Become a Teacher in Delaware

Step Two: Delaware Teacher Preparation

Teacher preparation includes the completion of an accredited teacher education program.

Typically teacher education programs consist of a combination of curricula and fieldwork. The curricula often include instruction on foundational knowledge and skills, pedagogy (the art and science of teaching), and preparing students to research, design and implement learning experiences in their field of study. The fieldwork component can include field observations, student teaching, and an internship.

While the involvement in an education program may seem financially daunting, a number of financial resources specifically for teachers exist around the country. For more information on this, visit our page on scholarships for teachers. For more scholarships for teachers specific to the State of Delaware, visit our Delaware Teacher Scholarships page.

Alternative Certification

Graduates of accredited colleges or universities whose Bachelor’s degree was not in education, and who have not yet earned a traditional teaching certificate, can still receive an alternative teaching certificate by satisfying certain requirements. Click here for information about Alternative Certification in Delaware.

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Step Three: Delaware Required Tests

Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST)

The Praxis I PPST measures basic skills in reading, writing and mathematics. These tests evaluate whether candidates have the foundational and academic skills necessary to pursue a career as an educator in the state of Delaware.

Praxis II

The Praxis II Subject Assessments measures knowledge of general and specific subjects related to K-12 teaching skills and classroom knowledge. The Praxis II covers 120 different tests. Required tests are dependent on requirements set forth by one’s desired teaching discipline. The following assessments are required by the Delaware Department of Education:

* Not all listed tests are required for each certification. Not all areas of certification are listed. View Delaware’s Test Requirements for more information.

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Step Four: Delaware Application Requirements

Delaware teaching applicants must apply online through DEEDS (Delaware Educator Data System), the state’s online application process. To obtain a teaching license/certification, the Delaware Department of Education’s requires applicants to meet the following requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher)
• Student teaching experience, as indicated on transcript(s)
• Passing scores on Praxis I exam
• Passing score(s) on Praxis II tests for certification area(s)

Delaware does not require fingerprinting as part of the initial teacher licensing process. However, state law requires all teaching candidates to complete a state and federal background check prior to employment. Contact your local school district for more information regarding the fingerprinting process and requirements.

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Delaware Certification Reciprocity

Delaware will accept some teaching credentials some states. Contact the Delaware Department of Education to inquire about your specific situation. Please see our interstate reciprocity disclaimer for more information.

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Delaware Teacher Salary

• Incentives to teach in high-needs schools or shortage subject areas: Delaware provides no support for teachers teaching in high-needs schools or for teachers teaching in shortage subject areas
• Policies in place that articulate elements of effective induction: Delaware has strong induction policies in place
• Average Elementary Teacher Salary: $60,600
• Average Secondary Teacher Salary: $63,640
• Number of Vacation Weeks Per Year: 15

Teacher salaries were provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: May 2017 Occupational Employment Statistics report.

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Delaware Certification Resources & Links

• Delaware Department of Education
  Teacher Certification Office
  401 Federal Street
  Dover, Delaware 19901
  (302) 857-3388
• Join Delaware Schools: Join Delaware Schools is an online portal established by the Delaware Department of Education to provide potential educators with resources necessary to obtain a teaching position. Applicants can search current job opportunities, as well as upload resumes and applications for districts to search.
• Delaware Substitute Teacher Requirements
• Delaware Teacher Tenure
• Troops to Teachers Delaware: In Delaware, Troops to Teachers is managed by the New England Region Office
• Teachers Test Prep: Free online Praxis Study Guides and Praxis Practice Tests, and a variety of preparation options to meet your individual needs, including prep classes, private tutoring, and online prep.

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