Understanding Professional Educator Licenses: Types and How to Obtain Them
Anyone considering a career as a teacher or school administrator must earn a relevant degree and obtain a professional educator license (PEL) that signifies their qualifications and understanding of the role. For example, while earning a master’s degree in education can prepare professionals for educational roles, they should also obtain any specific credentials required for their chosen specialties. Learning more about the different types of licenses and the various roles they can qualify for is an important step toward a fulfilling career in education.
What Is a Professional Educator License?
According to the U.S. Department of Education (ED), licensure is an official process by which professional credentials are granted to practice in a regulated profession, such as education. Teachers and many school administrators are required to obtain licensure to work in all public schools and in some private schools across New Hampshire.
The requirements for earning a PEL vary by state, with each state board having its own criteria. Typically, these requirements include a minimum level of education, work experience, and demonstrated mastery through examination.
Furthermore, though PELs are issued at the state level, many states offer a reciprocity agreement, allowing educators with equivalent qualifications to obtain a PEL without the need for reexamination.
Steps to Becoming a Licensed Educator
The steps to becoming a licensed educator vary by state, but in most cases, teachers and administrators must obtain the required education and credentials for their roles.
Step 1: Pursue a Degree in Education
Prospective educators should pursue a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. This may include a specialty area such as early childhood education, secondary education, special education, physical education, or education administration—the latter focusing primarily on higher-level and research roles. Many states may require graduate degrees, such as a Master of Education (MEd).
Step 2: Gain Experience as an Educator
Aspiring teachers and administrators must typically also gain classroom experience as part of their undergraduate studies, such as through an internship as a teacher’s assistant (TA) or an administrative assistant in a school setting.
Step 3: Obtain Licensure
After obtaining the required education and experience, aspiring educators must obtain licensure in the states where they wish to work. Most states require teachers to pass three Praxis tests to earn licensure: Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators, Praxis Subject Assessments, and Praxis Content Knowledge for Teaching Assessments. Some states may also require additional specialty tests, such as the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching test, which is taken some time around the middle of the education program.
Becoming an Educator in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, teachers must complete a state board-approved professional educator preparation program. According to the New Hampshire Department of Education, 11 institutions statewide offer one or more of these programs. Following completion, aspiring educators may pursue licensure in their chosen areas.
New Hampshire uses a tiered system with two separate licenses. The beginning educator license (BEL) is designed for aspiring teachers who have less than three years of experience, while the experienced educator license (EEL) is specifically for teachers who have at least three years of experience, who’ve renewed their teaching license at least once, and who’ve been rated as effective or higher for two or more years in a row.
After meeting the requirements, aspiring teachers may apply for a New Hampshire teaching certification. Applications are available on the New Hampshire Department of Education website.
Professional Educator License Types
Several types of PELs exist, each covering a different area of education. Those who want to pursue careers in education should understand which license they need to work in their field. Some universities offer programs to prepare graduates for licensure in that area.
K–12 Art Education Licensure
Professionals holding K–12 art education licensure should be able to understand and apply core visual arts concepts, including observational drawing, printmaking, painting, ceramics, sculpture, and visual application software. They may also have skills in fiber arts, photography, mixed media, jewelry, cultural art forms, installation, and unconventional materials.
The K–12 art education licensure program prepares aspiring teachers to teach these skills to their students. This includes brain-based learning theories, curriculum development based on modern standards, and the exploration of teaching and learning methods as they apply to art education.
K–6 Elementary Education Licensure
Professionals holding K-6 elementary education licensure should have competencies in the components of basic early literacy, the writing process, and standard English language conventions. They should also have skills in communication, fine motor development, mathematics, social studies, science, technology, and auxiliary studies.
The K-6 elementary education licensure program provides teachers with foundational knowledge in subjects taught during the elementary years, including curriculum development strategies that help students build communities and interpersonal relationships.
K–8 Elementary Education Licensure
K–8 elementary education licensure requires almost all the same competencies as K–6 licensure, plus at least two college-level courses in a chosen concentration area.
Similar to the K–6 licensure program, the K–8 program gives students additional tools and research-based best practices for working with elementary and middle school-age children. Fieldwork, hands-on experience, and social justice values are all important parts of the program.
General Special Education Licensure
General special education licensure requires that professionals have competencies in the historical and philosophical perspectives of special education, human growth and development, learning differences, and social environments. They should also have skills in instructional planning and assessment, including specialty instruction methods and legal and social considerations for students with disabilities.
The general special education licensure program provides teachers with an understanding of how to support students with disabilities and how these disabilities may affect various parts of student life, including education. The program equips teachers with a wide range of teaching techniques to support learning across a diverse population of students.
K–12 Physical Education Licensure
Professionals holding K–12 physical education licensure should have in-depth knowledge of scientific and theoretical concepts in movement, motor development, and motor learning as applied to physical activity and fitness. They should also understand contemporary issues in physical education, as well as fitness-based competence and pedagogical fitness knowledge.
The K–12 physical education licensure program explores aspects of the growing body of knowledge in biomechanics, kinesiology, and physiology, giving aspiring physical education teachers the ability to conduct assessments and instruct students in proper movements and techniques.
5–12 English Language Arts Licensure
Professionals holding 5–12 English language arts licensure should have knowledge of language use, reading, writing, and literature. This includes grammar, diction, and rhetoric, as well as analysis of genres, themes, contexts, and media literacy. They should also understand the pedagogical models of these subjects.
The 5–12 English language arts licensure program equips aspiring teachers with the tools to teach language arts and literature. Furthermore, it prepares students for roles that require a solid understanding of the English language, such as those in guidance counseling and tutoring.
5–12 Social Studies Licensure
Professionals holding 5–12 social studies licensure should have knowledge of local and federal civics and government, geography, economics, history, and a relevant behavioral science. They should also be proficient in pedagogy in these areas through activities and thoughtful exchange.
The 5–12 social studies licensure program provides foundational knowledge of a broad range of social studies concepts and themes, allowing aspiring teachers to explore different ways to introduce and teach them. It covers a broad liberal arts curriculum as well as more specialized social studies courses.
K–12 Theater Education Licensure
Professionals holding K–12 theater education licensure should understand basic theories and processes of play production, development, and analysis, including scriptwriting, directing, design, production, and history. They should also understand pedagogy in these areas, including lesson planning, assessment, and artistic expression.
The K–12 theater education licensure program equips aspiring teachers with the skills and concepts to help students learn the processes behind theater production, including acting, analysis, and stage and costume design. It promotes learning through action and gives aspiring teachers the ability to share their knowledge with others.
Educational Leadership and Administration Licensure
Experienced educators can also apply for licensure in educational leadership or administration positions. Professionals with this endorsement act as advocates for their institutions, collaborating with other educational leaders to develop and execute a shared vision.
Prospective administrators and leaders generally need to complete an approved educator preparation program, which could be a Doctor of Education (EdD). Below are some of the licensure tracks for educational leadership and administration.
School Superintendent
The School Superintendent endorsement certifies that professionals can undertake the role of superintendent. These professionals promote student success through continuous improvement and the facilitation of a collaborative culture. They should also have a strong understanding of organizational management and planning, including recruiting and retention, financial management, and stakeholder communication.
School Principal
The School Principal endorsement certifies that professionals can undertake the role of school principal. These professionals serve as stewards of learning and support, shaping educational plans and setting goals within their respective institutions. They should possess a strong understanding of teaching practices, curriculum evaluation, human resources management, and collaboration—all aimed at creating a safe educational environment.
Explore Professional Education Licensure Preparation with New England College
Earning a professional education license demonstrates an educator’s ability to teach in their area of specialization, whether in a specific subject matter or with a particular group of students. From art education at all grade levels to social studies at the secondary level, earning one of these licenses prepares professionals for fulfilling careers in their chosen concentrations.
Pursuing the online MEd from New England College can lead to numerous professional education licenses. It also provides the minimum education required to pursue an EdD degree in one of several specialties: Higher Education Administration, Pre-K–12 Leadership, or Educational Leadership. Students in the Pre-K–12 Leadership program can pursue the School Superintendent or School Principal tracks and use their coursework toward certification in their chosen track.
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