How Do I Get and Keep My Teaching License?
In Idaho, your certificate is a professional credential that requires regular maintenance.
1. Getting Your Initial Certificate
Most BYU-Idaho students follow the Standard Route:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Complete your History Education (B.A.).
- Teacher Prep Program: Complete your courses and student teaching.
- Praxis II: Pass the World and U.S. History content knowledge exam.
- Background Check: Clear a criminal history check.
- Institutional Recommendation: BYU-I officially recommends you for licensure.
2. Keeping Your Certificate (Renewal)
Your license is valid for five years. To renew it, you must prove "Professional Growth" by earning six credits:
- 3 Academic Credits: Must be from an accredited university (undergrad or graduate level).
- 3 In-Service Credits: Can be university credits or district "contact hours" (15 hours = 1 credit).
- Renewal Fee: Pay through the Idaho Department of Education portal.
What Teaching Careers Are Available?
As a History Education major, you are certified for Secondary Education (Grades 6–12).
- Middle School Teacher: Focus on foundational U.S. history, geography, and world cultures.
- High School Teacher: Lead deep dives into Government, Economics, AP History, and World Wars.
- Dual Enrollment Instructor: With a Master’s degree, you can teach college-level courses within a high school setting.
What Else Besides Teaching?
The skills you learn—storytelling, research, and classroom management—are highly transferable. History Education graduates often thrive in:
- Museum Education & Curation: Designing exhibits and educational programs for the public.
- National & State Parks: Working as a park ranger or interpretive guide.
- Corporate Training: Designing curriculum and leading development for private companies.
- Non-Profit Leadership: Advocacy and program of coordination for historical societies.
How About Graduate School?
Many teachers choose to pursue further education to increase their impact (and their salary).
- Master of Education (M.Ed.): Focus on School Administration (to become a principal) or Curriculum and Instruction.
- Master of Arts in History: Deepen your subject knowledge for university-level teaching.
- Law School: History is one of the top "feeder" majors for Law School because of its focus on evidence, research, and argumentation.
The Bottom Line
Your degree from BYU-Idaho is a foundation for leadership. Whether you are leading a classroom of 30 teenagers or a school district of 3,000, you are equipped to ensure the lessons of the past are used to build a better future.
Sources
BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: American Government Education
BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: English Education
ETS Praxis
BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: Geography Education
BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: History Education
Department of History, Geography, and Political Science: History Student Resources
Praxis.ets.org.: Idaho Required Test
2026 How to Become a High School History Teacher in Idaho: Requirements & Certification | Research.com.
“How Should Teachers Teach Controversial History?”.
BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: Mathematics Education
National Education Association: Know Your Rights: Idaho.
EPP Handbook of Policies and Procedures: Praxis..
BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: Spanish Education
Student Teaching Services: Student Teaching Certification
Student Teaching Services: Student Teaching Exams & Praxis
Teacher Magazine: “Teaching Challenging Histories: Strategies for Approaching Controversial Topics in Social Studies.”
Teachinghistory.org: Teaching Materials and Guides
Teacher Preparation: Teacher Preparation Education Requirements
BYU-Idaho Academic Catalog: Tesol Education
University of Maryland: “The 6 Pillars of a Brave Space".
“Which Praxis Tests to Take"