Becoming certified to teach in Kentucky is your first step for becoming a teacher in that state. Having a Bachelor’s degree, attending an approved teacher preparation program, and a recommendation from the teaching program you completed are the basics for certification. If you went to school outside of Kentucky, you will need to verify that your education included the Kentucky requirements.

The certification process in Kentucky starts with verifying that you received a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and attended an approved teacher preparation program. In addition, you will need to provide a recommendation from the certification official at your college or university that includes verifying which teacher preparation program you completed as well as grade level, degree level, and date completed. You will also need a verification from the Superintendent or Personnel Director that oversaw your classroom teaching experience. Finally, you will need to successfully complete the Praxis II in each subject area for which you want certification.

Once you have received your certification, you will need to find a teaching position in Kentucky. Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville enjoys an outstanding reputation as a successful district with an innovative style. Many students, teachers, and schools in the district have achieved recognition and many awards. Fayette County Public Schools in Lexington also provides high quality education in a setting that supports the students and teachers alike. Both Owensboro and Bowling Green are vibrant communities that offer a family-friendly community with quality education.

After successfully teaching for five years, you will need to renew your certification. In order to be eligible for renewal, there are specific continuing education requirements based on which 5-year renewal period you are completing. For the first 5-year period, you will need to have completed 15 graduate hours or Phase I of the CEO requirements. During the second 5-year period, you must have completed your graduate degree or an approved fifth year program with 32 hours or have completed the CEO requirements. During subsequent five-year periods, you must have three years of classroom teaching or six semester hours of additional graduate credit.