering both elementary and secondary education.  

If you’re interested in teaching in Alabama, explore our education programs or talk with an admission counselor today!