Alaska · Career guide

How to become a Elementary Teacher in Alaska

Elementary teachers (typically K-5 or K-6 depending on the state) deliver self-contained instruction across all core subjects. Hiring competition varies — popular metro districts can have dozens of applicants per opening, while rural and high-poverty districts often run staffing fairs to recruit. Bilingual / dual-language certification can dramatically expand opportunity.

No elementary teaching positions are open in Alaska right now — set up an alert and we'll notify you when new postings are scraped.

Certification path in Alaska

  1. Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution plus completion of an approved teacher-preparation program. Most candidates complete a teacher-preparation program either as part of their undergraduate studies or as a post-baccalaureate add-on.
  2. Pass the required exams. Alaska typically requires:
    • Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying SAT/ACT/GRE scores) — Basic reading, writing, and mathematics
    • Praxis Subject Assessments — Content knowledge for your certification area
    • Alaska Studies and Multicultural Education courses — Required state-specific coursework (3 semester credits each) for all initial certificates

    Most states issue a generic elementary license (K-6 or K-8). Adding a content endorsement (e.g. middle-grades math) expands grade-level placement options.

  3. Apply for your initial license through Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED). The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) →
  4. Job-search in Alaska. We'll track elementary teaching openings as districts post them; set up an alert to be notified immediately when new positions go live.

Alternative pathways in Alaska

If you didn't follow the traditional university-route, Alaska offers these alternate paths that may apply to your situation:

  • Type M Limited Teacher Certificate: Issued to candidates with demonstrated expertise in shortage areas (CTE, special education, rural placements)
  • Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification (ARTC): University-affiliated programs that allow candidates to teach under a provisional certificate while completing pedagogy coursework
  • Type C Special Services Certificate for school counselors, psychologists, and related specialists
  • Teach For America (active in rural Alaska placements)

Alaska salary context

Average teacher salary in Alaska: $73,722/year (rank #11 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $48,000/year.

Role-specific premiums vary by district — special education, STEM, and bilingual roles frequently command signing bonuses or stipends. See the full Alaska salary guide for the breakdown.

Full Alaska certification guideAll license tiers, alt routes, and reciprocity from other states.Alaska salary guidePay schedule, COL context, top-paying districts.Alaska teacher shortageWhich subjects are in shortage status — and the loan-forgiveness eligibility.