Do you need a valid teachers certificate to teach at a charter school?

Answer 1

It depends on what state you want to teach in, and, sometimes, what particular school you want to teach in. Charter schools are public schools. Some state legislatures/education departments require charter school teachers to meet the same licensing and continuing education requirements as regular district teachers. Other states allow charter schools a little more freedom to find teachers who may not be licensed, but who have unique or high-demand backgrounds and experiences that would benefit the school's students. Charter school teachers almost universally have at least a bachelor's degree and must undergo a criminal background check. In addition, charter schools that receive federal funds are subject to the federal No Child Left Behind Act which requires teachers and aides to be "highly qualified" as defined in the Act. Most states have a charter school association or advocacy organization that can help you with the particular requirements for your state. There is also a national charter school association - www.uscharterschools.org - that has a lot of information and resource links online.