Where Can I Teach Without Certification?
Written by:
Wilson College
• Aug 22, 2024
Where Can I Teach Without Certification?
Traditionally, the path toward a teaching career has included earning certification. But today, whether they are teaching roles that school districts are struggling to fill or instructional positions outside the classroom, some teaching jobs don’t require certification.
A 2023 Learning Policy Institute study of 47 states and the District of Columbia examined trends in hiring teachers who don’t hold a certification in their subject area. It found that 286,290 teaching roles went to noncertified teachers.
For those with advanced training in education, such as through a Master in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program, it’s possible to qualify for teaching roles without holding a certification.
Those who are seeking a teaching position but don’t have this credential need to first learn where they can teach without certification.
Do You Need Certification to Teach?
Teaching certifications generally are state-issued credentials that verify that an educator has met certain requirements to gain proficiency in instruction. Certifications are available in a number of areas that range from early childhood education to teaching English as a second language (ESL).
The criteria for these certifications varies, but they generally require earning a degree or completing certain courses and taking an exam, and applicants often must pay a fee to apply.
In many schools, especially in U.S. public schools, certification is a requirement for teaching roles. But there are positions in education—from classroom teacher to corporate trainer positions—available to those without certification in the United States and abroad. Some of these roles have no certification requirements, while others call for those in the position to at least plan to pursue this credential.
Where Can You Teach Without Certification?
State and national regulations dictate where you can teach without certification. But some key roles can be a good fit for teachers who either haven’t yet earned this credential or don’t plan to do so. These options include:
K-12 Schools
Although public schools in the United States generally require classroom teachers to hold a certification in their subject area, criteria for teaching are different for many private and charter schools. Some of these schools offer job opportunities for those without certification.
Additionally, many states—including Pennsylvania—face teacher shortages. To ensure they are adequately staffed, many public schools in these states are now offering teaching roles to those without certification. These teachers generally then must go on to earn their certification.
And, while requirements vary, in many cases certification is not mandatory for substitute teachers in public schools.
Online Programs
Some online programs, including those featuring instructors with TESOL degrees who work with speakers of other languages, offer positions to teachers who aren’t certified. These online education programs often focus on tutoring.
Colleges and Universities
Adjunct professors at colleges and universities are part-time faculty members. While these professionals have expertise in the subject area they teach, their positions typically don’t require teaching certification.
Foreign Countries
While teaching abroad positions also frequently require certification, some don’t have this rule. Various programs connect teachers with positions in other nations, and some offer opportunities to earn certification while working as a teacher.
Corporate Settings
Many companies provide training to their employees, helping them strengthen their skills and knowledge—and perform better in their work. Instructors who lead this professional development typically don’t have to hold a teaching certification.
Benefits of Earning a Master in TESOL
Whether they’re pursuing a role that requires teaching certification or planning for a noncertified position, aspiring educators can gain many benefits by earning a master’s degree in TESOL . Some of the benefits of earning this degree are:
Advanced Knowledge
Master in TESOL programs generally help individuals build on their teaching skills and knowledge while specifically focusing on teaching nonnative English speakers to adopt the language. This expertise can make educators more effective in their work, whether their roles are in or out of the classroom.
Career Opportunities
Earning a Master in TESOL shows that a job candidate has completed an advanced education program—and that can set them apart in their job search. Coursework in the program also provides a strong foundation for a variety of certified and noncertified teaching positions, from ESL instructor to instructional designer.
Meaningful Impact
English was the most widely spoken language in the world in 2023, according to data-gathering platform Statista. Mastering the skills to help people learn this important language equips individuals to make a difference in the lives of others, whether in the United States or abroad.
Salary Potential
While each school district’s compensation guidelines are different, the annual salary for teachers with a master’s degree often is higher than that for those who do not have an advanced degree.
A master’s degree also can make a difference in pay for those seeking other careers. In fact, for all jobs the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracked in 2023, median weekly earnings were $1,737 for those with a master’s degree, compared with $1,493 for those whose highest degree was a bachelor’s.
Strengthen Your Teaching Skills for an Education Career
Evaluating requirements for employment, such as determining where you can teach without certification, is only part of the equation when it comes to planning a career as an educator. Strengthening your teaching skills is a core component of preparing for this type of work, and focusing on teaching English as a second language is an excellent way to make a difference for students.
If you’re ready to take a step toward learning how to teach English to speakers of other languages, explore the Wilson College Online Master in TESOL degree program. The program emphasizes teaching English for success in the classroom and beyond, helping educators gain the knowledge and skills needed to pursue instructional or other education-related roles. And the flexible, online format allows individuals to manage their other responsibilities as they complete their degree work.
Discover how the Wilson College Online Master in TESOL can help you achieve your career goals.
Recommended Readings
ESL Teaching Requirements: Do You Have to Be Bilingual?
How ESL Technology Can Benefit Students and Teachers
Sources:
Indeed, “9 Teacher Certifications (Plus FAQs)”
Indeed, “17 Career Opportunities in Education Besides Teaching”
Indeed, “How to Earn an ESL Certification in 5 Steps (Plus Tips)”
Reach & Teach, “10 Essential Qualifications and Skills for Teaching Abroad”
Statista, The Most Spoken Languages Worldwide in 2023
Teachers of Tomorrow, “Certified vs Non-Certified Teacher—Main Difference in 2023”
TPR Teaching, “Online English Teaching Jobs Without TEFL (3 Popular Options)”
