Online Teaching Programs in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a great destination for those considering a career in education. Thanks to the state’s participation in the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education (NASDTEC) interstate reciprocity agreement, graduates who complete qualifying in- or out-of-state instructor training programs can teach in public schools. While licensure requirements vary from state to state, the reciprocity agreement allows certified individuals to teach in participating states. It also allows those who complete an eligible teacher preparation program to pursue licensure in other states.
Web-based teaching programs provide a convenient and affordable alternative to the traditional on-campus experience.
Web-based teaching programs provide a convenient and affordable alternative to the traditional on-campus experience. Offering the same academic rigor and faculty support without the hassle and cost of relocation, rescheduling, or expensive campus fees, online programs are an excellent choice for working professionals and parents. With a qualifying online education degree, you can pursue New Hampshire teaching licensure.
This page answers a variety of questions concerning teaching in New Hampshire. Which programs qualify for licensure, and what requirements do teachers need to meet in order to earn certification? Will you need to pass any exams or complete a work-study program? In this guide, we look at New Hampshire’s teacher licensure requirements, how to choose the right program, and how to find a job after graduation.
How to Become a Teacher in New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s requirements for becoming a licensed teacher differ from other states. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree from an approved out-of-state program, or those who have three or more years of full-time teaching experience and a valid out-of-state credential, must complete the Alternative 2 process. Instructors applying through Alternative 2 submit copies of their college transcripts, their teaching license, and a letter of verification from their former school system, if applicable.
Like all New Hampshire educators, out-of-state candidates must pass the Praxis 1 core academic skills exam; however, they may also submit scores from tests deemed comparable to the Praxis 1, or SAT, ACT, or GRE scores at or above the 50th percentile. Instructors seeking content-area endorsements must pass the Praxis II subject area assessment. Early childhood/elementary education and reading and writing specialists undergo additional content-specific testing procedures.
Educational Requirements
While there are plenty of advantages to earning an associate degree in teaching, all New Hampshire educators must hold a bachelor’s degree awarded from a regionally accredited institution. Candidates who wish to become teachers but hold a bachelor’s degree in an area other than education can pursue licensure after completing a state-mandated, Site-Based Certification Plan. This teacher preparation program takes one or two years and typically qualifies candidates to teach a particular content area. Individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in education usually fulfill this requirement through undergraduate field study and hands-on coursework. All prospective New Hampshire educators must provide documentation of their student teaching experience.
All licensed public school teachers need 75 hours of professional development work every three years, with an additional 30 hours per content area. Many instructors fulfill the requirement by pursuing a master’s degree in education — or another degree in a content area they wish to teach. Others satisfy the requirement by seeking endorsements in certain high-demand or shortage areas, such as special education, chemistry, or world languages. Some instructors who take this route end up pursuing additional credentials through the Alternative 4 plan.
Because New Hampshire participates in the NASDTEC reciprocity agreement, credentials earned in-state can transfer to any of the other participating 49 states or Canadian provinces. However, licensed New Hampshire teachers must still adhere to the requirements of any state to which they wish to transfer. In some cases, they may need to complete additional training or education or sit for standardized exams. Some states may only confer a temporary permit or initial provisional licensure on out-of-state teachers. Conditions vary considerably between states and specialized content areas.
Common Courses for Teaching Degrees in New Hampshire
Associate Degree in Teaching
| Introduction to Education | This course provides a broad survey of both pedagogy and the American educational system. Students explore theories, methodologies, and trends in education, as well as the historical roots of current practices. |
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| Child Development | Lessons examine the physical, emotional, and intellectual developmental stages that occur from birth to early childhood, as well as the biological and social factors that influence developmental milestones. |
| Mathematics for Teachers | Presenting instructional strategies for teaching mathematical concepts, this course offers a variety of methods and activities that help young students build fundamental math skills. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking development. |
Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching
| Language Acquisition | Coursework introduces linguistic concepts such as phonology, syntax, and grammar, along with major theories of language acquisition. Students gain an understanding of the social and cultural variables involved in language learning. |
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| Educational Psychology | Offering an overview of human behavior in educational settings, this course examines the psychological processes behind student motivation, learning styles, intellectual development, and assessment. Other topics include curriculum development and assessment methods. |
| Diversity in Education | Providing an overview of cultural diversity in the educational system, this course addresses bilingualism, educational equity, and issues of race, gender identity, and class. |
Master’s Degree in Teaching
| Curriculum Theory | This class introduces the popular goal-oriented methodologies used to develop and implement engaging and age-appropriate curricula. Lessons emphasize the role of student assessment in measuring a curriculum’s efficacy. |
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| Instructional Leadership | Building upon prior knowledge of pedagogy and classroom management, lectures present traditional leadership theories alongside current perspectives. |
| Field Practicum | Students apply their theoretical knowledge in a classroom setting, acquainting themselves with New Hampshire teaching requirements, practices, and standards. |
How to Get a Teaching Certificate in New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s guidelines for licensure and certification depend on the the type of license and teaching position sought. Those in the process of fulfilling their field-based requirement or professional development activities may receive an intern license. An intern license works for the duration of their field experience, internship, or continuing education program. Individuals who complete a qualifying teacher preparation program and pass the necessary standardized exams but who boast fewer than three years of full-time teaching experience must apply for a three-year beginner educator certificate through the New Hampshire Department of Education. This credential permits holders to teach in public schools at all levels and works for those who complete Alternative 1, 2, or 3. Each instructor develops a professional development plan prior to renewing their license. This plan includes 75 hours of college coursework, observation, or other methods that result in an additional teaching endorsement.
After three years, instructors who complete their professional development plan can apply for an experienced educator certificate. Teachers can renew experienced educator certificates every three years provided that the holder meets professional development requirements. In addition, instructors who become nationally certified may pursue a master teacher certificate. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards awards these certifications rather than the New Hampshire Department of Education. While National Board Certification requirements vary depending on content area and grade level, applicants must pass a four-component exam.
Choosing a Degree Program in New Hampshire
While your chosen program should align with your academic, career, and personal goals, other practical considerations should come to mind. Cost, for example, plays a large part in most students’ selection process. What can you afford, and how do you plan to finance your degree? Will you pay out-of-pocket, apply for federal financial aid, or receive any scholarships? Do you intend to take classes full- or part-time, and how much time do you want to spend studying?
School location matters to students who need to complete practicum requirements in New Hampshire. Determine whether your school is at a commutable distance. For those considering an out-of-state program, ensure that the curriculum meets New Hampshire standards and participates in reciprocal licensure.
Can You Earn a Teaching Degree Online in New Hampshire?
The state in which your school resides significantly affects teacher licensure procedures. To qualify graduates for New Hampshire teaching certification, programs must adhere to certain guidelines. Candidates with less than three years of teaching experience must apply for beginner licensure. In addition to a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited and/or CAEP accredited institution, they should provide an endorsement from their university and proof of completing a state-approved teacher preparation program that includes a student teaching component deemed sufficient by New Hampshire guidelines.
Graduates of out-of-state schools located in reciprocal states must pursue an alternative licensure pathway, such as Alternative 2. All candidates need to demonstrate mastery of basic academic skills by completing the Praxis 1 exam or by submitting adequate standardized test scores. Those seeking licensure in critical shortage areas like literacy instruction, or in specific content areas, follow different alternative pathways and sit for additional content area exams. Finally, all prospective New Hampshire instructors must provide their fingerprints for both state and federal background checks.
Directory of Teaching Schools in New Hampshire
Paying for Your Teaching Degree in New Hampshire
For those pursuing an associate degree in education or aiming for a Ph.D., schools make a variety of funding opportunities available. For most students, filling out a FAFSA form functions as the first step in paying for their degree. The FAFSA uses your financial information to determine the amount of federal aid for which you might qualify, including monies through grants and fellowships, loans, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement programs. While some students choose to take out private student loans, federal loans offer lower interest rates and comparatively lenient repayment plans.
New Hampshire schools provide students with both public and private scholarships, especially students enrolled in teaching programs. Usually awarded on the basis of financial need or academic merit, scholarships serve as gifts instead of loans. While most colleges and universities sponsor internal awards, many corporations, special interest groups, religious organizations, and individuals offer scholarships based on a variety of criteria.
Loan Forgiveness for New Hampshire Teachers
Loan forgiveness programs refer to contractual agreements in which the state or federal government pays for some or all of a student’s federal student loans in exchange for service. For educators, this typically involves several years of teaching in an underserved institution. While the New Hampshire Department of Education does not offer these programs to teachers, the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program does.
Under this arrangement, qualifying teachers receive up to $17,500 of direct subsidized and unsubsidized and Stafford loans. To qualify, individuals must hold full state teaching certification and must spend five consecutive years working full-time in a low-income school or educational service association. Teachers find a list of acceptable institutions and service agencies in the U.S. Department of Education’s Low-Income School Directory. Highly qualified special education teachers and secondary-level STEM instructors typically receive the full $17,500, while most others receive $5,000.
Scholarships for New Hampshire Teaching Students
Schools make hundreds of scholarship opportunities available to college students. Some students receive these scholarships based on need or academic merit and others due to their major or location. See below for a list of scholarships available to students in New Hampshire.
Louise Tillotson Teaching Professional Development Scholarship Up to $1,000
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Scholarships $250 to $7,500
Rosalie Norris Scholarship $1,000
Jack Kinnaman Scholarship $2,500
Job Outlook and Salary for Teachers in New Hampshire
| Location | Employment | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | 44,280 | $51,870 |
| United States | 8,636,430 | $54,520 |
While some New Hampshire teachers receive a slightly lower-than-average annual salary, many others are among the highest-paid in the country. Much of this discrepancy involves pay differences between instructors in rural areas and those in New Hampshire’s few cities. The lower cost of living in a small, rural county often results in lower wages. Earnings for eight of New Hampshire’s 10 counties sit below the national average, while those in the Manchester metropolitan area sit significantly higher.
As the table below demonstrates, lower teaching levels frequently correlate with lower wages; however, New Hampshire preschool teachers still earn more than the national average of $28,790 per year. Instructors at other levels tend to make slightly more or less than their counterparts nationwide due to varying degrees of job demand in- and out-of-state. Higher annual salaries among middle school teachers reflect statewide demand for certain content areas. As a whole, New Hampshire employs more postsecondary instructors than K-12 teachers, which may also influence job opportunities and employment growth for those specializing in elementary or middle school education.
| Source: BLS | |
| Preschool Teachers | $30,000 |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten Teachers | $51,560 |
| Elementary School Teachers | $56,390 |
| Middle School Teachers | $58,450 |
| Secondary School Teachers | $57,570 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Teaching in New Hampshire
How do I get certified to teach in New Hampshire?
What is the average salary for a teacher in New Hampshire?
How long does it take to get a teaching certificate in New Hampshire?
How do I renew my teaching certificate in New Hampshire?
Resources for Teachers in New Hampshire
- NEA-NH This organization serves as an advocate for New Hampshire public school students, teachers, and prospective instructors. In addition to providing educators and education students with a variety of resources, the NEA-NH maintains the NHFTL Children’s Fund for needy and underserved students. The association hosts numerous workshops and conferences each year.
- NHASCD Members of this professional association can earn continuing education and college credits by attending the NHASCD’s conferences and summits — or by enrolling in Plymouth State University courses at a discount. They may also access and submit papers and articles to the NH Journal of Education, which is published by Plymouth State University.
- NHSTA Dedicated to the advancement of science education, members receive access to lesson planning resources, discounted outdoor and recreational opportunities, and exclusive chances to network and gain new skills through professional development workshops and seminars. The NHSTA also sponsors several mini-grants.
- New Hampshire Association for the Education of Young Children (NHAEYC) Committed to making high-quality education accessible for all young New Hampshire children, this advocacy group also accredits early childhood education programs. The NHAEYC’s credentialing incentive program waives application fees for members pursuing an early childhood professional development system certificate. Other continuing education opportunities include training programs, conferences, and credit-conferring volunteer positions.
- NHAWLT Founded in 1967, the NHAWLT serves as the state’s premier professional association for current and prospective world language instructors. Offering awards and contest for members and their students alike, the NHAWLT also equips teachers with curriculum guidelines and evaluation rubrics.
