How to Become a Teacher in the District of Columbia Without a Teaching Degree

You can become a teacher in Washington, DC, without a teaching degree by combining a bachelor’s in any field with an approved alternative certification program, required Praxis exams, and a DC educator credential issued by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). 

Many candidates begin teaching in DC public or charter schools on a provisional or initial credential while they complete coursework and testing instead of earning a traditional education degree first. 

Both DC Public Schools (DCPS) and charter schools hire career-changers, but public schools usually require OSSE licensure, while charters may be more flexible if you are actively working toward certification.

Can You Become a Teacher in DC Without a Teaching Degree?

Yes, you can become a teacher in DC without a teaching degree, as long as you hold at least a bachelor’s degree, pass the required Praxis exams, and meet OSSE’s licensure requirements through an approved pathway. 

This is often called an alternative or non‑traditional route, where you complete a teacher preparation program while already working in a classroom instead of completing a four‑year education major first.

It’s important to separate the two ideas:

• “No teaching degree” means your bachelor’s is in another field (for example, math, English, or biology rather than education), which is allowed as long as you meet DC content and pedagogy requirements through an approved program.

• “No teaching license” means you have not yet earned an OSSE educator credential; DC may allow you to teach temporarily on an initial, provisional, or emergency credential, but you must still complete all requirements to convert to a standard license.

OSSE is the state agency that sets DC teacher certification rules, issues educator credentials, and approves teacher preparation and alternative certification programs. Whether you aim for DCPS or a charter school, your long‑term goal is a standard DC teacher credential.

DC Teacher Certification Requirements (Even Without an Education Degree)

Even if your degree is not in education, OSSE applies core requirements to anyone seeking a DC teaching license.

Basic Requirements Set by OSSE

OSSE’s baseline expectations for most initial teaching credentials include:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (any major, though content alignment with your teaching subject is strongly preferred).

• Completion or active enrollment in an approved teacher preparation or alternative certification program (traditional or non‑traditional).

• Demonstration of basic skills in reading, writing, and math, often via Praxis Core or eligible SAT/ACT/GRE/GPA waivers.

• Passing scores on the Praxis Subject Assessments and, where required, a Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) pedagogy exam in your licensure area.

• Successful background check, including fingerprinting, typically coordinated with your hiring school and OSSE.

Content‑area coursework is especially important if your bachelor’s degree is not in education; OSSE and preparation programs will look for sufficient credits in the subject you want to teach (for example, math credits for a secondary math license).

Do You Need a Teaching License to Start Teaching in DC?

Most DC public school positions expect you to hold, or be on track to hold, an OSSE educator credential, but the timing can be flexible.

• Standard Credential: This is DC’s full, renewable teaching license granted after you complete an approved program, pass all exams, and meet experience requirements.

• Initial or Provisional Credential: This shorter‑term license is common for new teachers; you may be hired first by a DC local education agency (LEA) while you finish required exams and preparation, as long as the LEA and OSSE support your credential application.

Many DC candidates begin teaching under an initial or provisional credential while still in an alternative certification program, then upgrade to a standard credential once all requirements are completed.

Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification in Washington DC

Alternative certification gives you a structured way to earn a DC teaching license without going back for a second bachelor’s in education.

DC Alternative Certification Programs

DC recognizes multiple OSSE‑approved educator preparation and alternative certification programs, including university‑based options and intensive post‑baccalaureate programs. These programs typically:

• Accept candidates with a non‑education bachelor’s degree in or related to the subject they want to teach.

• Provide pedagogical coursework, mentoring, and supervised teaching aligned with DC standards.

• Lead to eligibility for an initial or standard DC educator credential once coursework, Praxis exams, and performance requirements are met.

Many alternative programs are designed to be completed in about 1–2 years, often while you are employed as a teacher of record in a DC school.

Teach‑While‑You‑Train Programs

“Teach while you train” models, sometimes called accelerated or residency‑style programs, allow you to:

• Work full‑time in a DC public, charter, or private school while enrolled in an approved certification program.

• Earn a salary and benefits while completing evening, weekend, or online classes in pedagogy and classroom management.

• Receive coaching and evaluations that count toward your licensure portfolio and OSSE performance expectations.

These routes are especially attractive to career‑changers and subject‑matter experts—such as professionals in STEM, language, or business fields—who want to move quickly into teaching without a traditional education degree.

Teaching in DC Public Schools vs Charter Schools (Key Differences)

Both DC Public Schools and DC charter schools employ teachers who come from non‑traditional backgrounds, but the hiring and licensure expectations are not identical.

DC Public Schools (DCPS) Requirements

DCPS, the main public school district, generally expects teachers to either:

• Hold a valid OSSE‑issued DC teaching credential in the appropriate subject and grade band, or

• Be actively completing a teacher preparation or alternative certification program with proof of licensure progress and required exams in process.

• Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree, demonstrate basic skills (through Praxis Core or an approved waiver), and satisfy DCPS hiring standards, which may include content knowledge, references, and interviews. 

Provisional or initial credentials are often accepted for early‑career teachers, as long as they move toward a standard credential on OSSE’s timeline.

DC Charter Schools (More Flexible Options)

DC charter schools operate independently and often have more flexibility in how they staff classrooms, especially in high‑need subjects. Many charters:

• May hire teachers who do not yet have full certification, provided they hold a bachelor’s degree and are willing to enter an approved certification program.

• Sometimes partner with alternative certification providers and support staff in completing Praxis exams and coursework.

• Use a mix of fully licensed and in‑progress teachers, particularly when filling shortage‑area positions.

For career‑changers without an education degree, charter schools can be an ideal entry point, offering classroom roles while you complete OSSE requirements and move toward a full DC teaching license.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Become a Teacher in DC Without a Teaching Degree

1. Confirm Your Bachelor’s Degree Eligibility

2. Choose an Alternative Certification Pathway

3. Pass Required Praxis Exams

4. Apply for a Provisional DC Teaching License

5. Begin Teaching While Completing Certification

This section lays out a clear pathway from “I have a bachelor’s in another field” to “I am a licensed DC teacher.”

Step 1 – Confirm Your Bachelor’s Degree Eligibility

First, verify that your degree meets baseline requirements:

• It must be from an accredited college or university.

• It should align reasonably with the subject you want to teach (for example, English for ELA, biology for science, math for secondary mathematics), or you should be prepared to add extra content coursework if needed.

If your major does not obviously match a teaching subject, an alternative certification program can help you assess whether you meet content requirements or need additional credits.

Step 2 – Choose an Alternative Certification Pathway

Next, decide how you will meet OSSE’s preparation requirement without an education degree:

• University‑based post‑baccalaureate or master’s programs specifically approved for DC teacher licensure.

• Accelerated or alternative certification programs that partner with DC schools and support teach‑while‑you‑train models.

• Hiring routes where a DC LEA (often a charter school or DCPS) employs you and then requests issuance of an initial or provisional credential while you complete your program.

Focus on OSSE‑approved options; this ensures that once you finish, you are directly eligible for a DC credential rather than needing extra steps.

Step 3 – Pass Required Praxis Exams

DC relies heavily on Praxis exams for both basic skills and subject‑area verification.

• Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (reading, writing, math) or an approved waiver (SAT/ACT/GRE scores or qualifying GPA) generally satisfies the basic skills requirement.

• Praxis Subject Assessments measure content knowledge in your licensure area, such as Elementary Education Multiple Subjects, Secondary Mathematics, Biology, or English Language Arts.

• A Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam may be required for certain grade levels to demonstrate pedagogical knowledge.

Some employers may allow you to begin teaching while you still have one or more Praxis exams in progress, particularly under an initial or provisional credential, but full certification requires passing all exams for your license area.

Step 4 – Apply for a Provisional or Initial DC Teaching License

Once you have a hiring offer and evidence of exam progress, your school or program may help you pursue an initial or provisional credential.

Typical OSSE application steps include:

• Completing an online application for the appropriate license type and subject.

• Uploading proof of your bachelor’s degree (official transcript).

• Providing verification of enrollment or completion of an approved preparation or alternative certification program.

• Submitting Praxis score reports or proof of basic skills waivers and subject‑area exam completion.

• Completing fingerprinting and background checks.

Some LEAs submit a credential request on your behalf, especially when using an initial credential option designed for teachers who are still finishing their preparation.

Step 5 – Begin Teaching While Completing Certification

With an initial or provisional credential and a placement in a DC school, you can start teaching full‑time under supervision and mentoring.

During this period, you will:

• Finish the required coursework in your alternative certification program.

• Receive formal evaluations and performance assessments aligned with DC standards (for example, observations, teaching portfolios, or capstone projects).

• Complete any remaining Praxis exams and submit updated scores to OSSE.

Most candidates move from an initial or provisional credential to a standard DC teaching credential within roughly 1–3 years, depending on program length and test timelines.

Emergency & Provisional Teacher Certification in DC

When schools face staffing shortages, DC may use emergency or short‑term credentials to get qualified adults into classrooms quickly while they finish full requirements.

• Emergency or temporary credentials are typically short‑duration licenses issued when a fully licensed teacher is not available, and the candidate is actively working toward eligibility (for example, still passing exams or finishing coursework).

• Provisional or initial credentials are structured entry‑level licenses for new teachers who meet most requirements and are completing an approved program and exams.

These credentials usually last a limited number of years and are not meant to be permanent; candidates must transition to a standard credential by completing their alternative program, Praxis exams, and any additional OSSE conditions.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Teacher in DC Without a Teaching Degree?

Your timeline depends on your starting point, but most non‑education majors can expect:

• Fastest path to the classroom: About 6–12 months, if you already hold a bachelor’s degree, secure a teaching position (often in a charter or high‑need school), and enroll promptly in an alternative program while taking Praxis exams.

• Full licensure timeline: Around 1–3 years to complete all coursework, pass required Praxis tests, compile evaluation evidence, and convert an initial or provisional credential into a standard credential.

Factors that speed up the process include having a closely aligned major, strong prior test scores that waive Praxis Core, and enrolling in an intensive or accelerated certification program. Delays usually come from exam retakes, incomplete content coursework, or gaps in documentation submitted to OSSE.

What Exams Are Required to Teach in Washington DC?

DC’s testing system centers on Praxis exams administered by ETS.

• Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: Assesses basic reading, writing, and math; required unless you qualify for a waiver based on ACT/SAT/GRE scores or a qualifying GPA.

• Praxis Subject Assessments: Content‑specific exams for your chosen subject and grade band, such as Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects or subject tests in math, English, science, or special education.

• Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT): Pedagogy exam aligned with grade ranges (Early Childhood, K–6, 5–9, 7–12) that some DC license areas require.

If you are moving from another state, comparable tests may sometimes be accepted, but many DC candidates still need to meet local Praxis requirements for their credential area. Score transfer within ETS is possible when you test in one state but later apply for DC licensure, as long as scores match DC’s required exams.

Teaching Shortage Areas in Washington DC (Easier Entry)

Like many states, DC experiences shortages in specific teaching fields, and schools may show more flexibility in hiring and supporting alternative‑route candidates in these areas.

Common high‑demand subjects include:

• Math (especially secondary levels).

• Science (biology, chemistry, physics).

• Special Education across grade bands.

• English as a Second Language (ESL) / English language development.

Because these subjects are harder to staff, schools may be more willing to hire candidates without an education degree, assist with exam preparation, and sponsor alternative certification or initial credentials while you complete requirements.

Salary & Job Outlook for Teachers in DC

Teachers in Washington, D.C., are among the highest-paid in the nation, with starting salaries around $63,000–$64,000 and average salaries often exceeding $85,000–$100,000+ for experienced, highly effective staff. The job market has high demand, particularly for special education, math, and bilingual teachers, offering, however, a high cost of living. 

Salary Details for DC Teachers

• Starting Salary: Approximately $63,373–$64,000 for new teachers with a bachelor's degree.

• Average Salary: Averages range from roughly $65,000 to over $100,000, depending on the source and experience.

• Salary Growth: DC Public Schools (DCPS) provides 2–4% annual increases based on experience, with significant bonuses available for "Highly Effective" ratings through the IMPACT evaluation system.

• Specialization Bonuses: Higher pay is available for National Board Certification, advanced degrees (Master's), and high-need subjects (Special Education, Math, Bilingual).

• Salary Range: Experienced teachers in DCPS can earn upwards of $100,000–$135,000+ with bonuses. 

Job Outlook & Trends

• High Demand: Persistent shortages exist, with hundreds of unfilled positions annually, making the job market favorable for applicants, particularly in specialized fields.

• Projected Growth: While nationwide employment for teachers is projected to grow by 3-4% through 2028, DC's specific, localized demand remains high due to turnover.

• Challenges: Many teachers in the district are rent-burdened, as the average salary, while high, may not keep pace with the high cost of living, particularly in certain areas.

Pros and Cons of Becoming a Teacher Without a Teaching Degree

Pursuing an alternative route into teaching has clear advantages and trade‑offs.

Pros

• Faster entry into the classroom: You can often begin teaching within a year of deciding to switch careers, instead of completing another full bachelor’s program.

• Earn while you train: Teach‑while‑you‑train models let you draw a salary and gain experience while completing certification coursework.

• Career‑changer friendly: Programs and schools are accustomed to adults coming from business, STEM, or other professional backgrounds and help translate those skills into classroom practice.

Cons

• Heavy first‑year workload: Balancing full‑time teaching, evening courses, and Praxis prep can be demanding, especially for those new to education.

• Certification deadlines: Initial or provisional credentials have expiration dates, so you must pass exams and finish program requirements on schedule to qualify for a standard credential.

• Testing requirements: Praxis Core, subject tests, and pedagogy exams require focused preparation and may need retakes if you fall short of required scores.

With realistic expectations and a structured study plan, most candidates successfully manage these challenges and complete their DC licensure pathway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you teach in DC without a teaching license?

You may be able to teach temporarily in DC under an initial, provisional, or emergency‑type credential while completing your exams and preparation, but long‑term, you will need an OSSE‑issued standard credential to remain in the classroom.

Do DC charter schools require certification?

Many DC charter schools prefer fully licensed teachers, but often hire candidates who are actively pursuing certification through an alternative program, especially in shortage fields. These schools may sponsor your participation in an approved program and support your Praxis prep while you teach.

Can I teach in DC with a bachelor’s degree only?

You can start the process with just a bachelor’s degree, but to remain a teacher long‑term, you must add an approved preparation or alternative certification program, pass the required Praxis exams, and obtain at least an initial and eventually a standard DC credential.

Is alternative certification accepted in DC?

Yes, DC explicitly recognizes alternative and post‑baccalaureate educator preparation programs as valid routes to licensure, as long as they are approved and aligned with OSSE requirements. Many new teachers in DC, particularly career‑changers, follow these non‑traditional pathways.

What is the fastest way to become a teacher in DC?

For most non‑education majors, the fastest route is to secure a position in a DC public or charter school, enroll in an OSSE‑approved alternative certification or residency program, and complete Praxis Core (or meet a waiver), Praxis subject tests, and pedagogy requirements while teaching under an initial or provisional credential.

How to Become a Teacher in the District of Columbia Without a Teaching Degree: Final Thoughts

For many aspiring educators, especially career‑changers, using an alternative pathway in DC is a practical way to enter the classroom without starting over on a new undergraduate degree.

You can turn a bachelor’s in another field into a DC teaching career by pairing it with an OSSE‑approved certification route, focused Praxis preparation, and a clear plan to move from an initial or provisional credential to a standard license.

If you’re serious about teaching in Washington, DC, your next steps are to review OSSE eligibility expectations, identify an alternative certification program that fits your timeline, and explore openings in DCPS and charter schools willing to support teachers on non‑traditional routes while they complete licensure. 

With structured preparation and consistent Praxis practice, you can confidently work toward passing your exams and earning your DC teaching credential on the first attempt.