Degree. Teachers must have a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Education in Pre-School, Elementary or Secondary Education with a major in the subject that they have been teaching. All degrees and transcripts will be evaluated by an organization authorized by the US government to assure that the coursework and college or university has equivalency to US education requirements.
Experience. Teachers should have three years of experience in teaching in the subject, which they will teach in the United States . In some cases, exceptions can be made, such as early childhood education. Verification of employment at schools where the teacher actually taught the subject in which they majored is required.
Certification. Teachers should have certification from the Ministry of Education in Jamaica in the subject in which the teacher majored and taught.
Evaluation. Teachers Council arranges for an evaluation of the college or university attended by the teacher and the course work taken in the major field of study is required by an independent agency.
Teachers Council offers one of the very few programs that enable international teachers to come to the US and prepare and receive their state certification within their first year of teaching. No time or money is wasted as you will be preparing for the necessary exams while still earning a living and experience in the classroom.
Certification is generally required in the public schools in most states, however, provisional or temporary certification is also permitted in most States. Each state has a different certification and testing procedure. There are various alternative certification and non-traditional certification programs available. The teacher can take the Praxis or other required tests in order to become certified. 80% of the schools use the Praxis Examination. There are also various levels of examination. In most cases, the examinations are given throughout the year and the teacher can apply and take the examination at different times and at various test centers in each state.
Links to each state certification:
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