2026 Certification Guide
How to Become a Teacher in Delaware
Everything you need to know to earn a Delaware teaching certificate — from degree requirements and required exams to alternative routes and reciprocity.
Step-by-Step: Getting Certified in Delaware
- 1
Complete Your Education
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. This typically includes completing an approved teacher preparation program that includes coursework in pedagogy, child development, and your subject area.
- 2
Complete Student Teaching
Complete a supervised student teaching experience (clinical practice) in an approved school setting. Most programs require a full semester of student teaching under a cooperating teacher.
- 3
Pass Required Assessments
Delaware requires passing state-approved assessments before certification is issued:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying SAT/ACT/GRE scores)Basic reading, writing, and mathematics
- Praxis Subject AssessmentsContent knowledge for your certification area
- edTPAPerformance assessment during student teaching
- 4
Apply for Your Certificate
Submit your application to Delaware Department of Education, including transcripts, test scores, proof of student teaching completion, and any applicable fees. Most applications are processed through an online portal.
- 5
Start Teaching & Advance Your License
Your Initial License (valid 3 years) allows you to begin teaching. Advance to a Continuing License (5 years, renewable) by meeting additional requirements such as completing a mentorship program or additional coursework.
Pass the Praxis exam
Mometrix study guide & practice tests for the Praxis — prep with confidence.
Alternative Paths to Certification in Delaware
If you have a bachelor's degree in another field or relevant professional experience, these routes may let you enter the classroom sooner while completing certification requirements.
- Alternate Route to Certification (ARC): For career changers with bachelor's degrees in relevant fields
- Troops to Teachers: Support for military veterans
- Delaware Center for Teacher Education partnerships
Out-of-State Certification & Reciprocity
Delaware participates in the NASDTEC compact. Out-of-state educators with valid certificates may receive a Delaware license after evaluation; content exams may be required.
Tip: If you hold a valid teaching license from another state, contact Delaware Department of Education directly about your reciprocity options before re-taking any exams. Many states streamline the process for experienced educators.
What Will You Earn in Delaware?
Now that you know how to get certified, find out what to expect to earn. Delaware teachers start around $42,000 and average $66,533 per year statewide.
Delaware Teacher Salary Guide →Ready to apply?
Browse current teaching positions in Delaware — apply directly on district sites.
Data sources: Delaware Department of Education. Certification requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Delaware Department of Education before beginning a preparation program. EduJobsBoard is not affiliated with any state education department.
Frequently asked questions about teaching in Delaware
- How do I become a teacher in Delaware?
- Delaware certification is administered by Delaware Department of Education. The standard path is a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution from an approved teacher-prep program, completion of state-required exams (Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying SAT/ACT/GRE scores), Praxis Subject Assessments, edTPA), and a background check. Total timeline is approximately 12–18 months traditional; ARC typically takes 1–2 years while teaching.
- What exams are required to teach in Delaware?
- Delaware requires the following exams: Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying SAT/ACT/GRE scores) (Basic reading, writing, and mathematics); Praxis Subject Assessments (Content knowledge for your certification area); edTPA (Performance assessment during student teaching). Most are computer-based and offered year-round at testing centers.
- How long is a Delaware teaching license valid?
- The initial Initial License is valid for 3 years. After meeting professional development and experience requirements, you can advance to the Continuing License which is valid for 5 years, renewable.
- Can I teach in Delaware with a license from another state?
- Delaware participates in the NASDTEC compact. Out-of-state educators with valid certificates may receive a Delaware license after evaluation; content exams may be required.
- Are there alternative routes to teaching in Delaware?
- Alternate Route to Certification (ARC): For career changers with bachelor's degrees in relevant fields; Troops to Teachers: Support for military veterans; Delaware Center for Teacher Education partnerships