How to Become a Teacher in Alabama

• Alabama reports a teacher shortage, particularly in math, science, and elementary education.
• Teacher certification requires a degree, classroom experience, and exam scores.
• The state's low cost of living makes teacher pay go further.

Tens of thousands of Alabama teachers educate young learners in reading, science, math, and writing. But the state still has a shortage of qualified teachers.

Interested in teaching in Alabama? Make sure you understand the Alabama teacher certification process. You'll need a bachelor's degree, classroom experience, and passing certification exam scores to become a teacher in Alabama.

Our guide to becoming a teacher can help you launch your career in an Alabama classroom.

Become a Teacher in Alabama: 5 Steps

Ready to get started on your journey to the classroom? You'll need to meet specific requirements. The Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) manages the teacher certification process.

1. Earn Your Bachelor's Degree

You'll need a bachelor's degree to become a teacher in Alabama. Candidates for a professional educator certificate either need a bachelor's in education or a bachelor's degree plus educator preparation training.

Many Alabama teachers attend a state-approved teacher preparation program. These programs incorporate student teaching and certification testing requirements so that you're ready for certification when you graduate.

You can also apply for a teaching certification as a licensed out-of-state teacher or by completing an alternative pathway to certification.

2. Gain Student Teaching Experience

Student teaching provides students in a teacher preparation program with essential hands-on training where they can put theoretical knowledge into practice. The state of Alabama requires that you complete two types of field experiences: an approved student-teaching opportunity in a closely supervised setting, and a semester-long, full-time internship in the teaching area that you're pursuing.

During your full-time internship, you tackle teaching duties periodically, and for at least five consecutive days before the end of the experience. If you're pursuing more than one area of specialization, you must complete an internship in each area.

3. Take Required Certification Tests

Alabama teachers must pass certification tests to receive a teaching license. You'll need to pass Praxis subject area tests and the Educative Performance Assessment (edTPA).

If you're enrolled in an approved Alabama teacher preparation program, you'll take these exams while earning your bachelor's degree. Students typically take required Praxis tests before student teaching and take the edTPA while meeting student teaching requirements.

Testing requirements vary depending on your certification and endorsement areas, so contact ALSDE for more information.

4. Apply for Certification

Upon successful completion of your teaching degree and certification examinations, you can apply for teacher certification in Alabama.

This process begins with completing a background check through both the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Alabama Bureau of Investigation (ABI). You must complete an online application and submit fingerprints through the Alabama Applicant Processing Services portal.

In addition, you must provide:

• State and federal background checks with application, fees, and fingerprints
• A completed application to the Alabama State Department of Education
• Official academic transcripts
• Test scores through Praxis and Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program
• A Recommendation of certification from your academic program
• All associated, non-refundable fees

5. Maintain Your Certification

After earning your Alabama teacher certification, you will need to regularly renew your credential. Teaching certificates are valid for five years in Alabama, and they expire at the end of June.

You can renew your teaching certificate by meeting renewal requirements and submitting an application. ALSDE charges a $38 application fee. The renewal options are scheduled to change as of July 1, 2024, so check with ALSDE on renewal requirements.

What's the Career Outlook for Teachers in Alabama?

Educators are in high demand in Alabama. According to projections from the Alabama Department of Labor, education services will add 1,660 jobs from 2022 to 2024, which is significantly faster than the state's average growth for all occupations.

Alabama's teacher shortage areas include mathematics, science, and elementary education. The state also reports a shortage in special education, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

With Alabama's low cost of living, teacher salaries go further. The Alabama State Department of Education publishes a minimum salary schedule for teachers in the state, guaranteeing a minimum $44,000 salary for new teachers in the 2024 fiscal year.

How Much Will You Make as a Teacher in Alabama?

Alabama teachers receive an average starting salary of around $42,000, with a top salary of over $73,000, according to 2021-2022 data from the National Education Association.

Your earning potential as an Alabama teacher depends on several factors, including your degree, experience, and job title.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama Teacher Certification

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed February 21, 2024.