Transition to Teaching

Meet Colin, a Kindergarten teacher who loves his job.

You’ll take 9 classes to become an elementary teacher. Students typically complete the program in 18 to 24 months.

This Elementary Track PDF guides you through the courses and introduces the professors who will help you become a teacher in Indiana.

Meet Kelly, a 5th grade teacher who is making a difference.

You’ll take 7 classes to become a middle school or high school teacher. Students typically complete the program in 12 to 18 months. This Secondary Track PDF guides you through the courses and introduces the professors who will help you become a teacher in Indiana.

To become a teacher, you have to take tests. Two to be exact.

• Test #1: Content Area Assessment
  When: Decided on a case-by-case basis, as the exact timing is dependent on your licensure area, undergraduate major and GPA.
  Details: Pearson Content Area Assessments measure a student’s knowledge in the subject(s) he/she will teach. Praxis II tests taken on or before 5/31/14 are also accepted to meet this requirement.


• Test #2: Pedagogy Assessment
  When: Complete this test at the end of the program, before applying for licensure.
  Details: A pedagogy test in your developmental area assessed through Pearson.

It can seem overwhelming, but rest easy. We will walk you through the licensure test process after you apply. Kim Overbey, Director of Teacher Certification, will answer all of your questions (765-998-5286). The student handbook is full of details, as well. Or check out the Pearson Assessment site.

Not planning to teach in Indiana? Many states have reciprocity agreements that ease transferring an Indiana state teaching license to another state. Find out more.

IDOE Application

You’ve completed the classes. You’ve completed the tests. What happens next?

To become licensed, the Indiana Department of Education also requires you to be CPR certified and suicide prevention certified (completed independent of Taylor’s courses). Then, you’ll submit a teaching license application along with the fee through the IDOE website. That’s it! Taylor University will recommend you to the IDOE for an Indiana state teaching license. Once the paperwork is approved – you are a licensed teacher in the state of Indiana!

This document walks you through the details.

Requirements:

• Accepted into the program
• Submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - Taylor University code is 001838
• Enrolled at least half-time (six hours/semester) in courses required by the state teacher certification program*
• No student loans in default status

Features:

• Loan repayment deferred until student is no longer enrolled at least half-time
• Attractive interest rate
• Federal government may pay loan interest while student is in school which is determined by the level of financial need based on the FAFSA
• Eligible students are guaranteed loan funds

*Note: Courses outside the specific state requirements, even if recommended by Taylor (i.e. undergraduate prerequisite courses), cannot be considered when calculating the student’s Federal Stafford Loan eligibility nor can they count toward the student’s half-time enrollment status.

Requirements:

• Accepted into the program
• Enrolled at least half-time (some exceptions)
• Subjected to loan application process which typically requires a co-signer and a credit history report

Features:

• Loan repayment deferred until student is no longer enrolled at least half-time
• Low interest rates though not as low as Federal Stafford Loan
• Student is responsible for all interest payments