District of Columbia · Career guide

How to become a Elementary Teacher in District of Columbia

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 District of Columbia right now — set up an alert and we'll notify you when new postings are scraped.

Certification path in District of Columbia

  1. Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. 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. District of Columbia 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
    • Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) — Pedagogy and professional knowledge

    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 Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) →
  4. Job-search in District of Columbia. 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 District of Columbia

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

  • DC Teaching Fellows: Two-year residency program for career changers, especially in math, science, and special education
  • Teach For America (DC region, active in DCPS and charter network placements)
  • Capital Teaching Residency (Center City PCS / KIPP DC): Year-long residency leading to a charter teaching position
  • Provisional Teaching License (Type I): Issued to candidates hired by a DC school while completing certification requirements in parallel

District of Columbia salary context

Average teacher salary in District of Columbia: $81,030/year (rank #5 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $56,313/year.

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

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