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Delaware Alternative Teacher Certification

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Delaware Alternative Teacher Certification

Delaware Alternative Teacher Certification: Requirements, Programs & Steps

Becoming a licensed teacher in Delaware doesn’t always require a traditional education degree. The Delaware Alternative Teacher Certification pathway allows professionals, recent graduates, and career changers to enter the teaching field through state-approved programs designed for non-traditional candidates. This route is perfect for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to make a difference in classrooms across the state.

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This route is specifically designed for career changers, professionals, and non-education majors who aspire to teach in Delaware's classrooms. With a growing demand for educators, especially in high-need areas, Delaware's alternative certification provides an efficient way to transition into teaching

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about qualifying for alternative teacher certification in Delaware—key requirements, exam expectations, approved programs, costs, timelines, and how to launch your teaching career with confidence.

What Is Delaware Alternative Teacher Certification?

The Delaware alternative route to teacher certification is an official pathway that enables qualified individuals without an education degree to earn their teaching license. Approved by the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE), this pathway offers structured training, mentoring, and on-the-job classroom experience for participants.

Unlike the traditional route, where candidates complete a college-based teacher preparation program before applying for licensure, the alternative route allows participants to teach while they train. Candidates enroll in an approved alternative route to teacher certification, secure a teaching position, and complete coursework, mentoring, and Praxis exams during their first years in the classroom.

This approach helps address teacher shortages in high-need areas and provides flexible entry for those seeking a mid-career change.

Traditional vs. Alternative Certification in Delaware

Traditional Route

Alternative Route

Education degree required

Non-education bachelor’s degree accepted

Student teaching before licensure

Teach while completing certification

Longer preparation timeline

Faster entry into the classroom

Limited flexibility

Designed for working professionals

All alternative certification pathways are overseen by the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE), ensuring consistent licensure standards and educator quality.

Who Is Eligible for Alternative Teacher Certification in Delaware?

Basic Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Delaware’s alternative certification pathway, candidates must meet core eligibility criteria:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.

  • Maintain a satisfactory GPA, often around 2.75 or higher (specific programs may vary).

  • Complete fingerprinting and a criminal background check through the Delaware State Bureau of Identification.

  • Enrollment in a DDOE-approved alternative teacher program

  • Willingness to teach in a Delaware public or charter school

  • Be eligible to work in the United States.

These baseline requirements ensure candidates demonstrate both academic and professional readiness before entering Delaware classrooms.

Content Area & Grade-Level Requirements

To qualify for Delaware alternative certification, candidates must have demonstrated expertise in specific content areas, often requiring a degree or coursework relevant to the subject they wish to teach.

Candidates must demonstrate content-area readiness, usually through:

  • A degree or sufficient coursework in the subject they plan to teach

  • Passing scores on Praxis Subject Assessments aligned to that content area

Delaware particularly seeks teachers in high-need and shortage areas, such as:

  • STEM

  • Special Education

  • World Languages

  • Career & Technical Education (CTE)

Delaware Alternative Teacher Certification Requirements

Delaware’s Alternative Routes to Certification (ARTC) program allows individuals with a bachelor’s degree to teach full-time while completing licensure requirements within two years. Candidates need a 3.0 GPA (or, in some cases, 2.5+), 24 relevant content credits or a passing Praxis II score, and a secured position in a Delaware school. 

Core Requirements for Delaware ARTC

  • Education: A Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution is required.

  • Content Knowledge: Candidates must have 24 credits in a content area related to the teaching assignment, or pass the Praxis II exam.

  • GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the most recent degree is typically required for admission.

  • Employment: Candidates must secure a full-time "Teacher of Record" position in a Delaware public or charter school.

  • Background Check: Successful completion of a Delaware Department of Education health clearance and criminal background check. 

Steps to Certification

  1. Obtain a Letter of Eligibility: Apply to a state-approved ARTC program (e.g., University of Delaware, Wilmington University, Relay Graduate School).

  2. Secure Employment: Use Join Delaware Schools to find positions.

  3. Complete Training: Complete required coursework, seminars, and school-based mentoring over two years.

  4. Evaluations: Pass required Praxis exams (Subject and/or PLT) and receive satisfactory DPAS-II evaluations. 

Required Exams (Praxis)

Most Delaware candidates pursuing alternative certification will need to take Praxis exams. These may include:

  • Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (reading, writing, and math), unless exempt based on prior academic achievement.

  • Praxis Subject Assessments specific to the content area or grade level you intend to teach.

Cut scores vary by subject and license type, and the DDOE publishes current requirements. High-quality Praxis prep resources can help you meet or exceed those benchmarks.

Teaching Experience or Mentorship

New teachers are typically required to engage in a period of supervised teaching, often accompanied by an induction program or mentorship to support their transition into the classroom. This ensures each candidate gains classroom management skills and instructional confidence before earning a standard Delaware teaching license.

Approved Delaware Alternative Certification Programs

State-Approved Alternative Route Providers

Delaware approves various university-based and non-university alternative teacher certification programs. Some work in partnership with local school districts, providing candidates with paid classroom placements while they complete coursework. Examples include post-baccalaureate programs, residency-style routes, and district-specific induction tracks.

Delaware offers various approved programs for alternative certification, which include:

  • University-based programs

  • Non-university alternative pathways

  • District-sponsored programs

Online Alternative Teacher Certification Options

Many programs now offer online coursework, making it easier for prospective teachers to balance their studies with other commitments. However, candidates will still need to fulfill in-person teaching requirements, with some programs offering hybrid models.

Steps to Become a Teacher in Delaware Through Alternative Certification

  1. Earn a bachelor’s degree.

  2. Choose an approved alternative certification program.

  3. Pass the required Praxis exams.

  4. Apply for a Delaware teaching license.

  5. Secure a teaching position.

  6. Complete program & mentoring requirements.

Delaware Teaching License Types for Alternative Route Teachers

Initial License

Most first-time Delaware teachers begin with an Initial License, valid for three years. This stage allows candidates to grow their teaching competence while meeting all professional development and evaluation requirements.

Continuing License

After successful completion of the initial licensure period—and continued employment in an approved Delaware school—educators may apply for a Continuing License, valid for five years. Advancing to this level typically requires satisfactory performance evaluations and completion of mentoring or induction milestones.

How Long Does Delaware Alternative Teacher Certification Take?

The timeline for completing alternative teacher certification in Delaware typically ranges from 6 months to 2 years, depending on individual circumstances such as the program chosen and the candidate's pace. Fast-track options may be available in short subjects, allowing candidates to enter the workforce promptly.

The timeline for full certification varies by program and individual progress:

  • Fast-track paths: Approximately 6–12 months for candidates in high-need areas.

  • Extended routes: 1–2 years for programs with deeper coursework or longer residency components.

Overall, expect to balance coursework, teaching responsibilities, and testing requirements for at least one academic year

Cost of Delaware Alternative Teacher Certification

Costs can vary widely based on the program and requirements. Typical expenses include:

Item

Estimated Cost

Program Tuition

$5,000 – $15,000

Praxis Exam Fees Per Test

$90 – $200

Licensing Application Fees

$100

Background Check Fees

$50 – $100

Teaching in Delaware Without an Education Degree

Alternative certification bridges the gap for many aspiring educators who do not possess a traditional education degree. It allows professionals from various backgrounds, including business, STEM, and healthcare, to transition into teaching roles. This pathway offers several advantages, but it also presents challenges such as workload and classroom readiness.

High-Need Teaching Areas in Delaware

Delaware is actively seeking teachers in several high-need areas:

  • STEM
  • Special Education
  • World Languages
  • Career & Technical Education (CTE)

Fast-track options may be available for candidates willing to teach in these areas, providing a quicker pathway to licensure.

Pros & Cons of Delaware Alternative Teacher Certification

Advantages

  • Faster entry into teaching
  • Earn while you learn through on-the-job training
  • Flexible program formats to accommodate working professionals

Challenges

  • High workload during the initial teaching period
  • Classroom readiness can be a concern for new teachers
  • Pressure to pass certification exams

FAQs About Delaware Alternative Teacher Certification

Can I teach in Delaware without a teaching degree?

Yes, through the Delaware alternative teacher certification program, individuals without a traditional teaching degree can become licensed educators.

Is alternative teacher certification accepted in Delaware?

Yes, Delaware recognizes alternative teacher certification as a valid pathway to licensure.

Do I need Praxis for Delaware alternative certification?

Candidates are typically required to pass the Praxis Core and Praxis Subject Assessments, depending on their qualifications.

Can I transfer my alternative certification to another state?

Transferring certification between states can vary; it's essential to check the specific requirements of the state you wish to move to.

Is Delaware alternative certification worth it?

For many, the alternative certification route provides a faster and more accessible entry into the teaching profession, especially in high-demand subjects.

Start Your Delaware Teaching Career Today

Delaware needs passionate teachers who bring diverse perspectives and real-world expertise to the classroom. If you’re ready to earn your license through the Delaware Alternative Teacher Certification pathway, start researching approved programs today—and prepare for your Praxis exams with trusted resources.

With determination and the right preparation, you can confidently transition into the classroom and begin making a lifelong difference in Delaware’s schools.