What Can You Do With an Alternative Teaching Certification in 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What grade levels can I teach with an Alternative Teaching Certification?

Graduates of the fastest online alternative teacher certification can typically teach the grade levels that align with the specific certification pathway and subject area they completed. In most U.S. states, alternative certification programs allow individuals to qualify for teaching positions from early childhood education through high school, depending on the program’s structure and the candidate’s chosen focus.

For example, those who completed a secondary education alternative certification in mathematics may be licensed to teach middle school and high school math, while those who pursued an elementary certification can teach kindergarten through grade six. 

Graduates can apply for teaching positions in both public and private schools, expanding their employment opportunities across different educational settings. In the 2023–24 school year, U.S. public schools employed employed 3,236,556 teachers, reflecting the scale of demand for educators nationwide (National Education Association, 2025).

State regulations vary, so graduates should always confirm which grade levels their certificate covers before applying for jobs.

What subjects can I teach with an Alternative Teaching Certification?

Graduates of alternative teaching certification programs can qualify to teach a variety of subjects, depending on the specialization and endorsement earned. Below are some common subject areas they may be eligible to teach:

• Mathematics. Graduates, including those who completed the​​ ​​fastest online bachelor's in mathematics degree programs can teach math at the middle or high school level, covering topics such as algebra, geometry, and calculus, provided they meet state testing and coursework requirements.
• Science. Certification may allow instruction in general science or specialized fields such as biology, chemistry, or physics, especially in high-need school districts.
• English Language Arts. If you have an accelerated professional writing online degree, then you may get an endorsement in this subject to teach reading, writing, and literature, helping students develop language proficiency and communication skills.
• Social Studies. This includes teaching history, geography, civics, and economics, with a focus on developing students’ understanding of societal structures and events.
• Special Education. Many programs prepare graduates to work with students who have diverse learning needs, providing individualized education plans and support.
• Career and Technical Education (CTE). Some certifications allow teaching vocational and technical subjects such as business, healthcare, or information technology.
• Music and Arts. Graduates may be certified to teach art, music, theater, or dance, depending on their background and program focus.
• Physical Education. Certification can include preparing students for active lifestyles through sports, fitness, and health education.
• English as a Second Language (ESL). Certification may qualify graduates to teach English language learners, focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and conversation skills. In fact, many teachers who later ask themselves what can you do with a master's degree in TESOL discover expanded opportunities in ESL instruction, program leadership, and curriculum development, showing how alternative certification can serve as a stepping stone to more advanced roles.
• Foreign Languages. Graduates proficient in languages such as Spanish, French, or Mandarin may be certified to teach them at various grade levels.

Choosing a high-demand subject can improve job prospects, offer greater job security, and may even come with hiring incentives in certain states or districts. According to the table below, the most critical shortages were reported in Special Education (45 states), Science (41 states), Mathematics (40 states), and Language Arts (38 states).

Other notable shortage areas include Career and Technical Education (33 states), English as a Second Language (31 states), and Health and Physical Fitness (26 states). Graduates aiming to maximize career opportunities may want to prioritize certification in these high-need teaching areas.

What exams will I need to pass after completing the Alternative Teaching Certification?

After completing an Alternative Teaching Certification, you will generally need to pass a combination of state-mandated exams before earning a teaching license. These assessments are designed to verify your subject knowledge, teaching skills, and readiness for the classroom. While requirements vary by state, the following are common types of exams you may encounter:

• Praxis® Core Academic Skills for Educators. This exam measures a graduate’s proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics.
• Praxis® Subject Assessments. This test evaluates a graduate’s content knowledge in specific subjects or grade levels, such as mathematics, English, or social studies.
• Pedagogy or Professional Knowledge Test. This exam assesses understanding of instructional strategies, classroom management, and educational theory.
• Performance-Based Assessment. This assessment requires graduates to submit lesson plans, examples of student work, and recorded teaching sessions for review. 
• State-Specific Content Exams. Some states develop and administer their own tests instead of using Praxis exams. For example, Texas requires the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES), Arizona uses the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA), and Massachusetts requires the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL).
• English Language Proficiency Test (if applicable). This test is required for non-native English speakers for certain ESL teaching positions.
• Special Education Certification Exams (if applicable). These exams test knowledge of special education laws, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and strategies for diverse learners.

What are the requirements for applying for a teaching license?

Graduates who have completed an Alternative Teaching Certification must meet a set of educational, examination, and administrative requirements before they can be granted a teaching license. These requirements are established to ensure that candidates are fully prepared to manage a classroom and deliver effective instruction. While exact details vary by state, the most common requirements include the following:

• Completion of an approved teacher preparation program. Graduates must complete an alternative or traditional teacher preparation program that is recognized by the state’s department of education.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. All states require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, though the major may not need to match the teaching subject if subject-specific exams are passed.
• Passing required state examinations. Candidates must pass relevant pedagogy and content-area exams, such as the Praxis series, or state-specific alternatives like California’s CBEST/CSET, Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE), or Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES).
• Completion of required teaching hours. Most states mandate supervised classroom teaching experience, often between 12 and 16 weeks of student teaching, or a set number of internship hours under a provisional license.
• Background check and fingerprinting. A criminal background check is required to ensure the safety of students and compliance with state regulations.
• Payment of licensing fees. States charge an application or licensing fee, which typically ranges from $50 to $200, depending on the jurisdiction.
• Proof of professional development (in some states). Certain states, such as New York and Washington, require coursework or workshops in areas like child abuse prevention, classroom diversity, or working with students with disabilities.

In some cases, states also require graduates to complete a probationary period under a temporary or initial license before advancing to a professional or permanent license. This system allows new teachers to gain hands-on experience while receiving mentorship and support, ensuring they meet professional standards. 

Considering that an estimated 365,044 teachers in the United States are currently not fully certified for their teaching assignments, completing this probationary process and obtaining full certification provides a significant career advantage. Certified teachers are more competitive in the job market, have greater access to advancement opportunities, and are more likely to secure stable, long-term positions in both public and private schools.

Can I teach in any state with an Alternative Teaching Certification or a teaching license?

Graduates who complete an Alternative Teaching Certification in one state may not automatically be qualified to teach in another state. Each state sets its own certification standards, so while some may recognize out-of-state alternative certifications. Meanwhile, others may require additional steps such as passing state-specific exams, completing supplementary coursework, or undergoing a credential evaluation before granting eligibility to teach.

A standard teaching license is also not universally accepted in all states. While many states have reciprocity agreements that streamline the process, these agreements typically allow teachers to transfer credentials with reduced requirements rather than granting full automatic recognition. 

Additional requirements may include background checks, verification of teaching experience, submission of official transcripts, and completion of state-mandated training, such as courses in local history, ethics, or child welfare laws. Teachers moving to a new state should verify that state’s reciprocity policies and prepare to meet these requirements to maintain their teaching eligibility.

If you are planning to move between states, consider teacher demand. According to the chart below, Texas (374,947), California (269,192), and New York (217,522) employed the most teachers, while Alaska (7,058), Wyoming (7,355), and Vermont (7,964) employed the fewest (National Education Association, 2025).

This highlights that even if your Alternative Teaching Certification or teaching license is recognized in another state, the number of available teaching positions will vary widely. In fact, understanding broader education-related roles, such as those connected to general studies jobs salary, can help provide additional perspective on career opportunities and earning potential for those who may not remain in traditional teaching roles across state lines.

Will I be paid while completing any required classroom training or internships?

Whether graduates are paid during required classroom training or internships depends on the structure of their Alternative Teaching Certification program and state regulations. In many cases, alternative certification programs use a “paid residency” or “internship” model, where candidates work as full-time teachers under a provisional or intern license while completing required coursework. In these situations, they receive a regular teacher’s salary and benefits, similar to fully licensed educators.

However, some programs require unpaid student teaching or clinical placements before candidates can be hired into full-time positions. These unpaid placements are more common in traditional teacher preparation routes but can still occur in certain alternative pathways, especially when the program includes a short-term intensive classroom practicum before employment.

Graduates should carefully review program details to determine whether they will earn a salary during their training phase and consider financial planning if the internship is unpaid. This is particularly important for those exploring early childhood education certificate jobs, where some roles may begin with unpaid practicum experiences but later lead to stable, full-time teaching or childcare positions.

What types of advanced degrees can help me progress in my teaching career?

Graduates who want to advance their teaching careers can choose from several advanced degree options, each offering unique opportunities for specialization, leadership, and increased earning potential. Below are some of the most common and beneficial advanced degrees for educators:

• Master’s in Education (M.Ed.). This degree allows graduates to deepen their expertise in curriculum development, instructional strategies, or educational technology. It can also open doors to administrative positions and higher salary tiers.
• Master’s in Teaching (M.A.T.). Designed primarily for classroom practitioners, this degree emphasizes advanced teaching methods and subject-specific instruction, making it ideal for those who wish to remain in direct teaching roles while improving student outcomes.
• Master’s in Educational Leadership. Graduates who pursue fast track master's in teacher leadership online prepare for leadership positions such as principal, vice principal, or district administrator, focusing on school management, policy, and leadership skills.
• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.). This terminal degree focuses on applying research to solve practical problems in education, making it suitable for leadership roles in schools, districts, or education policy organizations.
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education. Intended for those who wish to conduct original research or teach at the university level, this degree emphasizes scholarly inquiry and academic theory in education.
• Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Special Education. The Ed.S. in Special Education online degree provides advanced training in supporting students with disabilities and diverse learning needs. It is particularly valuable given the national shortage of special education teachers and prepares graduates to lead inclusion initiatives, design specialized instruction, and serve as subject-matter experts.

Pursuing one of these advanced degrees can significantly enhance a teacher’s career prospects, allowing for specialization, higher salaries, and opportunities to influence educational policy or lead school improvement initiatives.

How much can I earn with an Alternative Teaching Certification?

Graduates with an Alternative Teaching Certification can expect earnings comparable to traditionally licensed teachers, as salaries are generally determined by school district pay scales, education level, and years of experience rather than the certification pathway.

According to the BLS (2024), the median annual wage for elementary school teachers, except special education, was $62,340 in May 2024. Kindergarten teachers, except special education, earned a median annual wage of $61,430, while high school teachers earned a median annual wage of $64,580 in the same period.

Earnings may increase with advanced degrees, such as fast track master of arts in teaching online. Also, additional certifications and leadership roles, such as department chair, instructional coach, or school administrator, can influence your wage. Furthermore, many districts offer bonuses or higher pay for teaching in high-need subject areas or underserved communities, making alternative certification a viable pathway to both a stable and rewarding income.

Another factor that can influence teacher salary is location. Based on the chart below, state average teacher salaries ranged widely, with California ($101,084), New York ($95,615), and Massachusetts ($92,076) representing the highest-paying states, while Mississippi ($53,704), Florida ($54,875), and Missouri ($55,132) were among the lowest. 

What is the projected job growth for teachers with alternative teaching certification?

According to the BLS (2024), overall employment of kindergarten, elementary, and high school teachers is projected to decline by 1% from 2023 to 2033. However, despite this slight decline, there will continue to be significant demand. Approximately 106,500 openings for kindergarten and elementary teachers and 64,000 openings for high school teachers are projected each year over the decade. Most of these openings will result from the need to replace teachers who retire or transition to other careers, highlighting a steady demand for new educators.

In addition to traditional classroom teaching, the rise of online and blended learning presents new opportunities for certified teachers. The global e-Learning services market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2025 to 2034, reaching a valuation of $842.64 billion by 2030. This trend suggests that teachers with alternative certification who also adapt to digital platforms and virtual teaching tools will remain highly competitive in the evolving job market.

What other jobs can I apply for with an Alternative Teaching Certification?

Graduates with an Alternative Teaching Certification are not limited to traditional classroom roles. This credential can open doors to a variety of education-related careers where their skills and expertise are highly valued. Some of these opportunities include:

• Instructional Coordinator. Graduates can take on roles in curriculum development, where they design and evaluate instructional materials to improve classroom learning outcomes.
• Corporate Trainer. Graduates may transition into professional training and development in business or healthcare settings, teaching employees new skills or compliance requirements.
• Education Consultant. With classroom experience and certification, graduates can work as consultants, advising schools, districts, or organizations on best practices in teaching and learning.
• Adult Education Instructor. Graduates can teach adult learners in literacy, GED preparation, or continuing education programs, expanding their reach beyond K–12.
• Private Tutor or Learning Specialist. With specialized knowledge, graduates may provide individualized support in subjects like mathematics, science, or language arts.
• Nonprofit or Community Education Roles. Graduates can work with nonprofit organizations focused on youth development, literacy programs, or community outreach.

An Alternative Teaching Certification builds a versatile skillset in communication, instruction, and leadership. These skills not only prepare graduates for classroom success but also make them competitive in a wide range of careers connected to education, training, and workforce development. For example, some individuals use the certification as a foundation for pursuing an education policy career path, where they can influence decision-making at the district, state, or even national level by shaping policies that improve teaching standards, curriculum design, and student outcomes.

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What are the challenges graduates of Alternative Teaching Certification face?

Graduates may feel less prepared for classroom management and lesson planning compared to traditionally certified teachers. They sometimes face skepticism from colleagues or administrators about the quality of their training. Balancing exams, probationary teaching hours, and professional development can also be stressful. However, mentorship and ongoing support often help them succeed.

What degrees are required for leadership or administrative positions in education?

To move into leadership roles, graduates typically need advanced degrees such as a Master’s in Educational Leadership or Administration. An EdD focuses on applying research to solve practical school challenges, while a PhD prepares educators for academic or policy careers. These degrees open pathways to becoming principals, superintendents, or district-level administrators.

Are rural or urban schools more likely to hire alternatively certified teachers?

Rural schools often hire alternatively certified teachers because of difficulties attracting traditionally licensed staff to remote areas. Urban schools also rely heavily on them due to large student populations and high turnover rates. Both settings face shortages in areas like math, science, and special education, making alternative certification an important hiring pathway.

How easy is it to add additional endorsements or subject areas later?

Adding endorsements is possible but usually requires passing subject exams and sometimes completing extra coursework. The process and requirements vary by state, but it is generally manageable. This flexibility allows teachers to expand their qualifications and increase job opportunities in shortage areas.