Washington, D.C. Teacher Certification Program Online

Becoming a teacher in D.C. typically involves several steps, such as earning your bachelor’s degree, completing an educator preparation program (such as Moreland University’s nine-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program), completing the applicable Praxis exams, undergoing an FBI background check including fingerprinting, and applying for your teaching license in Washington, D.C.

If you have questions about the process of getting your teaching certification in Washington, D.C., Moreland University admissions representatives would be happy to chat more. Give us a call at 1 (844) 283-2246 or email us at admissions@moreland.edu.

Washington D.C. requires teachers to have a valid teaching license that demonstrates you have completed the necessary education and training. Even though provisional teaching certificates are available, they are non-renewable; Provisional certificates in D.C. are only applicable for one term upon issuance.

There are a few educator licensures in Washington, D.C. that current and aspiring teachers should be aware of.

Types of Washington D.C. Certificates:

✓ Standard Teacher Credential: Renewable certifications granted to applicants that have completed all the standards for teacher certification.
✓ Initial Teacher Credential: Initial teacher credentials are nonrenewable certificates issued to applicants that meet some requirements but not all for the full teacher certification. These certificates are good for 3 years from the date of issuance.
✓ One-Year Provisional Credential: One-year Provisional Credentials are nonrenewable teaching certificates that are good for one year. They are issued when a school needs a teacher and there is no fully certified educator available.

If you’re considering teaching without certification, it’s essential to research the specific requirements and opportunities available in D.C. and consult with educational organizations for guidance.

To become a teacher in Washington, D.C., you must meet the following requirements:

✓ Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
✓ Have completed an approved educator preparation program (EPP), such as Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program. Moreland University is an approved EPP in Washington, D.C.
✓ Pass the required Praxis certification exams. In Washington, D.C., required tests are based on the grade level and subject area you wish to teach.
✓ Pass a criminal background check, including official fingerprinting
✓ Apply for certification with the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE)

It’s important to note that requirements and procedures may change over time, so it’s advisable to check with OSSE or the District of Columbia Public Schools for the most up-to-date information.

If you have further questions about the requirements for getting your teaching license in D.C., Moreland University admissions representatives would be happy to chat more. Give us a call at 1 (844) 283-2246 or email us at admissions@moreland.edu

To get a standard teacher credential or full teaching certification in Washington, D.C., you’ll typically need to follow these steps:

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree: Obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Complete an educator preparation program: Enroll in and complete an approved educator preparation program (EPP), like Moreland’s TEACH-NOW online teacher preparation program. Moreland University is an approved EPP in Washington, D.C.
3. Pass the required Praxis exams: Take and pass the required Praxis exams, which can vary based on the subject and grade level(s) you wish to teach.
4. Complete necessary documentation: Complete any necessary forms and documentation through your EPP.
5. Apply for licensure: Submit an application for licensure to the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) in Washington, D.C. Be sure to Include all necessary documents, including transcripts, Praxis exam scores, and proof of completion of a teacher preparation program.
6. Undergo a background check with fingerprinting: Washington, D.C. teachers must pass an FBI background check that includes fingerprinting.
7. Earn your teacher certification in Washington, D.C.!

It’s important to note that specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on factors such as the subject area, grade level, and type of certification. Be sure to check with check with OSSE or the District of Columbia Public Schools for the most up-to-date information.

To maintain your teaching certification in Washington D.C., you typically need to fulfill certain requirements for renewal. To renew your certification, you’ll need to:

✓ Complete Continuing Education: To renew your teacher certification in Washington D.C., you will need to complete 120 continuing education hours (or 8 semester credit hours), in the 4 years proceeding renewal. A minimum of 60 hours must be directly related to the credential you would like to renew.
✓ Ensure Your Background Check is Up to Date: When renewing your teacher certification in D.C., you’ll need to submit an Identity History Summary Check (IHSC). You will not have to redo the background check, but your previous background check information will need to be on file with OSSE for them to submit your information for IHSC approval.
✓ Submit Renewal Application: Prior to the expiration of your certification in D.C., you’ll need to submit a renewal application to the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). The renewal application may require you to provide evidence of completing continuing education hours or credits.
✓ Pay Renewal Fee: As of 2024, the fee for renewing your teaching credential in Washington D.C. is $50.

By completing these steps and fulfilling the renewal requirements, you can maintain your D.C. teaching certification and continue teaching in D.C. schools. Be sure to check with OSSE for the most current information and guidance regarding certification renewal.

The timeline to become a certified teacher in Washington, D.C. can vary depending on several factors, including your education and the type of certification you’re pursuing.

Both the traditional and alternative certification pathways require a bachelor’s degree, which usually takes four years of full-time study to earn (or longer if enrolled part time).

Those who have already completed their bachelor’s degree and would like to transition into teaching (or if you are already teaching and want to gain your standard licensure or full certification), will need to complete an approved educator preparation program (EPP) like that offered by Moreland University, an approved EPP in the District of Columbia.

While these programs can take more than a year to complete with coursework and field experience, Moreland offers an accelerated pathway that empowers you to complete your EPP requirement in just 9 months (including 12 weeks of clinical learning/ student teaching).

Before applying for certification, you’ll also need to pass the required Praxis certification exams and complete an FBI background check. The time it takes to prepare for and pass the certification exams can vary, as can the processing time for background checks.

Pay for Washington, D.C. educators can vary based on factors such as subject, grade, and experience. However, the National Education Association reports that Washington, D.C. teachers make an average of $84,882 a year (for approximately 10 months of teaching with summers off). This is the fifth highest average salary in the nation.

Those who pursue a master’s degree, which Moreland also offers options for, can often make even more money while increasing their career trajectory.

Washington, D.C. teachers have the highest average starting salaries in the nation, according to the National Education Association. The NEA reports that D.C. educators have an average starting salary of $63,373 (as of 2024). This is typically for ~10 months of work as teachers get the summer and time during the year off.

There are many reasons Moreland University is a great option for current and aspiring educators in Washington, D.C.

Notably, Moreland University is accredited – ensuring our programs meet high standards of quality and are recognized by employers and state education agencies. While programs are offered 100% online, Moreland University is based in Washington, D.C. Our prominent presence in the nation’s capital paired with our strong reputation for producing highly qualified educators in the U.S. and abroad provides our candidates with credibility in the field and a global support network.

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is an invaluable resource that can guide you through the teacher certification process in Washington, D.C.

The OSSE website provides comprehensive information on the steps to becoming a certified teacher, exam requirements, how to apply for a D.C. teaching license, and more. You can also find information on Washington D.C. educator preparation programs like Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program.