Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below you'll find answers to the most commonly asked questions about teacher certification, professional development, and using EducatorNavigator.org. If your question isn't addressed here, please contact us.
General Questions
Q: What is EducatorNavigator.org?
A: EducatorNavigator.org is a free, comprehensive online resource dedicated to helping educators navigate every stage of their professional careers. We provide information on teacher certification pathways, professional development opportunities, K-12 teaching resources, education policy updates, and grant/funding opportunities. Our site has been serving the education community since 2003.
Q: Is EducatorNavigator.org affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education?
A: No. EducatorNavigator.org is an independent resource operated by the National Educator Resource Collaborative (NERC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or funded by the U.S. Department of Education or any state education agency. Our content is independently produced and editorially independent.
Q: Is there a fee to use EducatorNavigator.org?
A: No. All resources, guides, lesson plans, and information on EducatorNavigator.org are provided completely free of charge. We are funded through foundation grants, institutional partnerships, and individual donations. We do not charge for access to any content or require paid subscriptions.
Q: How often is the information on this site updated?
A: Our team reviews and updates content on a continuous basis. Certification guides are reviewed at least twice per year (typically in January and July). News and policy updates are added as developments occur. Teaching resources are reviewed quarterly. Each page displays a "Last Updated" date for reference.
Certification Questions
Q: How do I become a certified teacher?
A: The most common pathway involves: (1) completing a bachelor's degree, (2) completing a state-approved teacher preparation program, (3) passing required licensure exams (e.g., Praxis, edTPA, or state-specific tests), (4) submitting a certification application to your state education agency, and (5) completing any additional state-specific requirements (e.g., background checks, CPR training). The specific requirements vary by state. Visit our Programs & Certification page for detailed information.
Q: Can I become a teacher without an education degree?
A: Yes. Alternative certification programs allow individuals with a bachelor's degree in any field to earn a teaching credential. These programs typically involve condensed coursework, a supervised teaching experience, and passage of licensure exams. Many career changers enter teaching through alternative routes. See our Alternative Certification section for program details.
Q: I have a teaching license in one state. Can I teach in another state?
A: Most states have some form of certification reciprocity, often through the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. However, reciprocity is not automatic — you will likely need to apply to the new state and may be required to pass that state's specific exams, complete additional coursework (e.g., state history or reading instruction), or meet other conditions. Always contact the receiving state's Department of Education for current reciprocity policies.
Q: What is the Praxis exam, and which states require it?
A: The Praxis is a series of standardized tests developed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to assess prospective teachers' academic skills and subject-matter knowledge. Approximately 40 states use some form of Praxis testing for teacher licensure. Tests include the Praxis Core (basic skills), Praxis Subject Assessments (content knowledge), and the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (pedagogy). Passing scores are set by each state. See our Licensure Examinations section for details.
Q: What is National Board Certification, and is it worth pursuing?
A: National Board Certification (NBCT) is the highest professional credential available to teachers in the U.S., offered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). It involves a rigorous portfolio-based assessment and content knowledge examination. Benefits include salary supplements (offered in 33 states, ranging from $1,000 to $15,000+ annually), enhanced professional credibility, facilitated interstate reciprocity, and access to additional grant opportunities. The process typically takes 1-3 years. See our NBCT section for full details.
Q: How do I renew my teaching certificate?
A: Teaching certificates must be renewed periodically (typically every 5 years). Renewal requirements usually include completing a specified number of continuing education units (CEUs), professional development hours, or college credit hours. Some states also require completion of specific courses (e.g., child abuse recognition, cultural competency). Check our Certification Renewal Deadlines table and contact your state education agency for specific requirements.
Professional Development Questions
Q: What are CEUs, and how do I earn them?
A: CEU stands for Continuing Education Unit. One CEU typically represents 10 contact hours of participation in an organized continuing education program. CEUs can be earned through workshops, conferences, online courses, college coursework, and approved professional development activities. Many states require a specific number of CEUs for certificate renewal. Check with your state education agency and district for approved CEU providers.
Q: Does EducatorNavigator.org offer CEU courses?
A: We partner with accredited continuing education providers to offer select online courses that award CEUs. Our current offerings are listed on the Programs page. Please note that CEU acceptance varies by state and district — verify that courses are approved by your state before enrolling.
Q: How can I find professional development opportunities in my area?
A: Our Professional Development Calendar lists upcoming workshops, conferences, and online PD opportunities. You can also check with your school district, regional education service center, state education agency, and professional organizations (e.g., NEA, AFT, subject-area associations) for local PD offerings.
Resource Questions
Q: Can I use and modify the lesson plans and resources on this site?
A: Yes. Unless otherwise noted, all original resources on EducatorNavigator.org are released under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license. You are free to use, adapt, and share our materials for non-commercial educational purposes, provided you credit EducatorNavigator.org as the source. Resources from external sources linked on our site are subject to their own licensing terms.
Q: How are your resources reviewed for quality?
A: All resources published on EducatorNavigator.org undergo a multi-step review process: (1) initial review by our content editors for accuracy, completeness, and standards alignment; (2) peer review by a practicing classroom teacher in the relevant subject area and grade level; (3) final review by our Director of Content for consistency with our editorial standards. Resources are re-reviewed annually and updated as needed.
Q: How can I submit a resource or lesson plan for inclusion?
A: We welcome submissions from practicing educators. To submit a resource, please email it to resources@educatornavigator.org with the following information: your name and credentials, grade level and subject area, standards alignment, and a brief description. Submissions are reviewed by our editorial team within 4-6 weeks. Not all submissions are accepted for publication.
Grants & Funding Questions
Q: Where can I find grants for classroom supplies and projects?
A: Our Grants & Funding section lists current grant opportunities for educators, including classroom supply grants, project funding, professional development scholarships, and fellowship programs. Popular options include NEA Foundation grants, Donors Choose, Fund for Teachers, and various subject-specific foundations.
Q: Does EducatorNavigator.org provide grants or funding?
A: We do not directly award grants or funding. However, we maintain a comprehensive and regularly updated database of grant opportunities from other organizations, and we provide grant writing resources and templates to help educators prepare competitive applications.
Technical Questions
Q: What browser works best for this site?
A: EducatorNavigator.org is compatible with all modern web browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. We recommend using the most recent version of your preferred browser for the best experience. The site is also fully functional on mobile devices and tablets.
Q: How can I report a broken link or error on the site?
A: Please email webmaster@educatornavigator.org with the page URL and a description of the issue. We appreciate your help in keeping our site accurate and functional.
Q: How do I subscribe to the EducatorNavigator.org newsletter?
A: Enter your email address in the newsletter subscription box in the sidebar on any page, or email newsletter@educatornavigator.org with "Subscribe" in the subject line. Our monthly newsletter covers education policy updates, new resources, professional development opportunities, and grant deadlines.
Still have questions? Visit our Contact page to reach our team directly. We typically respond to inquiries within 2 business days.