Traditional Route to Certification

1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree
To start your journey as a teacher in Utah, you’ll first need to earn a bachelor’s degree. This degree should ideally be from an accredited institution and focus on education or a specific subject area you wish to teach.

2. Pass the Praxis Exam
After completing your degree and student teaching, the next step is to pass the Praxis exam in your chosen teaching area. The Praxis series includes various assessments that evaluate your knowledge and skills in teaching. Depending on your specific subject area, you may need to take multiple Praxis exams, which cover both general teaching skills and content-specific knowledge.

3. Complete Required Student Teaching Hours
As part of your degree program, you’ll be required to complete a student teaching component. This involves hands-on experience in a classroom under the supervision of a licensed teacher. Typically, this includes several weeks or even a full semester where you will plan lessons, assess student performance, and manage a classroom.

4. Apply for a Teaching License
Once you have completed your degree, student teaching, and passed the necessary Praxis exams, you can apply for a teaching license through the Utah State Board of Education. You will need to submit proof of your educational credentials, student teaching experience, and exam scores. Upon approval, you will receive your teaching license, allowing you to officially begin your teaching career. This will need to be renewed every 3-5 years.