Can I Teach Private School Without Certification?
Written by:
Wilson College
• Nov 6, 2024
While the majority of children in the U.S. attend public schools—about 84%—the number of students enrolled in private schools has been steadily ticking up over the last several years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 12% of children ages 5 to 17—roughly 6.4 million—attended private school in 2022; that’s slightly more than a 1% increase from 2012.
Meanwhile, a recent survey by the Cato Institute revealed that almost half of all private schools had enrollment increases between the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years, with 42% of respondents noting that the number of applications they received exceeded the number of openings they had available.
Those numbers may continue to rise in the coming years, with a dozen states currently offering or soon to offer some form of universally accessible private school choice, which will enable families to spend public funds on private school education.
Understanding the fundamental differences between private school and public school—including whether teachers can teach in private school without certification—can help prospective private school teachers determine whether this is the right career path for them.
Private School Teaching Requirements
Like public school teachers, private school teachers need to meet certain prerequisites to qualify for teaching positions—though the criteria often differ. Because public schools have to adhere to standards set by the state as well as the federal government, including those pertaining to testing and curriculum, the requirements for public school teachers are generally uniform.
The requirements for private school teachers, on the other hand, can vary greatly depending on factors such as the type of institution, the student population the school caters to, and the region where the school is located.
Education Requirements
Most K-12 teachers, whether in public or private school, need to have at least a bachelor’s degree, preferably in education.
For private school teachers, it can also be beneficial to have a degree in the subject matter they plan to teach. Depending on the employer, a bachelor’s degree in education with a minor in the relevant subject—or vice versa—may be required. Many private schools that provide a specialized curriculum prefer teaching candidates with an advanced degree.
Experience Requirements
There are no standard experience requirements for private school teachers. The type of institution and the grade level of the students often determine what level of experience, if any, a private school teacher must have to qualify. Holding an advanced degree, such as a Master of Education or Master of Teaching , or a state certification can sometimes compensate for a lack of experience.
Knowledge Requirements
Although the requirements for teaching in private school are sometimes more lenient than those in public school, private school educators often need to possess a higher level of subject matter expertise.
While some private schools use the same standardized pedagogy as public schools, many private schools practice alternative teaching methods and implement their own curricula, which may require teachers to have a more specialized skill set. Some private institutions may require candidates to take various teaching assessment tests, such as the Praxis or National Evaluation series.
A private school’s philosophy and educational methodology often play a significant role in the knowledge base required of teaching candidates. For example, Montessori and Waldorf schools use child-led teaching methods, meaning that candidates may be required to pursue training in these practices.
Is Certification Required to Teach at Private School?
Public school teachers generally need to hold a variety of state-mandated credentials, including certification and/or a license, to educate students. Teaching certifications typically correlate with specific grade levels or subject areas, such as early childhood education or English as a second language (ESL).
Private school educators, on the other hand, aren’t necessarily held to the same standards. The simple answer to whether certification is necessary to teach in private school is no. The more complex, and perhaps more correct, answer is: It depends.
All public school teachers must be state-certified. Certification ensures that they adhere to the educational standards set by the state and that they are prepared to provide a consistent level of quality education to students, regardless of the school they work in.
Conversely, not all private school teachers need to be certified. Certification requirements are largely dependent on the individual institution’s preferences, which may be based on its overall philosophy and educational approach. However, some private schools may prefer or even require teaching candidates to be certified or willing to pursue certification, particularly educators who will be teaching younger students or academically challenging subjects.
Regardless of whether it’s required, earning certification can help prospective private school teachers stand out to potential employers, who often prefer state-certified teachers because of the rigorous assessment process involved in certification. Holding a certification can also stand in for experience in certain cases.
Teaching at Private School vs. Public School
Besides not needing certification to be a private school educator, there are some other key differences between public and private schools for teachers.
Funding
Public schools rely on funding from the local, state, and federal governments, whereas private schools depend on a variety of funding streams. Tuition is the primary source of funding for private schools. They may also raise money through donations, endowments, and grants.
Funding levels can greatly impact the quality and types of educational programs offered to students at both public and private institutions.
In the public school system, teachers’ unions help stabilize teachers’ compensation and benefits. At private schools, however—where unionizing is less common—things like teachers’ salaries, health insurance, and retirement plans are very much tied to the financial health of the institution.
Environment
The teaching environment in a private school may be noticeably different from that in a public school.
For example, class sizes in private schools are typically smaller than in public schools. The student-to-teacher ratio at private schools was 12.5 to 1 in 2021, compared to 15.4 to 1 at public schools, according to U.S. News & World Report. Smaller classes can allow for more individualized instruction and attention from educators, fostering students’ academic progress.
Some private schools may also require students to wear uniforms and comply with a more specific or stricter code of conduct than public schools can require.
Curriculum
Because they’re not subject to state-adopted standards, such as performance on standardized tests, private schools have greater flexibility when it comes to implementing curricula. Private schools, in collaboration with their teachers, have more freedom to develop and amend a curriculum based on the needs of their students.
The type of curricula and educational style a private school adopts often depends on what kind of institution it is. Common types of educational models used in private schools include the following:
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Religious schools often teach religious doctrine alongside a more traditional academic curriculum, which is commonly referred to as a dual curriculum.
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Montessori schools prioritize learning through exploration and hands-on activities, with curricula designed to foster and support the needs and interests of each individual student. Montessori teachers typically work with the same group of students for multiple years, allowing them to get to know students better and tailor students’ education to their interests and strengths.
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Waldorf schools incorporate curricula that emphasize art and movement as developmental learning tools. Like in Montessori schools, teachers in Waldorf schools generally spend several years with the same group of students.
Take the Next Step in Your Teaching Career
Although certification isn’t always required for private school teachers, it can be very beneficial. Certified teachers are often viewed more favorably by private school employers, even if the institution doesn’t require certification. Additionally, the expertise teachers gain from earning certification can help prepare them for the unique learning environments found in private institutions.
A graduate education is another way private school teachers can help themselves stand out in a competitive job market. According to Pew Research Center, only 41% of private school teachers have a master’s degree, compared with 52% of public school teachers.
If you’re interested in teaching in private school, consider enrolling in the Master of Education at Wilson College Online . Using an asynchronous, self-paced model, the program is ideal for educators who want to continue teaching while they earn their degree.
Discover how Wilson College Online can help you become a more impactful educator.
Recommended Readings
Benefits of Experiential Learning
Technology Integration in the Classroom: 6 Steps for Teachers
Sources:
Education Week, “Private School Enrollment Is on the Rise. What’s Going On?”
Indeed, “9 Teacher Certifications (Plus FAQs)”
Indeed, “How to Get Hired as a Private School Teacher in 9 Steps”
Pew Research Center, “U.S. Public, Private and Charter Schools in 5 Charts”
PraxisExam.org, “How to Become a Private School Teacher”
U.S. News & World Report, “Private School vs. Public School”
