Idaho Department of Education

Be an Educator

Completion of an educator preparation program (college/university or non-traditional program) is required in order to teach in Idaho. There are variety of educator preparation programs, approved in Idaho, which include college and university as well as non-traditional programs. For more information regarding certification, visit our Certification page.

An out-of-state educator preparation program may be used as long as the program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) or the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). An individual who completes an out-of-state, non-CAEP and non-AAQEP accredited educator preparation program is required to obtain certification in the state that has approved the program. The individual can then apply to Idaho as an out-of-state applicant.

There are district/charter Alternative Authorization options and non-traditional programs that lead to certification that allow a candidate to be the teacher of record while completing a certification program. For additional information about non-traditional programs, please access the dropdown below. For information regarding the district/charter Alternative Authorization options, visit the Alternative Authorizations page.

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.

Employment opportunities may be found on the following sites or the individual district/charter school site:

Idaho Educator Preparation Programs

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
- Accredited Provider & Recognized Program Search
Out-of-State CAEP Approved Programs
- Accredited Provider & Recognized Program Search

Non-traditional educator preparation programs have a minimum requirement of a baccalaureate degree. In order to complete a non-traditional preparation program, candidates must obtain a teaching position at a district/charter while working under a mentor teacher for at least two years.
- 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