NH Teacher Licensure Program

Teacher Licensure Program Overview

If you are employed in one of New Hampshire’s school districts, you can prepare to become a licensed educator in a way that fits your busy schedule. Through synchronous online courses, you can gain the necessary depth of understanding and experiential opportunities while remaining employed in your current position.

New England College’s emphasis on experiential learning and social justice values helps shape educators with strong collaboration and leadership skills. In our program, you can learn research-based best practices and apply your pedagogical skills in the field.

NEC matches candidates with a cooperating teacher early in the program. Students take courses online in a format designed to accommodate the schedules of current school district employees. The program eliminates textbooks for education courses to reduce costs. Students also benefit from support services such as tutoring, advising, library services, and disability services.

The teacher licensure program is approved by the New Hampshire State Board of Education. The online program grants a Bachelor of Arts degree that meets the requirements for an endorsement in either elementary education or special education. 

Licensure

The flexible, online teacher licensure program at New England College can prepare you to meet the requirements for a New Hampshire teaching license. Licensure options include:

• Bachelor of Arts with Elementary Education K–6 Licensure
• Bachelor of Arts with Special Education 5–21 Licensure

Teacher Licensure Program Highlights

These bachelor’s degrees are delivered through synchronous online courses that fit busy professionals’ schedules. Additionally, these programs meet all requirements for professionals to be recommended for licensure, pair courses to maximize the learning potential and provide a more meaningful classroom experience and include access to all the College’s student support resources.

This NH teacher licensure program offers the following benefits:

• Reduced tuition
• Eligible for financial aid
• Allows for transfer credit
• Meets all requirements to be recommended for teacher licensure
• Matches candidates to their cooperating teacher early in the program
• Meets all requirements to obtain an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree
• Eliminates required textbooks for all education courses to reduce cost
• Pairs courses to maximize the learning potential and provide a more meaningful classroom experience
• Includes all NEC’s student support resources: tutoring, advising, library services, disability services, and more

Why Pursue Teacher Licensure?

Educators need a professional license to work in most school districts. In New Hampshire, the state’s Department of Education issues teaching licenses. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree and graduate from an approved educator preparation program to qualify for a teaching license. NEC’s teacher licensure program is approved to educate aspiring licensed teachers.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts with a focus on elementary education or special education, graduates can apply for a New Hampshire teaching license.

Teacher Licensure Program Learning Outcomes

NEC’s teacher licensure program prepares students to do the following:

• Demonstrate a commitment to enhancing their teaching capabilities to meet the needs of diverse learners and communities.
• Use content area knowledge and apply research findings to improve their students’ engagement, their teaching practice, and their classroom management skills. 
• Collaborate with other educators, school professionals, students, and community members.
• Exhibit strong problem-solving, decision-making, and ethical practice skills.

What Can You Do After Completing a Teacher Licensure Program?

Teacher licensure programs like NEC’s prepare students to become licensed as elementary school teachers or special education teachers.

Elementary school teachers educate young learners in basic subjects such as reading, mathematics, writing, and science. The New Hampshire elementary teaching endorsement covers kindergarten through sixth grade.

Special education teachers educate students with learning disabilities. New Hampshire’s special education endorsement covers kindergarten through 12th grade.

A bachelor’s degree from NEC’s educator preparation program may also meet the licensure requirements in other states.

Why Choose NEC?

New England College (NEC) is a private, nonprofit college founded in 1946 to serve the needs of servicepeople attending college on the GI Bill after World War II and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Today, NEC is an innovative, military-friendly institution and one of the top five liberal arts colleges in New Hampshire.

NEC offers 60 associate and bachelor’s degrees, as well as more than 20 master’s degrees and one doctoral degree program, all delivered by dedicated faculty focused on giving students opportunities to live what they learn. With access to many clubs, outdoor activities, natural areas, internships, and professor-led trips, NEC students have many ways to meet new people and try new things.

At NEC, the world is your classroom.

New England College Prioritizes Solution to New Hampshire Educator Shortage

New England College has launched two new teacher licensure programs to help staff in New Hampshire’s school districts become licensed educators without leaving the workforce to pursue a college degree. This program model, the first of its kind in the state, was created to address the ongoing teacher shortage in New Hampshire and support potential teacher candidates in the field.

Recognition & Rankings

NEC Ranked Top Online College in New Hampshire

New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as one of the best Online Colleges in New Hampshire, as acknowledged by Forbes Advisor, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.

NEC Ranked Top Online Degree Program

New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as a leading online college in NH, as acknowledged by Intelligent.com, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.

NEC Ranked Top College in New Hampshire

New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as a leading college in NH, as acknowledged by EduRank, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.

Degree Requirements

Faculty

You will learn from experienced, licensed educators who are currently working in the field and hold a master’s degree or higher.

“These teacher licensure programs offer New Hampshire school employees, for the first time, the opportunity to pursue a college degree in education without leaving the workforce,” explained Patricia Corbett, EdD, Vice President of Academic Affairs at New England College. “By removing that barrier to higher education, more school professionals can pursue their goals and move into teaching positions.”

Tuition

New England College’s NH teacher licensure programs are made affordable through reduced tuition, financial aid and other types of assistance for those who qualify, as well as through the elimination of required textbooks. The program is offered at $300 per credit before aid, grants, and other assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to complete the teacher licensure program?

The teacher licensure program requires 120 credits for elementary education or 122 credits for special education. Full-time students can complete the program in around four years. Students can apply eligible transfer credits toward their degree, which can shorten the length of the program.

How is the teacher licensure program structured?

The teacher licensure program begins with introductory pedagogy and content area coursework. The coursework covers curriculum design, assessment, and classroom management. Students must pass the Praxis Core exam and apply for a paraeducator license before undertaking a fieldwork practicum and student teaching experience. At the program’s conclusion, NEC awards a Bachelor of Arts degree and recommends graduates for teacher licensure in New Hampshire.

What are the benefits of teacher licensure programs?

Teacher licensure programs prepare future teachers for state licensure as educators. Through a blend of classroom and hands-on learning, students gain teaching, assessment, and content area knowledge. Approved teacher licensure programs incorporate student teaching experiences in their curriculums so students gain practical skills.

How do I enroll in the teacher licensure program?

Submit your application to join NEC’s teacher licensure program. The program offers multiple start dates each year and does not require standardized test scores. Contact the program for more information about applying.

Start Your Application

Licensed educators will always be in high demand. NEC can help you take your teaching career to the next level.

Begin your application by emailing Casey Walker, Associate Director of Graduate Admissions, at cwalker@nec.edu.