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How to Become a Teacher in Alaska Without a Teaching Degree

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How to Become a Teacher in Alaska Without a Teaching Degree

How to Become a Teacher in Alaska Without a Teaching Degree

If you’ve ever considered teaching but don’t have a traditional education degree, Alaska may offer the opportunity you’re looking for. Due to ongoing teacher shortages, especially in rural and high-need subject areas, Alaska provides several alternative pathways that allow qualified individuals to teach without a formal teaching degree. This makes the state an attractive option for career changers, recent graduates, military veterans, and professionals with strong subject-matter expertise.

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The good news is that, yes, it is possible to become a teacher in Alaska without a teaching degree. While you will typically need a bachelor’s degree, it does not have to be in education. Alaska’s certification system includes alternative certification programs, provisional and emergency licenses, and pathways for out-of-state educators, all overseen by the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (EED).

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to teach in Alaska without an education degree, including certification requirements, exams, timelines, and job opportunities. Whether you’re eager to get into the classroom quickly or want a structured alternative route to full licensure, this article will help you understand your options and plan your next steps with confidence.

Can You Teach in Alaska Without a Teaching Degree?

Yes. You can teach in Alaska without a teaching degree, provided you meet specific state requirements and enter the profession through an approved alternative or emergency pathway.

It’s important to understand the distinction between a teaching degree and a bachelor’s degree:

  • A teaching degree is a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education that includes student teaching.

  • A bachelor’s degree is required in most cases, but it can be in any major, not just education.

Alaska allows non-education majors to teach in certain situations, especially when districts face staffing shortages.

You may be eligible to teach in Alaska without a teaching degree if you:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

  • Have strong subject-matter knowledge in a high-need area

  • Qualify for an alternative, provisional, or emergency certificate

  • Pass required background checks and exams (when applicable)

Alaska Teacher Certification Requirements

Minimum Education Requirements

For most teaching roles in Alaska, you must have:

  • A bachelor’s degree (any major)

  • The degree must be from an accredited college or university

A degree in education is not always required, but some form of certification is necessary to teach in public schools.

Background Checks & Fingerprinting

All prospective teachers must complete:

  • Alaska state background check

  • FBI fingerprint-based background check

Processing times vary but typically take several weeks. Completing this step early can prevent delays in certification.

Exams Required to Teach in Alaska

Depending on the pathway, Alaska may require:

  • Praxis exams, particularly Praxis Core or subject-specific tests

  • Approved content-area exams as alternatives in some cases

Testing requirements vary by certification type, subject area, and prior credentials.

Alternative Pathways to Become a Teacher in Alaska

Alaska Alternative Certification Programs

Alaska offers alternative certification routes designed for individuals who have a bachelor’s degree but lack formal teacher training.

How these programs work:

  • You are hired by a school district as a teacher

  • You teach full-time while completing required pedagogy coursework

  • You work toward full, standard certification over time

These programs are ideal for motivated candidates who want to earn while they learn.

Teacher Certification for Career Changers

Career changers are especially valuable in Alaska, particularly in:

  • STEM fields

  • Career and Technical Education (CTE)

  • Trades and vocational subjects

Relevant professional experience can sometimes substitute for traditional education coursework, making it easier to transition into teaching.

Out-of-State License Transfer Options

If you hold a valid teaching license from another state:

  • Alaska may offer reciprocity or fast-track certification

  • Additional exams or coursework may still be required

This pathway is often faster than starting certification from scratch.

Emergency & Provisional Teaching Licenses in Alaska

What Is an Emergency Teacher Certificate?

An Emergency Teacher Certificate is a temporary license that allows individuals to teach in Alaska when there is a shortage of qualified educators. School districts can request this certificate for specific subject areas. It is typically used when qualified, fully certified teachers are unavailable.

Who Qualifies for Emergency Certification?

You may qualify if you:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree but no education training

  • Are a subject-matter expert in a shortage area

  • Are hired by a district facing staffing shortages

These certificates are district-sponsored and not available to all applicants.

How Long Emergency Licenses Last

  • Emergency certificates are temporary

  • They are usually valid for one year

  • Renewal is limited

Teachers are expected to work toward standard certification during this period.

Step-by-Step: How to Become a Teacher in Alaska Without a Teaching Degree

Becoming a teacher in Alaska without a traditional education degree is a structured but achievable process. Below is a clear, practical walkthrough to help you understand exactly what to do—and in what order—so you can move from interested candidate to certified classroom teacher with confidence.

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree (Any Major)

The foundation for teaching in Alaska is a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Your degree does not need to be in education. Degrees in fields like math, science, English, engineering, healthcare, trades, or technology are often highly valued—especially in shortage areas.

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, you can move directly to the next step.

2. Identify the Right Certification Route

Alaska offers multiple non-traditional pathways depending on your background and district needs. The most common options include:

  • Alternative certification programs for candidates who will teach while completing pedagogy coursework

  • Provisional certificates for those who meet most requirements but are still completing exams or coursework

  • Emergency certificates are requested by school districts when no fully certified teachers are available

Choosing the correct pathway is critical, as it determines your timeline, testing requirements, and teaching eligibility.

3. Pass Required Exams (If Applicable)

Some certification routes require Praxis exams, such as:

  • Praxis Core (basic skills)

  • Subject-specific Praxis tests

In certain cases, Alaska may accept approved alternatives or waive exams for high-need subjects or experienced professionals. Exam requirements depend on the license type, subject area, and district.

4. Apply for Certification Through Alaska EED

All teacher certifications are processed by the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (EED). This step typically involves:

  • Submitting an online application

  • Uploading official college transcripts

  • Declaring your certification pathway

Accuracy and completeness are important, as missing documents can delay approval.

5. Complete State and FBI Background Checks

All applicants must pass:

  • An Alaska state background check

  • An FBI fingerprint-based background check

This step can take several weeks, so it’s best to complete fingerprinting as early as possible.

6. Secure a Teaching Position With a School District

Most alternative and emergency certificates require district sponsorship. This means you must:

  • Apply for open teaching positions

  • Receive a job offer from an Alaska school district

Rural and high-need districts are often more flexible and faster to hire candidates without traditional teaching degrees.

7. Teach While Completing Certification Requirements

Once hired and issued a provisional or emergency certificate, you can begin teaching full-time. During this period, you’ll typically:

  • Complete required education coursework

  • Participate in mentoring or induction programs

  • Prepare for any remaining exams

This “earn while you learn” model allows you to gain classroom experience immediately.

8. Transition to Standard Alaska Teacher Certification

After completing all requirements—coursework, exams, and teaching experience—you can apply to upgrade your license to a standard Alaska teaching certificate. This removes provisional limitations and allows long-term career stability within Alaska’s public school system.

Teaching Jobs in Alaska That Don’t Require a Teaching Degree

High-Need Subjects & Shortage Areas

Alaska is particularly in need of teachers in subjects such as special education, math, science, and career and technical education (CTE). Many rural districts are actively recruiting teachers without traditional degrees.

Alaska consistently reports shortages in:

  • Rural and remote districts

  • Special education

  • Mathematics and science

  • Career and Technical Education (CTE)

These areas are more likely to offer alternative or emergency certification options.

Rural & Remote Teaching Opportunities

Many rural and remote districts offer unique benefits and incentives, such as housing or relocation support, to attract educators to these areas.

Teaching in rural Alaska often comes with:

  • Higher demand and faster hiring

  • Housing or relocation assistance

  • Travel stipends or bonuses

While these roles can be challenging, they are also highly rewarding.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Teacher in Alaska?

Pathway

Timeline

Details

Emergency License

2-6 weeks

Job offer + application.

Provisional License

3-6 months

Exams + initial training.

Full Certification

1-2 years

Alternative program completion.

Becoming a teacher in Alaska generally takes four to six years, combining a 4-year bachelor's degree with 1-2 years for state-specific certification, including coursework in Alaska Studies/Multicultural Education and mandatory training, though alternative routes (like career changers) can sometimes speed up the post-graduation phase through intensive programs.

The path involves a bachelor's in a teachable subject, an approved teacher prep program, passing exams, and completing unique Alaska requirements like multicultural education and training in suicide/abuse awareness.

Salary & Benefits for Teachers in Alaska

Alaska ranks among the top states for teacher pay, with an average salary of $55,000-$70,000, higher in rural spots ($80,000+). Starting salaries hover around $52,451, rising with experience.

Rural areas often pay more (up to 20% higher) due to cost-of-living adjustments. Benefits include health insurance, retirement plans (though no defined benefit pension for newer hires), and potential housing stipends in remote districts.

Pros and Cons of Teaching in Alaska Without a Teaching Degree

Pros

  • Faster entry into teaching roles.
  • High demand for teachers, particularly in specific subject areas.
  • Competitive compensation and benefits.

Cons

  • Temporary licenses may limit long-term job security.
  • Additional coursework may be necessary to achieve full certification.
  • Many positions may be located in rural areas, which can pose challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a teaching degree to teach in Alaska?

No, you do not need a traditional teaching degree to teach in Alaska, but you will need a bachelor’s degree and to follow specific certification pathways.

Can you teach in Alaska with any bachelor’s degree?

Yes, as long as you meet other certification requirements or pursue an alternative certification pathway.

Is Alaska experiencing a teacher shortage?

Yes, Alaska is currently facing a significant teacher shortage, particularly in rural and high-need areas.

Can non-US citizens teach in Alaska?

Non-US citizens may have options to teach in Alaska, but they must meet specific visa and certification requirements.

Can substitute teachers become full-time teachers in Alaska?

Yes, substitute teachers can transition to full-time positions, provided they meet the necessary certification requirements.

How to Apply for Alaska Teacher Certification

The application process for Alaska teacher certification is managed by the Alaska EED. Apply online via the TEACH-AK portal. Required documents: transcripts, exam scores, fingerprint card, resume (for experience-based paths), and district sponsorship if applicable.

Fees start at $200; processing takes 4-8 weeks. Register first, select your certificate type, and submit notarized forms. Contact EED at 907-465-2831 for guidance.

Final Thoughts: Is Teaching in Alaska Right for You?

Teaching in Alaska without a teaching degree is a rewarding, achievable goal for those passionate about education and open to adventure. The fastest paths, emergency or provisional licenses, can have you in the classroom within months, while alternatives provide structured support over 1-2 years. Weigh the high salaries and impact against potential rural relocations.

Next steps: Verify your degree, research districts with shortages, prepare for exams, and apply via TEACH-AK. With persistence, you'll join a vital effort to shape Alaska's future.