Teachers are one of the most important figures in the workforce. Children enter their classrooms full of untapped potential, and through years of careful instruction and personal attention, they graduate as adults ready to pursue careers and higher education. Taking on the responsibility of working in education takes the right degree, not just for certification purposes, but to prepare you to pour into young lives with integrity and care.
The requirements for becoming a certified teacher vary by state, but the general path is consistent across the U.S. In this blog, we’ll break down what degree you need and how to choose the right program based on the grade level and subject area you want to teach.
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Key Takeaways:
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Understanding Teacher Education Requirements (The Non-Negotiables)
Each state’s education system has its own unique requirements to become a licensed teacher. Despite those differences, the foundational steps are similar: with the right degree, preparation, and hands-on classroom experience, you’ll be able to pursue teacher licensure and start your teaching journey.
What is Teacher Licensure?
Teacher licensure is the state-issued credential that allows you to teach in K–12 classroom settings where licensure is required. It exists to ensure that teachers are well prepared, academically grounded, and equipped to serve students responsibly and ethically. While requirements vary by state, licensure confirms that you’ve completed the right coursework, gained real classroom experience, and demonstrated the skills needed to lead and support young learners well.
Core Teacher Certification Requirements Across Most States
While each state sets its own standards for teacher licensure, most follow a similar framework. In general, students must complete several key steps before becoming a certified teacher:
- A bachelor’s degree in education from an accredited institution
- Completion of a state-approved educator preparation program
- Student teaching or supervised field experience in a K–12 classroom
- Passing required licensure exams, such as the Praxis or state-specific equivalents
- A background check and required ethics training
The Standard Path to Becoming a Certified Teacher: Bachelor’s in Education
A bachelor’s degree in education is the most direct path to becoming a licensed K–12 teacher. These programs are designed specifically for future educators, combining pedagogical foundations and child development with built-in classroom experience.
Education majors typically complete student teaching as part of their degree, so they graduate with both licensure preparation and real-world experience. Bachelor’s in education programs are usually tailored by grade level or subject area, helping you prepare for the age group or discipline you feel called to teach.
Alternative Pathways to Teaching (For Career Changers)
Some states offer alternative certification options for those who discover a calling to teach later in life. These pathways are typically designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are transitioning into the classroom.
Even with this alternative route, students still complete educator preparation coursework, hands-on field experience, and required exams. While these programs can be a good fit for career changers, students who know early on that teaching is their calling often find that a bachelor’s in education provides the most supportive and intentional path into the profession.
Choosing the Right Teaching Degree Based on Grade Level
One of the most important decisions you’ll make as a future teacher is who you teach. Different age groups require different approaches, training, and strengths, which is why teaching degrees are often structured accordingly. Here are a few standard degree options based on grade level:
Bachelor’s degree in elementary education:
- Broad content preparation paired with strong pedagogy
- Ideal for those who enjoy teaching multiple subjects
- Designed for teaching young learners across core areas
Bachelor’s degree in middle grades education:
- Focuses on one or two subject areas (such as math, ELA, science, or social studies)
- Prepares teachers for the academic and developmental needs of early adolescents
- A strong fit for those who like variety but want subject focus
Bachelor’s degree in secondary education:
- Emphasizes deep subject-area expertise
- Typically centered on a single discipline (such as English or history)
- Best for students passionate about teaching one subject at an advanced level
Subject-Specific Teaching Degree Requirements
If you’re drawn to a particular subject, your bachelor’s degree in education may reflect that focus. Subject-area teaching programs balance deep content knowledge with classroom-ready training.
English language arts:
- Coursework in literature, writing, and linguistics
- Practicum experiences centered on reading and literacy instruction
Social studies/history:
- Studies in history, government, and economics
- Preparation in inquiry-based learning and primary source analysis
STEM fields:
- More intensive coursework in math or science
- Some states require passing subject-specific licensure exams
Other Factors to Consider When Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Education
Beyond coursework, the right bachelor’s education program will shape how you grow as a teacher and as a person. Here are some other things to consider when choosing a degree path.
Field experience |
Look for programs that include classroom observations and student teaching. These hands-on experiences help you build confidence and understand what teaching really looks like day-to-day. |
Essential teaching skills |
Strong educators develop more than content knowledge. Communication, empathy, classroom management, and adaptability all play a significant role in creating a healthy learning environment. |
A faith-based perspective |
A Christ-centered approach to teacher preparation helps future educators lead with integrity and care for the whole child while navigating classroom challenges with compassion. |
Online pathways and flexibility |
Many accredited colleges now offer online degrees in education. These options can be a good fit for students seeking a structured, accessible path to licensure while balancing other responsibilities. |
TFC’s Online Teaching Degrees: 5 Impactful Bachelor’s in Education Pathways
Choosing a teaching degree is about more than meeting licensure requirements. It’s about finding a program that prepares you academically, supports you personally, and aligns with the values that matter most to you. Strong field experience, thoughtful mentorship, flexible learning options, and a clear sense of purpose all play a role in shaping the kind of educator you will become.
That’s where Toccoa Falls College’s programs stand apart. TFC’s accredited online teaching degree programs are affordable, faith-centered, and designed to prepare future educators to serve students well. You’ll gain the academic foundation and practical training needed for the classroom while learning in a Christ-centered environment.
TFC offers five online bachelor’s pathways for students preparing to teach:
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Fulfills core requirements online before entry into the residential Teacher Education program |
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Leads to certification in grades preschool—5 |
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Leads to certification in grades 4–8, with concentrations in Language Arts, Social Science, Mathematics, and Science |
Leads to certification in grades 6–12 |
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If you’re considering a future in teaching, TFC Online gives you a place to grow into that calling. You’ll receive the preparation you need for licensure, meaningful classroom experience, and a Christ-centered education that shapes not just how you teach, but who you become as an educator.
Ready to learn more? Explore TFC Online Admissions or download our free Guide to Online Christian College.
