How do I go about getting a teaching certificate?
See brochure, Rules of Certification of the Education Standards and Practices Board . You must apply for a North Dakota teaching certificate with the Education Standards and Practices Board. The board was established by legislation in 1993, it came into existence effective January 1, 1996, and assumed its duties on July 1, 1995. That board is not a part of the Department of Public Instruction. (This step may be taken care of for preservice undergraduates by the Office of Student Advising and Admissions (Room 105, Education Building) after they are cleared for graduation.)
Special education credentials are issued through the Department of Public Instruction, Adaptive Services Division, Office of Special Education, so the teaching certificate and special education credential must be applied for through two different offices.
What do I need to do to get a special education credential?
The first thing that you must apply for and receive is your North Dakota Teaching Certificate. Even if you plan to teach in another state, it is important to have your resident state teaching certificate because it speeds up the application processes in other states. North Dakota is recognized for its high quality training in teacher education so it is to your benefit to have a North Dakota teaching certificate.
The next step is to apply for a special education credential in the area that you have received your university education (i.e., Mental Retardation, Specific Learning Disabilities, Emotionally Disturbed).
How do I apply for a North Dakota special education credential? What documents do I need to have?
- Complete a credential application attached.
- Attach a copy of your teaching certificate.
- Attach copies of your university transcripts that show completion of all of the coursework that you have taken. Transcripts list major fields of study completed. Make sure all of your grades are recorded on your transcripts before you send them to the Department of Public Instruction. Do not send transcripts without correspondence stating why you are submitting the transcripts.
How long does it take to acquire a North Dakota special education credential?
It takes at least six weeks to have a teaching certificate processed by the Education Standards and Practices Board. After you receive your teaching certificate, apply immediately for your special education credential. It would be best to have all the paperwork completed as soon as you receive your degree but do not send the information into the Department of Public Instruction, Office of Special Education, until you can attach a copy of your teaching certificate.
Is it mandatory to have a special education credential in order to teach in North Dakota schools?
Yes, if you are going to teach in any of the areas of special education you must have a special education credential in the area in which you are teaching.
Be sure that you have your North Dakota teaching certificate and special education credential before you apply for teaching positions.
How would having a special education credential help me out? Would it improve my resume?
You should have your North Dakota teaching certificate and your North Dakota credential with you when you apply for a teaching position. The school administrators and special education directors should not have to remind you that they need verification of your special education credential.
What special education credentials do you need to teach in North Dakota?
See information attached to the credential application.
Are there classes involved before receiving special education credentials?
See credential application and attached sheet. Your advisor has a list of the required courses. University programs are set up so students can meet the requirements if they follow the university catalog of coursework.
How often do you need to renew your special education credentials?
Special education credentials are automatically renewed with teaching certificates because you must hold a valid North Dakota Teaching Certificate at all times when you are employed as a teacher.
What is necessary for a special education credential?
See requirements with credential application. Your university advisor will be able to assist you in determining that you have all of the necessary coursework for the credentials that you want to pursue. It is important to follow your program of study and take the responsibility to ensure that you are completing all of the necessary coursework.
For what does a special education credential qualify me? What can I teach after graduation?
- What is your major field (area of concentration)?
- What levels are on your North Dakota teaching certificate? 1-8? K? 9-12? Special Endorsements?
- Which special education credential do you hold? (North Dakota special education credentials are categorical at this time.)
If I get a special education credential in North Dakota, is it good in other states as well? Are the requirements different in each state?
Each state has specific requirements for their special education credentials. You must contact the state office of education and find out how to apply for their teaching certificate and special education credential(s).
We do not have the requirements for other states. You must contact them directly. Most states require a course that is specific to the state. North Dakota requires a course in Indian Studies for persons who come from out of state.
Is there a charge for teaching certificates and credentials?
For a North Dakota teaching certificate? Yes, see the brochure for fees.
For a North Dakota special education credential? North Dakota special education credentials do not have a fee.
Two important addresses for you to have in your file:
North Dakota Teaching Certificate
Education Standards and Practices Board
600 E Boulevard Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58505-0440
(701) 328-2264
North Dakota Special Education Credentials
Department of Public Instruction
Office of Special Education
600 E Boulevard Avenue, 10th Floor
Bismarck, ND 58505-0440
(701) 328-2277 |
