Become a Teacher in Vermont

Important Note: Education licensure requirements, statistics and other information are subject to change. CertificationMap.com makes its best effort to keep content accurate; however, the official sources are the state education departments. Please confirm licensing requirements with your state before applying for licensure or renewal. Last updated: 11/21/2016

This page is sponsored by our partner Rossier Online, a master level teaching degree program delivered online that enables you to earn a Master’s degree and teaching credential. Learn more about how the University of Southern California can help you become a transformative teacher in Vermont.

To become a certified teacher in Vermont, you will need to fulfill these requirements:

• Step One: Complete a bachelor's degree and other prerequisite coursework required.
• Step Two: Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program
• Step Three: Pass required exams.
• Step Four: Submit a Vermont teaching credential application.

Our goal is to make this process as easy as possible, and we are dedicated to updating CertificationMap.com with new information on a regular basis.

Step One: Vermont Prerequisite Coursework

Generally, states require that teachers hold, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, some states have undergraduate credit hour requirements for certification in specialty areas. While Vermont does not list specific course or credit hour requirements, state licensing rules require at least 13 consecutive weeks of student teaching.

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Master’s Requirements

Many schools of education now offer online MAT programs that provide increased flexibility by allowing aspiring or working teachers to attend class and complete coursework from any location that has an Internet connection. Online MAT programs are a practical option for students who have professional and personal commitments that make it difficult to obtain teaching certification through a full-time program.

The best online programs offer the same curriculum as the school’s on-campus program and apply the same admission requirements. Providing students with the ability to communicate with instructors and classmates in a face-to-face online environment is another hallmark of a good online program. In addition, candidates in online MAT programs should be provided with the opportunity to complete student teaching fieldwork in the local community.

Click to learn more about getting your MAT online with our partner USC Rossier School of Education.

Step Two: Vermont Teacher Preparation

Teacher preparation for the traditional route to licensure in Vermont includes the completion of an accredited teacher education program. Typically, teacher education programs consist of a combination of curricula and fieldwork. Coursework often includes instruction on foundational knowledge, skills and pedagogy (the art and science of teaching), as well as preparation in researching, designing and implementing learning experiences in various fields of study. The fieldwork component can include field observations, student teaching, and internships.

While the involvement in an education program may seem financially daunting, a number of financial resources exist specifically for teachers. For more information, visit the Certification Map web page on scholarships for teachers. For scholarships exclusive to teachers in Vermont, visit the Certification Map Vermont 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. Learn more about alternative certification in Vermont.

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Step Three: Vermont Required Tests

The State of Vermont Agency of Education requires that all applicants pursuing their Vermont teaching licenses successfully complete the relevant Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators tests and Praxis II content tests.

All candidates seeking initial Vermont teaching licensure are required to complete all three Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators tests.

Applicants are required to take all required Content Area assessments for their desired subject area/level of certification.

Visit Vermont’s Praxis Requirements for a complete list of available assessments.

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Step Four: Vermont Application Requirements

The State of Vermont Agency of Education mandates that all teaching candidates  applying for their initial Vermont teaching license meet the following requirements:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an accredited institution;
• Meet one of the following criteria:
• Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program through a bachelor’s, post-baccalaureate or master’s degree program;
• Complete a Vermont alternative licensure program;
• Fulfill the requirements mandated by the state’s rules of reciprocity;
• Complete all testing requirements;
• Submit certification application and supplemental documents, as well as pay all required fees.

Background Check

The State of Vermont Agency of Education requires that all teaching candidates undergo a criminal background check and fingerprint clearance before obtaining a teaching license. Visit the Criminal Record Check Process for Educators web page on the agency’s website for detailed instructions.

Vermont Educations Jobs

Vermont unions and school districts utilize the services of SchoolSpring to provide candidates with online access to job opportunities within the state public school system. Through SchoolSpring, applicants are able to register, search and apply online for available teaching positions. Applicants interested in positions within Vermont’s private schools may contact the schools directly. Visit the state Agency of Education’s Directory of Vermont Independent Schools for more information.

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Vermont Certification Reciprocity

Vermont will accept some teaching credentials from other states through interstate reciprocity. Contact the State of Vermont Agency of Education to inquire about your specific situation. Please see the Certification Map interstate reciprocity disclaimer for more information.

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Vermont Teacher Salary

• Incentives to teach in high-needs schools or shortage subject areas: Vermont provides loan forgiveness support for teachers working in high-need fields and low-income areas.
• Policies in place that articulate elements of effective induction: Vermont law does not require first- or second-year teachers to receive induction support, according to the New Teacher Center.  
• Average Elementary Teacher Salary: $54,750
• Average Secondary Teacher Salary: $54,240
• Teacher Salary vs. State Average Salary: The average teacher in Vermont makes 118% of the salary of the average worker in the state.
• Average Number of Vacation Weeks Per Year: 17

Figures regarding teacher salaries are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2015 Occupational Employment Statistics report.

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Vermont Certification Resources & Links

• State of Vermont Agency of Education

219 North Main Street, Suite 402
Barre, Vermont 05641
802-479-1030

• Vermont Teacher Tenure
• Teachers Test Prep: Free online Praxis Study Guides and Praxis Practice Tests, as well as a variety of preparation options to meet your individual needs, including prep classes, private tutoring, and online prep.
• Directory of Vermont Independent Schools
• Vermont Substitute Teacher Requirements