Is your dream to shape the future minds of Utah? If so, you’re in the right place. This practical guide will walk you through the steps on how to get a teaching license in Utah. Let’s start!

Identify the Type of Teaching License You Need

Before anything else, it’s important to identify which type of teaching license you need. Like ordering at your favorite local diner, you have options. The Utah State Board of Education offers a variety of licenses, each with its own unique flavor. So, what does the menu look like?

  • Professional Educator License: This is the main course. It’s what most people think of when they imagine a teaching license. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree, completion of a teacher preparation program, and a passing score on the required Utah exams.
  • Associate Educator License: This is more like an appetizer, a stepping stone to the main course. It’s designed for those who have a bachelor’s degree but haven’t completed a teacher preparation program. You’ll need to pass the required Utah exams and then you can teach under supervision while you finish your preparation program.
  • Local Education Agency (LEA) Specific Educator License: This is the specialty dish, created for those who have expertise in a specific area and are hired to teach that subject. You don’t need a bachelor’s degree for this, but you do need to show competency in your specialty area.

So, whether you’re looking for the full Utah teaching experience or just a taste, there’s a license to fit your needs. Knowing what you’re after is the first step in understanding how to get a teaching license in Utah. So, which one will it be?

Complete Your Bachelor’s Degree and Teacher Preparation Program

Now that you’ve decided on the type of teaching license you want, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty details. If you’re aiming for the Professional Educator License or the Associate Educator License, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree. But not just any degree, it should be from a regionally accredited institution. No shortcuts here, folks!

But don’t stop there! Alongside your bachelor’s degree, you’ll also need to complete a teacher preparation program. You might think of this as your training wheels—giving you the practical skills and knowledge to peddle confidently into the classroom. You can find these programs at many Utah universities such as the University of Utah or Brigham Young University. So, which institution will be your launching pad into the world of teaching?

Remember, getting a degree and going through a teacher preparation program are significant steps in understanding how to get a teaching license in Utah. It’s like a two-for-one deal—you get your education and your preparation in one go. So, are you ready to hit the books and shape the future of Utah?

Pass the Required Exams for Utah

After getting that precious degree and completing your teacher preparation program, what’s next on your journey to figuring out how to get a teaching license in Utah? Exams! Yes, those daunting, nerve-wracking tests! But don’t worry—put on your thinking cap and take a deep breath. You’ve got this!

In Utah, you need to pass two exams: the Praxis II Content Knowledge test and the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test. The Content Knowledge test is subject-specific, so it depends on what you want to teach. Are you a math whiz or a history buff? Either way, there’s a test for you.

The PLT, on the other hand, is all about how you teach. It’s your chance to show you’ve got what it takes to engage, inspire, and educate the students of Utah. So, get your pens, papers, and highlighters ready. It’s time to ace these exams and move one step closer to your teaching license!

Submit Your Utah Teaching License Application

With the tests conquered, it’s time to move on to the next station in your how-to-get-a-teaching-license-in-Utah journey. It’s all about submitting your application. Think of it as your golden ticket to the world of teaching in Utah.

But where to start? You’ll need to submit your application through the Utah State Board of Education’s Comprehensive Administration of Credentials for Teachers in Utah Schools (CACTUS). It’s a mouthful, but don’t let that scare you. This online system is your best friend in the application process.

In your application, you’ll include all the details about your education, your test scores, and any teaching experience you have. You’ll also need to pay an application fee. Once you’ve checked all the boxes and hit the submit button, it’s time to play the waiting game. Don’t worry, though—it’ll be worth it when you get that teaching license in hand.

Maintain and Upgrade Your Teaching License

Now that you’ve figured out how to get a teaching license in Utah, the journey doesn’t stop there. It’s important to maintain and upgrade your license to keep your teaching career on track.

Firstly, you’ll need to renew your license every five years. This involves earning professional learning points (PLPs) through ongoing education or professional development activities. It’s like keeping your teaching muscles fit and healthy!

But what if you want to take your career to the next level? Then it’s time to consider upgrading your license. This could mean getting an endorsement in a specific subject area or pursuing a master’s degree or doctorate in education.

Remember, upgrading isn’t just about adding more letters after your name—it’s about becoming the best teacher you can be. So, are you ready to climb to new heights in your teaching career in Utah?