Be an Educator
To teach in Idaho’s public schools, you must complete an approved educator preparation program. The Idaho Department of Education offers both traditional and non-traditional pathways to certification.
Before choosing a pathway, it’s advisable to review the specific requirements and commitments of each program to determine the best fit for your career goals.
Traditional Route
Traditional programs are typically offered through colleges and universities, providing comprehensive training that includes coursework and student teaching experience. These programs culminate in a degree and prepare candidates for initial teacher certification. Those who have been hired to teach during their student teaching year can work with the hiring school to apply for an Alternative Authorization. More information can be found on the Alternative Authorization page.
More information on traditional educator preparation programs in Idaho can be found under College/University at the bottom of the page.
Non-traditional Route
Non-traditional routes are designed for individuals who already hold a baccalaureate degree, or higher, and are seeking to transition into teaching. These pathways allow candidates to teach while completing certification requirements. Idaho recognizes several non-traditional programs, including:
- American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE): An online program that certifies individuals in various subject areas. Candidates must pass subject area and professional teaching knowledge exams.
- College of Southern Idaho (CSI): Offers non-traditional certification programs tailored to specific teaching areas for candidates with a bachelor’s degree.
- Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC): Offers non-traditional certification programs tailored to specific teaching areas for candidates with a bachelor’s degree.
- Teach for America (TFA): A program that places candidates in high-need schools while they work towards certification.
Candidates pursuing non-traditional routes typically receive an interim certificate valid for three years, during which they must complete program requirements, including mentorship, assessments and state specific courses, to qualify for a five-year renewable certificate. Applications can be found on the Non-Traditional Candidates page.
More information on traditional educator preparation programs in Idaho can be found under the Idaho Non-Traditional Educator Preparation Programs accordion below.
Before choosing a pathway, it’s advisable to review the specific requirements and commitments of each program to determine the best fit for your career goals.
Career Technical Education
The Become a CTE Educator web page will provide information for individuals who would like to obtain a Career and Technical type of certificate to instruct students in various technical and career-related subjects, such as information technology, healthcare, business, culinary arts, diesel technology, and more.
Idaho Educator Preparation Programs
To access educator program information, click the appropriate + sign below.
College/University
An educator preparation program through a college/university requires coursework, assessment(s) and student teaching. Colleges and universities can evaluate transcripts for those who already hold a degree to design a plan that will lead to certification. The following Idaho universities and colleges have approved educator preparation programs:
- Boise State University, Dr. Sherry Dismuke, (208) 426-1991
- Brigham Young University – Idaho | Melissa Green | (208) 496-4137
- College of Idaho | Dr. Kevin Talbert | (208) 459-5232
- Idaho State University | Dr. Emma Wood | (208) 282-5443
- Lewis-Clark State College | Dr. Royal Toy | (208) 792-2260
- Northwest Nazarene University | Dr. LoriAnn Sanchez | (208) 467-8457
- University of Idaho | Dr. Taylor Raney | (208) 885-1027
Out-of-state AAQEP Approved Programs
AAQEP Accredited Provider & Recognized Program Search
Out-of-state CAEP Approved Programs
Non-traditional Educator Preparation Programs
Non-traditional Routes Summary
American Board (ABCTE)
Pre-requisites: Baccalaureate degree
Program: Self-paced online program. All applicants take the Professional Teaching and Knowledge assessment and subject area assessment(s). Upon passage of assessments, the candidate receives a “Classroom Ready Certificate” from ABCTE and will apply to the Idaho Department of Education for their three-year ABCTE Interim Certificate. The candidate must be employed in an Idaho K-12 school in order to complete the ABCTE Clinical Experience with a mentor within the first year of the ABCTE Interim Certificate. In the second year, the candidate will continue teaching under a mentor teacher in order to complete the minimum of two (2) years under a mentor teacher.
Cost approximately: $1,900-$2,100
Subject areas: Biology 6-12, Chemistry 6-12, Natural Science 6-12, Physics 6-12, Elementary K-8, English 6-12, History 6-12, Math 6-12, Special Education K-12.
Additional Information: American Board website
College of Southern Idaho (CSI)
Pre-requisites: Baccalaureate degree and evaluation by CSI
Program: The candidate will proceed through three phases and five modules. Phase One: Proof of Content Knowledge and Individualized Learning Plans – content knowledge via a Praxis II assessment, Individualized Learning Plan (ILP), and work with a mentor. Phase Two: Pedagogy Boot Camp, Professional Learning Community and Support (Modules 1-5). The modules offer a hybrid class module with online instruction/support and three face-to-face seminars per module. Phase Three: Mentoring and Performance Assessment – candidates will be evaluated by a trained supervisor to complete the Common Summative Assessment. Candidates can apply at any time.
Cost approximately: $5,000
Subject areas: All Standard Instructional endorsement areas.
Contact: Jill Carpenter (208) 732-6396
Additional Information: CSI website
Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC)
Pre-requisites: Baccalaureate degree and evaluation by LCSC
Program: An Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) is created for each candidate. While working in a school setting and with support and coaching from college faculty and local mentors, candidates’ complete requirements of their ILP and five self-paced, mastery-based online modules they can start or complete any time during the calendar year. Candidates complete performance-based assessments and upload artifacts of their teaching when they are comfortable they have mastered the requirements. When the candidate is ready, they coordinate with college faculty to complete Idaho’s Common Summative Assessment. Candidates can apply at any time.
Cost approximately: $5,000
Subject areas: All Standard Instructional endorsement areas.
Contact: Royal Toy (208) 792-2730
Additional Information: LCSC website
Teach for America (TFA)
Pre-requisites: Baccalaureate degree and evaluation by and/or application to TFA
Program: The candidate applies and participates in an interview and selection process. Once selected, the candidate must pass the Praxis II assessment in their content area and attend a summer bootcamp. The candidate will work with a mentor for two years and complete the Idaho Department of Education mentor requirements. During the first year of teaching, they will take two courses at Boise State University. During the second year of teaching, the candidate will take six graduate-level credits or equivalent. TFA has five application deadlines throughout the year.
Cost approximately: For an estimated cost of the Idaho program, visit https://teachforamerica.org/Idaho
Subject areas: All Standard Instructional endorsement areas.
Additional Information: Teach for America website