Teacher Certification and Licensing

As of March 2016, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) will no longer issue substitute teacher licenses. In order to be considered for the position, candidates must hold a valid bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Candidates must submit official transcripts if selected for the substitute teacher position. Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an accredited credential evaluation agency. For more information on the substitute teacher position, please visit dcps.dc.gov/page/substitute or email @email.

All DCPS teachers need a valid teaching credential (license), issued by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). 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 to apply can still advance through the teacher screening process.  

All teacher credentialing in the District of Columbia is handled through the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). Please review the licensure qualifications and application process set by OSSE. OSSE is a separate organization that handles licensure for DC Public Schools, and we review applications for teacher candidates who can obtain a teaching license through OSSE.

Yes. If you currently hold a license from another state, you will have to obtain a DC license to teach for DCPS. More information for licensure candidates who hold an active full teacher credential that is in good standing in another state is available here (see Option 3).

Standard level teacher and administrative services credentials may be renewed in accordance with the renewal options listed at this website. Additionally, existing “Regular II” credential holders with credentials that are due to expire in upcoming months may apply for renewal and be issued the new “standard” level credential based upon the renewal options listed below. Initial teacher and administrative services credentials may not be renewed.

Yes, but you must at least have your bachelor's degree and meet the minimum eligibility criteria. Candidates who meet the minimum eligibility criteria can advance through the teacher application. 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 complete licensure application to OSSE.

Learn more about the required Praxis exams.

Currently, DCPS does not sponsor teachers with work visas. However, DCPS sponsors H-1B visas for teachers once they are selected for hire by individual schools.