There are many ways you can get the funding you need to take advantage of education opportunities available in Idaho. If you want to become a teacher, you do have to attend university and obtain a Bachelor's degree in a subject taught in the school curriculum. Then you must graduate from an approved teacher preparation course and finally, you must write the certification exam applicable to the grade level or content area you want to teach. Each of these costs money and if you don't want to take out student loans and spend many years repaying the loans, you should look into other options.
Many of the school districts in Idaho want to extend education opportunities to attract teachers. Some of these districts will pay the full fee associated with becoming a certified teacher, while others offer incentives to recent graduates to obtain this certificate. An example of such an incentive is an annual $1000 bonus to a teacher for the period in which the teaching certificate is valid. Some districts pay half of the fee, while others may have a higher annual bonus.
There is also federal funding in place that will help defray the $500 fee associated with applying for National Teacher Certification. In order to get this education opportunity, you do need to hold the necessary qualification to become a teacher and apply for the federal funding. There is only a limited amount of funds available each year and they are dispersed on a first-come, first-served basis. You do have to pay the fee and submit the receipt showing that it is paid. Once you pass the exam, you will receive a refund of the money. While some states do pay the fee for retaking the exam if you do not pass, Idaho does not pay the retake fee. This money is for initial candidates only.
While you are in university studying for your degree, you do need to maintain a high average in order to meet the minimum requirements for education opportunities in Idaho. If you have consistently high marks, there are many scholarships you can apply for which will pay part of the cost of your tuition and other university expenses. Some school districts and businesses offer these scholarships. You do have to go looking for them because not all of them are published in the university calendar.
Once you get a job as a teacher in Idaho, there are education opportunities for advancing in your career. Once you obtain your initial teaching certificate, you do have to work on achieving the requirements for the professional certificate and if you wish a certificate as a master teacher. Idaho welcomes teachers who want to excel in their jobs and encourage continuing education. The state has a funding program in place that will pay you a bonus of $10,000 over a period of five years when you obtain this teaching certificate. You do have to remain as a teacher in the state for the five years in order to get all the bonus money.
