School Teacher Requirements in New Hampshire, NH

New Hampshire, ranking 42th in population, has 207,407 students. There are 475 public schools, broken down into 298 elementary, 96 middle, and 78 high schools. About 45% of students in America took the SAT this last year, and New Hampshire boasted one of the highest student populations taking the test as well as above average performance on the exam. New Hampshire also has a fairly good graduation rate at 83.4%, which is above the national average.

New Hampshire Teaching Certification Requirements

  • Standard Teaching Certificate (valid for 5 years)
  • Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university
  • Complete an approved New Hampshire Teacher Preparation Program
  • Take and pass the Basic Skills Test (PPST)
  • Fulfill state fingerprinting requirements
  • Pass a criminal background check through the state and FBI
  • Complete the certification application packet, including transcripts, certifications, and references
  • Pay any applicable fees

Some districts may require additional training and certification.

Employment Outlook For Teachers in New Hampshire:

Boasting one of the highest SAT participation rates in the United States, New Hampshire greatly values its teachers with national board certification. New Hampshire has seen average population growth so there will be a continued need for teachers, new and existing alike. Teachers with specialty in technology are particularly in need as the state is working on expanding its education in computer sciences. The teaching industry has proved to be a relatively stable job market, and even through the budget cuts of the recession teachers have faired well. Obtaining additional certification in computer literacy such as MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist) is a good idea for bulking up your resume to the potential employer. As in any state, it is a good idea to have a Masters or PhD as that is certainly an eye catcher for prospective employers, as well as providing increased salary opportunities.

Salary Expectation for Teachers in New Hampshire:

New Hampshire is ranked 26th in the nation when it comes to teacher salaries, the average salary being $48,560 in 2009-2010 (according to bls.gov). In the last three years teachers in New Hampshire have seen an average 7.8% wage increase. Compared to average cost of living teachers do decently well in the state, many teachers supplementing income through part time teaching work over the summers including tutoring and summer school. Higher salaries do go to those with higher qualifications and certifications.