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How to become a teacher in Alaska
Steps drawn from the state's data
- Earn a bachelor's degree. At least one initial credential requires one.
- Complete a teacher preparation program. Alaska has 5 Title II providers.
- Complete clinical experience such as student teaching.
- Pass the tests the state requires (Title II reports that tests are required, not which ones).
- Complete a background check or fingerprinting.
- Apply to Alaska Department of Education and Early Development for an initial credential, such as Initial Teacher Certificate.
Teacher preparation providers in Alaska
| Provider | Program types | Enrollment | Completers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Bible College | Traditional | 5 | 1 |
| Alaska Pacific University | Traditional | 11 | 8 |
| University of Alaska Anchorage | Traditional | 33 | 2 |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | Traditional | 328 | 41 |
| University of Alaska Southeast | Traditional | 273 | 48 |
About teacher preparation in Alaska
There are five teacher preparation providers within Alaska that have State Board approval. The initial and advanced teacher preparation programs at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the University of Alaska Southeast are CAEP accredited. The advanced teacher preparation programs at the University of Alaska Anchorage is CAEP accredited. The initial teacher preparation program at the Alaska Pacific University is also CAEP accredited.
The initial teacher preparation program at University of Alaska Anchorage(UAA) and the Alaska Bible College has probationary state-approval and is working to reinstate its CAEP accreditation. UAA and the Alaska Bible College programs will be included in future Title II reports.
Teaching in Alaska requires a unique set of skills. Alaska institutions of higher education are committed to cultivating the necessary skills. The preparation of teachers within Alaska emphasizes the content and performance standards for Alaska’s students and teachers as well as the standards outlined in Alaska Standards for Culturally Responsive Schools and Preparing Culturally Responsive Teachers for Alaska’s Schools.