How to Become a Teacher in Indiana

Teaching careers will experience growth from 2020-2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Choosing a degree in education or returning to college for a teaching degree can help professionals get started in this field.

To teach in Indiana, professionals need teaching licensure. Granted by the Indiana Department of Education, these licenses prove that teachers have the necessary qualifications, experience, and training to educate students in a classroom.

Professionals can find every type of teaching career at every grade level in Indiana, from preschool to postsecondary education. In the following sections, readers will learn how to become a teacher in Indiana and explore teaching careers available in the state. Readers can also discover answers to frequently asked questions about becoming a teacher in Indiana.

The Indiana Department of Education determines the qualifications for teachers in the state. Teaching licensure is required for anyone wishing to teach in a classroom. The state has two levels of licensure for teachers: initial practitioner and practitioner. Those just beginning their education career must apply for an initial practitioner license.

All in-state applicants must complete an approved preparation program, which can typically be fulfilled through any accredited education degree program in Indiana. Out-of-state applicants with current licensure from another state may apply for a reciprocal permit. Out-of-state applicants may still need to complete training programs and/or pass licensure tests.

The minimum education requirements for licensure in Indiana include:

The department of education provides a list of approved educator preparation programs. Applicants with current out-of-state licensure may not need to complete one of the approved educator preparation programs when applying for teaching certification in Indiana.

Aspiring teacher typically pursue a bachelor’s in education to earn their licensure. Those interested in teaching particular subjects — such as science, math, or history — could pursue specialized degrees in those areas. Indiana offers alternative licensure paths for graduates with specialized degrees.

Teachers seeking alternative or specialized licensure still need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA to qualify.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Indiana allows each accredited educator preparation program to set the amount of student teaching hours needed. Depending on the program, aspiring teachers may need anywhere from 0-900 student teaching hours when pursuing licensure.

Programs that do not require any student teaching hours typically follow one of the alternative licensure paths, where students earn a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than education.

Programs that do require student teaching hours expect students to learn how to design lesson plans and teach them in a classroom under the supervision of a licensed educator.

All teachers seeking licensure in Indiana must pass pedagogy tests. Some teachers may also need to pass specific subject tests to instruct higher grade levels. Readers should research what tests are needed for their specific grade level and subject matter, but may find some general testing information below.

Certification tests:

Some common subject tests may include:

Once teachers have completed their bachelor’s degree, student teaching hours, and licensure tests, they may apply for licensure through the Licensing Verification and Information System.

Applicants may need to upload verification of completed requirements, including test scores and approved student teaching hours. Aspiring teachers should reach out to their educator preparation program for the appropriate documentation.

Educators will need to pay a fee for their license or license renewal. Fees may include:

The initial practitioner license for teachers lasts two years. Teachers must renew this license if they do not have two years of full-time teaching experience at an accredited school. Applicants should not apply more than 45 days before the license expiration date and need valid CPR certification to qualify.

Teachers with two years of full-time experience can convert their license to a practitioner license. Before applying, teachers must either complete a two-year mentorship program or complete a personal growth plan. A practitioner’s license lasts five years.

Renewing a practitioner license requires completing six hours of renewal college coursework or completing a professional growth plan. The state requires applicants to submit official paperwork to prove they have met the necessary qualifications.

Teachers in Indiana public schools earned a range of annual salaries in 2021 from $32,280-$96,880. On average, teachers in Indiana public schools earned $54,000 annually. The BLS projects growth for education careers in all grade levels from preschool to postsecondary education from 2020-2030.

In general, educators with a master’s degree make more money than their counterparts with a bachelor’s degree. Earning a graduate degree also allows educators to pursue more advanced positions, such as teaching in universities or transferring to an administrative role.

However, readers must balance a potentially higher salary with the additional time and money it takes to earn a graduate-level degree. Educators should research whether going to graduate school is the right decision for them.

High School Teacher

High school teachers prepare lessons and instruct students in the classroom. Teachers are also responsible for grading assignments and providing feedback to their students to improve performance. Many high school teachers specialize in a subject, such as English, history, math, or science. These professionals may also get involved in extracurricular activities at the school.

Median Annual Salary: $62,870

Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers

Kindergarten and elementary school educators teach the foundations of math, reading, and writing. These teachers monitor each student’s progress and communicate with the parents to ensure each child gets the help and attention they need. Some elementary school teachers may prepare students to take standardized tests.

Median Annual Salary: $60,660

Middle School Teachers

Middle school teachers create curricula to teach in the classroom. Some middle school teachers may cover all general education topics, while others may specialize in a particular subject, such as math. Middle school teachers help students navigate standardized testing and prepare them for high school.

Median Annual Salary: $60,810

Preschool Teacher

Preschool teachers work with young children from birth to age five. These professionals teach basic skills, such as identifying shapes, colors, and letters. Preschool teachers create a curriculum for the classroom and monitor students for signs of emotional and/or developmental problems that they may need to communicate to parents or guardians.

Median Annual Salary: $31,930

Special Education Teachers

Special education teachers build curriculum plans to meet students’ emotional, developmental, and learning needs. These teachers may teach groups or work with individuals. Special education teachers may also work with parents to help them understand their child’s educational needs both inside and outside of the classroom.

Median Annual Salary: $61,500

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