Want to become a teacher in the great state of Kentucky? If so, you have come to the right place. Below you will find a short article that lists the steps to becoming a teacher in Kentucky.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

To teach in the U.S., educators must hold at least an undergraduate degree. The state of Kentucky also requires students to complete a state-approved teacher education program to receive certification. In Kentucky, certification to teach elementary school (grades 1-6) requires courses in the subject areas taught in elementary school. Kentucky mandates that middle school (grades 5-9) teachers have a major in either English, math, social studies, or science, with a major being comparable to 30 semester hours of courses. Secondary school (grades 8-12) teachers must have a 30 semester-hour major in their major.

The state of Kentucky also requires supervised student teaching. Contact the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board for additional information. Educator certification programs can be taken online or on-site. A list of accredited teacher education programs in Kentucky can be found on Kentucky’s Education Professional Standards Board webpage.

Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

Most U.S. states require exams to show expertise in basic skills as well as in your subject area. The state of Kentucky uses the PPST (Pre Professional Skills Test)   for basic skills (required for entry into some teacher education programs), and both the Praxis II: Subject Exams and Praxis II PLT (Principles of Learning and Teaching) exam for subject area expertise.

Kentucky issues three levels of licensure:

Rank III is the provisional certificate given to new educators with an undergraduate degree.

Rank II requires finishing a master’s degree or at least 32 semester hours of graduate credit.

Rank I require 60 semesters of graduate credit, which may include a  master’s degree.

Step 3: Submit a Kentucky Teaching Credential Application

Upon completing your education and testing requirements for teacher certification in Kentucky, you can apply. Here is the Application for Kentucky Certification form. Finish Section I and sign. The superintendent at the school where you did your student teaching experience must sign and complete Section II. The institution where you finished your teacher education program must fill out Section IV.  Mail your application to Division of Certification, Education Professional Standards Board, 100 Airport Road, 3rd Floor, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601.