Get Your North Dakota Teaching Certification
If teaching in North Dakota is your goal, then you can get started by graduating from an accredited college or university with an approved teacher preparation program. You will also need to pass assessment exams and provide additional documentation described below. Whether you attended school in North Dakota or out of the state, your requirements are the same.
To obtain a license to teach, you will need to have earned your Bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.5 grade point average. You will need to supply three positive recommendations for people who can vouch for both your teaching potential and character. You will need to get passing scores on the Pre-Professional Skills Test in reading, writing, and mathematics and submit proof of your scores. Finally, you will need to submit to a fingerprint screening for a criminal background check. When you receive your Initial license, it will be valid for two years.
Once you receive your license, you will want to secure a teaching position in North Dakota. Fargo Public Schools boasts an urban core that has the same achievement and standards as the outlying schools. Bismarck Public Schools is the largest district in North Dakota and touts a 1.9% drop-out rate within schools that are all accredited and many of which have received national Blue Ribbon awards. Grand Forks Public Schools works in conjunction with Grand Forks Air Force Base School Districts to provide exemplary education lead by highly qualified teachers (65% have Master degrees or higher). Minot offers quality schools in a region that also offers access to Minot State University.
After having taught in North Dakota for two years with your Initial license, you will need to obtain your Regular license. The Regular license is available to teachers who have taught for more than 18 months with their Initial license. Your Regular license is valid for five years and will require that you complete four semester hours of college credit to renew it every five years.
