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How to become a teacher in Delaware
Prep providers
6
Completers
490
Newly licensed
919
Colleges (IPEDS)
18
Credential rules change. Confirm current requirements with Delaware Department of Education.
Steps drawn from the state's data
- Earn a bachelor's degree. At least one initial credential requires one.
- Complete a teacher preparation program. Delaware has 6 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 Delaware Department of Education for an initial credential, such as Delaware Initial License; Standard Certificate - Elementary Dual Language Immersion Teacher; Standard Certificate AgriScience Teacher Gr 9-12 (Valid Gr 6-8 In a ML School); Standard Certificate Business, Finance, or Marketing Education Teacher 5-12.
- Career changers can use one of 3 alternative routes instead of a traditional program.
Teacher preparation providers in Delaware
| Provider | Program types | Enrollment | Completers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware State University | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 253 | 39 |
| Delaware Technical Community College | Traditional | 71 | 28 |
| Relay Graduate School of Education-DE | Alternative, IHE-based | 107 | 23 |
| University of Delaware | Traditional | 1,022 | 222 |
| University of Delaware-ARTC | Alternative, IHE-based | 200 | 66 |
| Wilmington University | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 783 | 112 |
About teacher preparation in Delaware
Research data conveys that the presence of a highly skilled teacher is the strongest in-school predictor of a student’s academic success, with high-quality school leaders being the second most important factor.
To ensure excellence in teaching and learning, Delaware works to ensure that all of the educators working in our schools are well prepared to take on the critical job of ensuring their students’ academic success.
As the approver of all educator preparation programs operating in Delaware, the state has the authority to oversee and set the standards for educator preparation, foster innovation, and hold programs accountable.