How to Become an Elementary School Teacher in Indiana

Elementary school teachers are in high demand in Indiana. The state has more than 1,000 elementary schools, and demand for teachers is high due to retirements and turnover. In fact, the Hoosier State is projecting 1,910 job openings for elementary school teachers every year from now through 2034, according to the U.S. Dept. of Labor.

If your goal is to teach at the elementary level, there are multiple pathways to becoming a licensed teacher in Indiana. Keep reading to learn more about the requirements for elementary school teachers in Indiana and the steps you could take to earn your license.

Comprehensive Guide on How to Become a Teacher in Indiana

The steps you’ll take to become an elementary school teacher in Indiana are similar to the steps you would take to become a teacher at any grade level. You’ll earn your bachelor’s degree, complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP), and pass a series of licensure exams. 

You can review a step-by-step breakdown of the requirements and process of becoming a teacher in the Hoosier State in our How to Become a Teacher in Indiana guide. There are a variety of pathways, and this guide explains requirements and offers tips and advice for an easy transition into teaching. 

What Do You Need to Be an Elementary School Teacher in Indiana?

Indiana teachers are required to have a bachelor’s degree and to complete an EPP. Then, they need to pass the required Praxis exams, clear fingerprint and background checks, earn certifications in CPR, AED, and the Heimlich maneuver, and complete trainings on preventing suicide, human trafficking, and child abuse/neglect.

The timeline for earning a license depends on where you are right now. If you’re a high school graduate and you know you want to teach elementary school in Indiana, then earning a bachelor’s degree is your next step. That typically takes around four years.  

If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, your timeline could be much faster. You could complete a graduate-level EPP and earn your license that way (you don’t have to start over on a new bachelor’s degree). For example, Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is an approved Transition to Teaching (T2T) program in Indiana and can be completed in as little as 9 months, 100% online.

Steps to Becoming an Elementary School Teacher in Indiana

Here’s an example of the steps you might take to become a licensed elementary teacher in Indiana:

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree. 
2. Complete an EPP. Indiana has a list of approved EPPs as well as a list of approved Transition to Teaching programs, for career professionals looking to move into teaching. 
3. Pass the required licensure exams. For example, to earn a license as a K-6 elementary education generalist, you would take the Elementary Education Assessment (for multiple subject areas) as well as the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test.  
4. Complete additional training. Indiana teachers need a valid CPR/AED certification as well as training on preventing suicide, human trafficking, and child abuse/neglect. These must be led by a certified provider.  
5. Submit your Indiana application. As part of the application process, you will submit your fingerprints for a background check.  

Your first license in Indiana is likely to be an Initial Practitioner License, which is valid for two years. After completing the Indiana Mentor and Assessment Program or a Professional Growth Plan, you could advance to the Proficient Practitioner License. 

It’s important to note: This is just one example of a potential path to licensure in Indiana. For more information, visit the state department of education website.

Can You Become an Elementary School Teacher in Indiana Without a Teaching Degree?  

Yes! Many Indiana teachers have a degree in a non-education field, and Indiana welcomes and supports career changers. 

Bringing a different professional background into an elementary school classroom offers immense value to your future students. Say you previously worked in business, healthcare, or journalism — your experiences could help your students connect standard curriculum to the real world.

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Ready to take the next step? Earn your teaching license in as little as 9 months with Moreland University. Our TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is fully accredited and 100% online, with rolling admissions and monthly start dates. It’s an approved Transition to Teaching (T2T) program in Indiana.

Once you complete the TEACH-NOW program, you have the option to add on a master’s degree in just 3 additional months. Apply for free (the application only takes about 15 minutes), and you’ll hear back within 2 business days.