Alabama

Become a Certified Teacher in Alabama with #TEACH ​

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Alabama

Become a Certified Teacher in Alabama with #TEACH

CAEP Accredited

Choose Your Path

#TEACH is a CAEP-accredited pathway for teacher certification in Alabama. We provide university-level rigor, high-touch coaching, and a structured journey designed to help you master the craft of teaching, not just get a license.

Find the right program for your education career goals.

Initial Certification 

Start your teaching career with our comprehensive certification program

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Courses for Graduate Credit

Browse our graduate-level courses to earn credits that count toward certification or advancement

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Degree Completion

Complete your bachelor’s degree while preparing to teach

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Master’s Degree

Advance your career with our graduate education programs

Your Journey to Teaching

Follow our step-by-step process to become a certified educator

1

See If You Qualify
A bachelor’s degree gets you started

2

Application
Submit your application and documents

3

Begin Coursework
Complete enrollment and begin coursework

4

Residency
Complete teaching residency

5

Certification
Receive your teaching certificate

Pricing and Scholarships​

We believe quality teacher preparation should be accessible. Explore our flexible payment plans, scholarships, and financial aid options.

  • Payment plans available
  • Third-party financing available
  • Financial assistance and scholarships available

Success Stories

Hear from our diverse community of certified educators

Resources & Support

Everything you need for success in your teaching journey

Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to common questions about our programs

How do I apply?
It’s easy! All you need to do is complete our online application by choosing the Apply Today button. 
 
During the application process, you will be asked to submit your resume, provide proof that you have a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution and a 2.50 GPA or higher. Once you are admitted, you will be required to pay the one-time enrollment fee of $99, select a payment plan, and then you can begin your coursework!

Admissions are rolling and applications are accepted year-round.

You are not limited by your degree! You can teach in any area as long as you pass the Alabama Required Subject Assessments required for that area. So, if you want to teach elementary, you simply take and pass the required elementary tests. If you want to teach science, you simply take that test and pass. It’s that simple!

The first step is to obtain an official “course-by-course” foreign credentials evaluation report, which translates your non-US coursework into US equivalents. This evaluation may be obtained from educational credential evaluation agencies that are approved members of NACES member evaluation service. Your admissions process cannot be completed without this report.
 
The evaluation report produced by these evaluation services determine whether the out-of- country degree is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited North American university. The evaluation along with other required documents will need to be included in your licensure packet to the ALSDE.

We do not have any guidance documents on work visas. However, we recommend that you contact your state’s department of education for guidance on employment regulations.

If you desire to teach in Alabama, a teachable major is not required.

The way alternative certification works is that you show evidence of your content knowledge by passing the required Content Area Assessments. As an alternative certification provider, our job is to train you how to teach the content effectively. As such, our courses focus on the “Art of Teaching,” not specific content.

Yes! We offer credit for your prior college of education coursework! If you have taken courses in a college of education, you can request that we conduct a course waiver analysis. We will grant you credit for courses that match our course content. Please note that we will only grant credit for courses that were taken at a regionally accredited College of Education.

In total, candidates are provided up to 507 hours of comprehensive curriculum.

Please visit the links below to learn more about the Alabama Assessments.
 
Content Knowledge Assessments
 
 
 
Foundations of Reading Assessment
 
  • To locate additional Pearson: Foundations of Reading information along with the current required score, visit: https://www.al.nesinc.com
 
 
Pedagogy Assessments – edTPA or PLT required based on number of years completed on the CCTF Certificate, see application or speak with advisors with #TEACH
 
 
You can find test prep information and resources on our website. We also have a relationship with ExamEdge to offer full length practice tests in most areas! 
#TEACH is not a college and therefore cannot offer federal student aid. However, we do have financing options, payment plans, and a payment-in-full discount. Visit the Pricing & Scholarships page for details.

To search jobs in the state of Alabama, please visit the TrueHire website.

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Initial Certification

Alternative Teacher Certification in Alabama 

The #TEACH alternative teacher certification program provides a flexible, state‑approved pathway for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to become certified teachers in Alabama. 

 

How the Program Works 

The #TEACH program is designed to help you move efficiently from application to full Alabama teacher certification through a structured, supportive process.  

Step 1: Apply and Get Started 

Begin by submitting an application. Once accepted, the #TEACH admissions team works with you to map out your personalized path to certification. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and meet Alabama eligibility requirements.  

Step 2: Complete Coursework 

You will complete up to 507 hours of comprehensive, competency‑based coursework aligned with Alabama State Department of Education requirements. Coursework focuses on: 

  • Planning and Building

  • Child Development

  • Family and Community

  • Instruction

  • Differentiated Instruction

  • Assessment and Evaluation

  • Classroom Management

  • Diverse Learners

  • Teaching Methods

  • We also offer courses in Restorative Practices

All coursework is designed to prepare you for real classroom environments and professional expectations.  

Step 3: Teach With Support (Residency Year) 

During your first year in the classroom, you serve as a certified teacher while receiving ongoing, individualized support. Instructional coaches provide mentoring, training, and in‑classroom guidance throughout your residency year, ensuring you are never navigating the process alone.  

Step 4: Earn Full Alabama Certification 

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, including one academic year of teaching with successful evaluations while holding the Conditional Certificate, the individual can apply for the Professional Educator Certificate.

 

Why Choose the #TEACH Program? 

  • State‑approved alternative route to teacher certification in Alabama 
  • Designed for career‑changers and working adults 
  • Combines coursework with real classroom experience 
  • Ongoing coaching and mentoring throughout the program 
  • Clear path from application to full Alabama certification 

 

Next Steps

Learn more and view course lists on the Alabama Programs page.

Courses for Graduate Credit

Graduate‑Level Education Courses

#TEACH offers graduate‑level education courses for Alabama participants through a partnership with Ashland University. Candidates enrolled with #TEACH can earn up to 12 graduate credits for their completed coursework. 

 

Which courses count?

  • Child Development – Elementary
  • Child Development – Secondary
  • Classroom Management
  • Assessment and Evaluation

See the Alabama Programs page for more information

 

Degree Completion

Finish Your Bachelor’s Degree While Preparing to Teach 

The University of Olivet’s Online Bachelor’s Teaching Pathway is designed for individuals who want to complete their bachelor’s degree and begin teacher certification at the same time. Offered fully online and delivered in partnership with #TEACH, this pathway provides a streamlined option for future educators who need a degree to move forward in the certification process.  

 

What This Pathway Offers 

  • Bachelor’s degree completion through the University of Olivet 
  • Teacher certification preparation through the #TEACH  
  • 100% online coursework, designed for working adults 
  • Ability to apply previously earned college credits toward degree completion 
  • Coursework that prepares candidates to transition directly into the classroom  

Master’s Degree Program

Earn Your Master of Education Online 

The University of Olivet’s Online Master of Education (M.Ed.) offers a flexible, fully online option for individuals who want to advance their education career while working toward teacher certification or additional endorsements. Delivered in partnership with #TEACH, this program allows students to complete graduate‑level coursework while meeting state certification requirements.  

 

Program Highlights 

  • 100% online coursework with asynchronous learning and optional live sessions 
  • Designed for career‑changers and current educators 
  • Opportunity to earn teacher certification or endorsements while completing the M.Ed. 
  • Aligned to state certification requirements and supported by CAEP‑accredited #TEACH pathways 
  • Accessible to students in all #TEACH program states