{"id":2907,"date":"2025-10-07T16:58:05","date_gmt":"2025-10-07T16:58:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.americanboard.org\/blog\/?p=2907"},"modified":"2025-10-13T15:04:00","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T15:04:00","slug":"fall-is-the-best-time-to-start-your-teacher-certification-journey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.americanboard.org\/blog\/fall-is-the-best-time-to-start-your-teacher-certification-journey\/","title":{"rendered":"Fall Is the Best Time to Start Your Teacher Certification Journey"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By the time autumn rolls around, school is well underway for the year. For adults wanting to shift into a teaching career, this gives the impression it’s too late and they must wait for the next summer hiring season. In reality, for aspiring teachers, fall is prime opportunity time. Here\u2019s why autumn is the optimal season to start your teacher certification journey \u2014 and how to take full advantage of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Hiring cycles favor certified candidates in winter\/spring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many schools fill mid-year vacancies or begin hiring in January or February. If you start certification right now, you can time your completion just ahead of these hiring windows, positioning yourself strongly. Starting toward certification today means you can be finished by December; although some people complete in just a few week, we recommend planning for 60+ days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. You beat the winter slowdowns<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Late autumn and early winter brings holidays, weather delays, and a general sense of pause. By starting toward your certification early this fall, you can utilize that buffer time and push hard toward completion during winter breaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Program access and cohort start dates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unlike university programs which offer two enrollment periods per year, online certification providers roll out new cohorts all year. Starting now may allow you to join at the optimal time rather than waiting months. Think you’re ready? Meet some peers here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Addressing shortages when demand is high<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

School districts continue to struggle to staff their classrooms. In fact, 74 percent<\/a> of U.S. school districts had difficulty filling open teaching positions for the 2024\u201325 year. Furthermore, 60 percent of schools struggle to find substitute teachers. Starting now means you can get classroom experience while completing certification, ensuring you are ready for the winter hiring season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start Your Teacher Certification Journey<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How to get started this fall:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n