DCPS Teacher Applications

DC Teacher Eligibility Requirements

All DCPS teachers need a valid teaching credential (license), issued by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). Please note that OSSE is a separate government agency from DC Public Schools that sets forth the credential qualifications and manages the credentialing process.

We are aware that many candidates will not have their OSSE-issued credential upon applying for a position. As such, candidates who meet the minimum eligibility criteria (see below) can still advance through the teacher screening process.

Please note that all candidates should be working toward securing their teaching credential, as candidates will not receive an official offer letter until their credential has been issued by OSSE OR until they can provide proof of submission of a completed licensure application to OSSE.

Minimum Eligibility Criteria to Advance Through Screening Process*

Candidates who meet at least one of the following conditions are eligible to advance through the teacher application screening process:

• Passing score on the Praxis Core basic skills exams or Praxis I (reading, writing, and math) or waiver via SAT/ACT/GRE/PCMAS or cumulative 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA
• Active and full OSSE-issued credential or active and full license from another state 
• Enrollment in a teacher preparation program AND proof of registration for Praxis Core basic skills exams (reading, writing, and math), proof of registration for other state-equivalent, or waiver via SAT/ACT/GRE/PCMAS or cumulative 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA
• At least two years of teaching experience with a rating of effective or higher as measured by a summative evaluation rating or by the student growth component of an evaluation rating AND proof of registration for Praxis Core (reading, writing, and math) or waiver via SAT/ACT/GRE/PCMAS, or cumulative 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA.

Visit our Candidate Resources to learn more about the criteria to be selected for hire and to help guide you through the application process. For additional questions about your teacher application, please email @email.

Do I need a teaching credential to apply to teach in DCPS?

Although a license is not required to apply to teach in DCPS, consistent with governing regulations (5-A DCMR §1601.1), a valid teaching credential, issued by OSSE is required to teach in DCPS. DCPS will be monitoring to ensure that all staff members in positions requiring a license are licensed by March 1, 2024. Teachers not licensed by this date will be terminated effective the end of SY 23-24.

I want to be a teacher and have a degree, but not in education:

We have teacher residency pipeline partnerships that we maintain to help prepare recent college graduates, career changers, and outstanding paraprofessionals to be highly effective teachers in our schools. You can explore them here [insert teacher page with residency information]

Additionally, you can qualify to teach in DCPS if you meet our minimum eligibility requirements and are able to receive a DC teaching license.

I am already certified in another state and want to teach in DC:

Applicants for a DC teacher credential who hold an active full credential or license issued in another US state or territory may qualify for issuance of a DC credential based upon reciprocity. Reciprocity may only be applied during your first application for a DC educator credential. Learn more about reciprocity here.

I want to be a teacher in the District of Columbia, but don’t have a degree:

Due to credentialing requirements, all DCPS teachers must have a bachelor’s degree in order to obtain a teaching license to teach in a classroom. You can explore our application minimum eligibility requirements here.