The Hoosier State is home to nearly 2,000 elementary and secondary schools, all of which have a need for qualified, certified teachers. However, only those with Indiana teaching certification are eligible to work in these classrooms.
Getting certified starts with earning the right degree, and you'll find there are several ways to get the education you need. While traditional, campus-based programs offer teaching degrees, many Indiana schools also offer online degree programs that are approved by the state. These programs typically allow you to study at whatever time is convenient for you, a feature that is appealing for those with family, jobs or other obligations that may make it difficult to get to class at a certain time. Keep reading to learn more about Indiana teaching certification.
Online Teaching Certification in Indiana
Indiana offers both a regular and alternative route to teaching certification. The traditional method is the option used by those who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree, while the alternative method is for those who have earned a bachelor's degree but not in the field of teaching.
Either way, you can complete your education online or through distance education at one of the following in-state schools which have programs approved by the Indiana Department of Education.
- American College of Education
- Ball State
- Indiana University
- Indiana State University
- Indiana Wesleyan University
- Purdue University
- Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
- University of St. Francis
- Valparaiso University
These schools host a variety of online programs with some offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees, and others focusing solely on master's degrees in education. For those who already have a degree in another area, several schools offer the Transition to Teaching program online, which is the alternative route to certification in Indiana.
Online degrees from out-of-state institutions may also be used for Indiana teaching certification so long as the school is regionally accredited for education degrees or regionally accredited and meets the education requirements of their state.
In addition to having the necessary degree, teachers need to submit the following in order be certified to teach in Indiana:
- Indiana CORE Assessments, CASA or other licensing test results
- CPR/AED/Heimlich maneuver certification
- Suicide prevention training certificate
- Official college transcript
Once their application and supporting material is evaluated and approved, educators receive an assignment code or codes which designate the grade levels and subjects they can teach.
Career Outlook for Teachers in Indiana
Indiana teaching jobs are spread throughout the state although the most openings may be found in metropolitan areas such as Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend and Terre Haute. The metropolitan areas of Cincinnati and Chicago also blend into the state of Indiana and provide employment opportunities for educators.
Using data from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following chart provides a snapshot of teaching jobs in Indiana.
| Position | Employment in Indiana (2014) | Average Salary in Indiana (2014) | Expected Job Growth (2012-2022) |
| Kindergarten Teachers | 2,880 | $48,480 | 9.6% |
| Elementary Teachers | 25,150 | $50,350 | 9.4% |
| Middle School Teachers | 9,760 | $51,930 | 9.4% |
| High School Teachers | 17,670 | $51,410 | 9.5% |
| Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary | 2,870 | $51,750 | 9.3% |
| Special Education Teachers, Middle School | 1,290 | $53,360 | 9.3% |
| Special Education Teachers, High School | 2,280 | $53,510 | 9.3% |
However, salaries can vary by location. For example, elementary teachers in the Indianapolis metropolitan area earned average annual incomes of $52,040 in 2014 while those in Muncie averaged $47,260 during that year.
What are Teaching Specializations in Indiana?
As part of the Indiana CORE Assessments, teachers have the option of taking content area testing in addition to the mandatory assessments.
These content area assessments allow teachers to specialization, but first, educators must pass two mandatory exams. The first is the Core Academic Skills Assessment, or CASA, which is required of teachers at every level. Then, teachers take a developmental, or pedagogy, area assessment in one of the following:
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education
- P-12 Education
- Secondary Education
Finally, teachers can choose to be evaluated in 52 different content areas that cover both individual subjects as well as particular job functions, such as that of a building administrator. The following are a sampling of the available content areas.
- Business
- Computer Education
- Psychology
- Language Arts
- Life Science
- Spanish
Teaching specializations can be added at the time of initial licensure or added to an existing license later.
Whether you are getting ready to begin your first career or are ready to switch gears at midlife, teaching can be a rewarding profession. In addition, online Transition to Teaching programs simplify the process of earning Indiana teaching certification for those who already have a degree under their belt. You don't have to wait to start a new career; request more information from the schools below today.
Sources:
1. Occupational Employment Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor, May 2014, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_in.htm#25-0000
2. Prospective Educators, Indiana Department of Education, http://www.doe.in.gov/licensing/prospective-educators
4. Tests, Indiana CORE Assessments, http://www.in.nesinc.com/PageView.aspx?f=GEN_Tests.html
5. Long Term Occupational Projections, Projections Central, http://www.projectionscentral.com/Projections/LongTerm