Below we've outlined the steps to become a teacher in the states where Rivet School currently has school partnerships: California, Illinois, and Louisiana. It's helpful to know that the first step for all of them is to earn your bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, which you are doing right now through SNHU! If you have more specific questions, we suggest clicking through some of the links embedded in this article or talking to the person at your school district who is responsible for teacher credentialing/certification since they will have the most updated information about how to start teaching at your school as quickly as possible.
California (CTC)
- Earn a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution (like SNHU)
- Apply to an approved alternative credential program
- Pass CBEST & CSET
- Finish required coursework (typically 1-2 years)
- Complete program requirements to earn your Preliminary Credential (valid for 5 years)
Illinois (ISBE)
- Earn a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution (like SNHU)
- Apply to an approved alternative licensure program
- Pass ILTS
- Get Provisional License to begin teaching
- Finish required coursework (typically 1-2 years)
- Complete program requirements to earn your Professional Educator License/PEL (valid for 5 years)
Louisiana (LDOE)
- Earn a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution (like SNHU)
- Pass Praxis Subject Assessments & Praxis PLT (required before program entry)
- Enroll approved alternative certification programs
- Get Practitioner License to begin teaching
- Finish required coursework (typically 1-2 years)
- Complete program requirements to earn your Level 1 Teaching Certificate (valid for 5 years)
Note: New Orleans' unique charter system allows schools to hire individuals without full state certification if they meet school-defined qualifications, reducing credential requirements.
