Teaching is one of the most regulated professions in the United States, with certification requirements varying significantly by state. Despite this complexity, teacher shortages persist nationally — particularly in STEM subjects, special education, bilingual education, and rural areas. The BLS reports that elementary and secondary school teacher employment is projected to remain relatively stable, but with persistent shortages creating genuine opportunity for qualified candidates willing to teach in high-need areas or subjects.
US teacher certification — the state-by-state reality
Teacher certification in the US is administered by each state's Department of Education. There is no national teaching credential — a Texas teaching certificate does not automatically authorise you to teach in California. Key pathways:
- Traditional certification: Completing an accredited teacher preparation program (bachelor's or master's level) including student teaching, then passing state-required content and pedagogy assessments
- Alternative certification: Many states offer alternative routes for career changers and those with strong subject matter expertise — typically a condensed preparation program while teaching. Programs: Teach For America, NYC Teaching Fellows, Texas Teaching Fellows, TNTP, etc.
- Interstate teacher mobility: The Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact (IRPC) is being implemented by multiple states to streamline reciprocal licensing for teachers moving between states. Check your target state's reciprocity agreements before assuming your certificate transfers.
Common US teacher assessments
- Praxis: Educational Testing Service (ETS) — the most widely used suite of teacher licensing assessments. Includes Praxis Core (basic academic skills), Praxis Subject Assessments (content knowledge in specific subjects), and Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT). Required in most states.
- edTPA (Teacher Performance Assessment): A performance-based assessment where teacher candidates submit a portfolio of evidence including video of their teaching. Required in approximately 18 states.
- State-specific assessments: California uses CBEST and CSET; Massachusetts uses MTEL; New York uses ALST and edTPA.
What to include on a US teaching resume
- Teaching credential/license: state issued, specific grade levels and subject endorsements, expiration date — e.g. "Texas Standard Teaching Certificate — Mathematics (grades 8–12) | Certificate No. 1234567 | Expiration: 8/2031"
- Praxis and other assessment scores (if strong — above passing by a significant margin)
- Grade levels and subjects taught — specific to each position
- Student achievement data: "78% of students passed state math standardized test (STAAR), up from 54% in prior year"
- Extracurricular activities and coaching
- ESL/ELL/bilingual endorsements — high demand nationally
- Special Education certifications — significant national shortage
US teacher salary benchmarks (2026, USD per year)
Teacher salaries in the US vary enormously by state — from approximately $42,000 in Mississippi to $95,000+ in New York, California, and Massachusetts. Salary schedules are typically set by district and state and are publicly available.
| State | Average teacher salary |
|---|---|
| New York | $92,696 |
| California | $91,374 |
| Massachusetts | $88,540 |
| Washington | $83,000 |
| National average | $68,000–$72,000 |
| Mississippi | $42,000–$46,000 |
Sources: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — Elementary and Secondary Teachers (bls.gov, 2026); National Education Association (nea.org) teacher salary data 2025–26; ETS Praxis assessments (ets.org, 2026); US Dept of Education — Teaching certification (ed.gov, 2026)
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