Members of SOE Spring 2024 CTA Graduates

Educator Certification by State

Educator Certification Requirements by State

Successful completion of an American University School of Education Educator Preparation Program, including the Teacher Education Program (Undergraduate and MAT); the Antiracist Supervision, Administration, and Leadership Certificate Program; and the Reading Specialist Certificate Program, is typically accepted for state certification across the US. See below for detailed information by state.

*The below content was accurate as of June 11, 2024.

US States where AU's initial teaching certification is accepted for work or licensure.

Education Requirement for Initial Teaching Licensure

State name | Are teacher certifications accepted? | + For more information

Alabama - YES

Hold a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.
Complete a state-approved educator preparation program (traditional or alternative route) in the teaching field you wish to be certified in.

Alaska - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Complete an approved educator preparation program. This can be a traditional program as part of your degree or an alternative certification program.

Arizona - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
Complete an approved teacher preparation program or an alternative certification program.

Arkansas - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
Complete a state-approved educator preparation program (traditional route) or an alternative certification program.

California - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an accredited teacher preparation program.

Colorado - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an approved educator preparation program.

Connecticut - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete a state-approved educator preparation program.

Delaware - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an approved teacher preparation program.

Florida - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an accredited teacher preparation program.

Georgia - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an approved teacher preparation program.

Hawaii - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an approved educator preparation program.

Idaho - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an approved educator preparation program.

Illinois - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an accredited teacher preparation program.

Indiana - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an approved educator preparation program.

Iowa - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an accredited teacher preparation program.

Kansas - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an approved educator preparation program.

Kentucky - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an accredited teacher preparation program.

Louisiana - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an approved educator preparation program.

Maine - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an accredited teacher preparation program.

Maryland - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an approved educator preparation program.

Massachusetts - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an accredited teacher preparation program.

Michigan - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an approved educator preparation program.

Minnesota - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an accredited teacher preparation program.

Mississippi - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an approved educator preparation program.

Missouri - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an accredited teacher preparation program.

Montana - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an approved educator preparation program.

Nebraska - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an accredited teacher preparation program.

Nevada - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an approved educator preparation program.

New Hampshire - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an accredited teacher preparation program.

New Jersey - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an approved educator preparation program.

New Mexico- NO

Application is required regardless of in-state or out-of-state license.

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an accredited teacher preparation program.

New York - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an approved educator preparation program.

North Carolina - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an accredited teacher preparation program.

North Dakota - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an approved educator preparation program.

Ohio - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an accredited teacher preparation program.

Oklahoma - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an approved educator preparation program.

Oregon - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an accredited teacher preparation program.

Pennsylvania - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an approved educator preparation program.

Rhode Island - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an accredited teacher preparation program.

South Carolina - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an approved educator preparation program.

South Dakota - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an accredited teacher preparation program.

Tennessee - YES

Hold at least a bachelor's degree.
Complete an approved educator preparation program.

Texas - NO - Apply through City Teaching Alliance

While our main programs do not meet the criteria for licensure in Texas, you may apply to our Master of Arts in Teaching program through City Teaching Alliance here.