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How to become a teacher in New Hampshire
Steps drawn from the state's data
- Earn a bachelor's degree. At least one initial credential requires one.
- Pass the tests the state requires (Title II reports that tests are required, not which ones).
- Complete a background check or fingerprinting.
- Apply to NH Department of Education for an initial credential, such as Beginning Educator License (BEL).
- Career changers can use one of 3 alternative routes instead of a traditional program.
Teacher preparation providers in New Hampshire
| Provider | Program types | Enrollment | Completers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin Pierce University | Traditional | 69 | 15 |
| Keene State College | Traditional | 155 | 64 |
| New England College | Traditional | 84 | 8 |
| New Hampshire Department of Education | Alternative, not IHE-based | 784 | 220 |
| NHTI-Concord Community College | Traditional | 60 | 11 |
| Plymouth State University | Traditional | 343 | 55 |
| Rivier College | Traditional | 73 | 11 |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Traditional | 151 | 35 |
| St. Anselm College | Traditional | 70 | 22 |
| UNH College of Professional Studies | Traditional | 226 | 74 |
| University of New Hampshire | Traditional | 159 | 69 |
| Upper Valley Teacher Institute | Traditional | 20 | 15 |
About teacher preparation in New Hampshire
October 5, 2020
The New Hampshire State Board of Education has recently adopted a revised set of administrative rules governing educator credentialing structure, application processing, and the corresponding fee structure. The information below is intended to be a brief summary of some of the key changes. This document may be revised with additional information if the Bureau of Credentialing determines it to be necessary or advantageous to applicants.
Educator credential is now called a license.
In keeping with the practice of a majority of other states a New Hampshire educator credential will now be referred to by the term license rather than certificate. An Experienced Educator Certificate (EEC) is now an Experienced Educator License (EEL) and a Beginning Educator Certificate (BEC) is now a Beginning Educator License (BEL).
Pathways to New Hampshire educator credentials
The routes to an educator credential have been realigned into three “pathways” for greater clarity and new options have been added to address existing needs. The Educator Information System has been significantly upgraded to reflect these pathways and to better guide the applicant during the application process. These pathways are:
Approved Educator Preparation Program (AEPP)
o AEPPNH - Approved Educator Preparation Program - New Hampshire [was Alt 1]
o AEPPOS - Approved Educator Preparation Program - Out-of-State [was Alt 2]
o Demonstrated Competencies (DC)
o DCPOB - Portfolio/Oral Board [was Alt 3A]
o DCNR - National/Regional License [was Alt 3B]
o DCTA - Transcript Analysis [was Alt 3C]
o DCEX - Experience out-of-state [was Alt 2]
Site-Based Licensing Plan (SBLP)
o SHORT - Critical Shortage [was Alt 4]
o CTESA - Career and Technical Education Specialty Area [was Alt 4]
o NOPATH - No Other Available Pathway [new]
o NEWEND - New Endorsement [new]
o BUSAD - Business Administrator [was Alt 4] (repealed 7/1/23)
o CLGCRS - 10 College-Level Courses [was Alt 5]
o EEECE - Elementary Education K-6 or Early Childhood Education [was Alt 5]
o EEK8 - Elementary Education K-8 [was Alt 5]