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 1,890 job openings for elementary school teachers every year from now through 2032, 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 your bachelor’s degree). For example, Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be completed in as little as 9 months, 100% online. It’s important to note that TEACH-NOW is an out-of-state EPP in Indiana, so you would earn your teaching credential in another state and use the reciprocity process to transfer the license to Indiana.

Steps to Becoming an Elementary School Teacher in Indiana

Out-of-State EPP (Reciprocity) 

If you complete an out-of-state EPP, like Moreland’s online TEACH-NOW program, you could earn your teaching license in another state or the District of Columbia and use Indiana’s reciprocity process to transfer the credential.  

Here’s an example of the reciprocity process, going through Washington, D.C.:  

1. Earn your bachelor’s degree. This degree does not necessarily have to be in education.
2. Complete an EPP, like Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program.  
3. Pass the required certification exams for D.C. For a license in elementary education, grades 1-6, you might take the Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects exam along with the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test.  
4. Submit your fingerprints for a background check and apply for your D.C. teaching license.  
5. Use reciprocity to apply for your Indiana license. Indiana makes this process easier for teachers who complete an EPP accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Moreland University was the first online program to earn CAEP accreditation.
6. Complete any additional requirements. This could include earning your CPR certification or taking training on preventing suicide, human trafficking, and child abuse/neglect. If you need to take any additional Praxis exams, you would complete those at this point as well. 

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 through an out-of-state EPP. For more detailed information, visit the Indiana Department of Education website. 

In-State Pathway 

If you choose an in-state EPP in Indiana, you’ll follow similar steps to earn your license.  

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.  

Again, this is just one example of how you could earn a teaching license in Indiana through an in-state EPP. For more information, visit the state DOE website.

Why Reciprocity Might Make Sense for You 

Reciprocity could be the ideal path for you if:  

• You are licensed in another state but plan to teach in Indiana.  
• You prefer the flexibility of an out-of-state EPP, such as Moreland’s 9-month, online, TEACH-NOW program.  

Every teacher is different, and it’s important to consider your career goals and your wants and needs as you plan your path to the classroom. 

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.

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.