Becoming a certified teacher in Delaware involves navigating a specific set of academic, testing, and application requirements overseen by the state’s Department of Education (DoE). The process is designed to ensure that all educators possess the necessary foundational knowledge and specialized skills before entering a public or charter school classroom. Aspiring teachers must understand the distinction between a state-issued license, which grants permission to practice, and a certificate, which specifies the subject area or grade level one is qualified to teach.
Educational Foundation and Degree Requirements
The initial step toward teaching in Delaware requires securing a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. For individuals pursuing the traditional route, the degree must incorporate the completion of a state-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP).
An approved EPP combines rigorous coursework with field placements and culminates in a supervised student teaching experience. These programs ensure candidates develop practical classroom experience and pedagogical skills prior to being recommended for certification. The Delaware DoE maintains a list of approved programs, which can be located both in-state and out-of-state, provided the institution holds the proper accreditation. Completion of the EPP is documented on the applicant’s official transcripts and is a prerequisite for licensure.
Required Examinations for Certification
Delaware mandates that all prospective educators demonstrate proficiency in both core academic skills and their specific content area through standardized testing. The primary general knowledge test is the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators, which assesses competency in reading, writing, and mathematics. Candidates must achieve specific passing scores on each of the three subtests, though a minimum score on the SAT or ACT may be accepted as an alternative to the Praxis Core.
The second layer of testing involves the Praxis Subject Assessments, which are specific to the content area or grade level the applicant intends to teach. The required passing scores for these assessments are set by the Delaware Professional Standards Board and can be found on the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Praxis website. Test scores must be forwarded directly and electronically to the Delaware Department of Education to be considered valid for the application process.
Obtaining Initial Licensure and Standard Certification
The formal application is submitted to the Delaware Department of Education (DoE) after all academic and testing prerequisites have been met. Delaware employs a two-part credentialing system, requiring applicants to hold both a License and a Standard Certificate. The Initial License grants the authorization to work in a public or charter school in the state and is typically valid for four years.
The applicant must also apply for at least one Standard Certificate, which verifies the educator’s knowledge and skill to teach a particular subject or category of students. Required documentation includes official transcripts showing the bachelor’s degree and EPP completion, along with verification of passing test scores. Applicants must also complete a criminal background check and fingerprinting. This administrative process is often completed through the Delaware Educator Data System (DEEDS) portal.
Alternative Routes for Career Changers
Delaware offers structured pathways for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree but did not complete a traditional educator preparation program. The Alternative Routes to Certification (ARTC) programs are designed for career changers and those with relevant industry experience to transition into teaching, often in high-needs subjects. Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree and either have at least 24 college credits in the content area they wish to teach or pass the relevant Praxis Subject Assessment.
Participants in an ARTC program are typically hired by a school district or charter school as a “Teacher of Record.” They receive an Initial License while completing professional education coursework and supervised teaching. The provisional nature of this route requires the candidate to complete all program requirements, including academic courses and performance assessments, within the period of the Initial License to qualify for a Standard Certificate.
Maintaining and Renewing Professional Certification
An educator’s Initial License is valid for four years and must be upgraded to a Continuing License before it expires. To move to this next tier, the teacher must have completed a Comprehensive Induction Program (CIP) or mentoring program, which is often a four-year commitment. Additionally, the educator must not have received more than one unsatisfactory annual evaluation during the term of the Initial License.
The Continuing License is valid for five years and requires renewal to remain active. Renewal necessitates the completion of ninety clock hours of professional development (PD) during the five-year cycle. Standard Certificates, which authorize teaching a specific subject, are valid indefinitely and are not subject to the renewal requirements of the license.