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How to become a teacher in Hawaii
Steps drawn from the state's data
- Pass the tests the state requires (Title II reports that tests are required, not which ones).
- Complete a background check or fingerprinting.
- Apply to Hawaii Teacher Standards Board for an initial credential, such as Standard Limited Career and Technical Education License; Standard Limited Computer Science License.
- Career changers can use one of 16 alternative routes instead of a traditional program.
Teacher preparation providers in Hawaii
| Provider | Program types | Enrollment | Completers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University HI | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 40 | 31 |
| Chaminade University Honolulu | Traditional | 203 | 45 |
| Hawaii Pacific University | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 67 | 27 |
| Iteach Hawaii | Alternative, not IHE-based | 234 | 41 |
| Kaho iwai | Alternative, not IHE-based | 71 | 19 |
| Leeward Community College | Alternative, IHE-based | 64 | 35 |
| Teach Away Teacher Certification Program | Alternative, not IHE-based | 60 | 18 |
| Teach for America-Hawaii | Alternative, not IHE-based | 67 | 41 |
| University of Hawaii at Hilo | Alternative, IHE-based | 19 | 19 |
| University of Hawaii at Manoa | Traditional; Alternative, IHE-based | 607 | 243 |
| University of Hawaii at West Oahu | Traditional | 170 | 36 |
| University of Hawaii HI Medium | Alternative, IHE-based | 16 | 5 |
About teacher preparation in Hawaii
In 2023-2024, Hawaii's 180,076 public and public charter school students were served by approximately 11,695 teachers in 295 Department of Education public schools. Of the 295 schools, 258 are public schools, and 37 are public charter schools. Fourteen Hawaii state-approved teacher education programs (SATEP) share the responsibility for preparing candidates who meet the Teacher Performance Standards set by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB). The HTSB is responsible for conducting the initial SATEP reviews and requires Hawaii teacher education programs to attain national accreditation from a body approved by the HTSB to be eligible for continuing State Approval or subject to a state review. The legislatively mandated Teacher Education Coordinating Committee (TECC), comprised of representatives of all the Hawaii-based teacher preparation programs, representatives of the Hawai'i State Department of Education (HIDOE), and the HTSB conducts meetings to resolve issues relating to teacher preparation, licensing, and professional development.