There are three ways to complete educator preparation requirements: degree-based programs, university coursework or Industry to Educator. Choose the option that best fits your experience, goals and career technical education (CTE) certification pathway.
Degree-based educator preparation
CTE educator preparation providers offer Idaho State Board for Career Technical Education-approved, degree-based pathways to certification. These programs combine industry experience with instructional training to prepare you to teach career technical education courses.
All programs are approved by the Idaho State Board for Career Technical Education and reviewed every seven years to ensure they continue to meet state requirements. New programs must complete a formal approval process before they can be offered.
All CTE educator preparation providers are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and meet Idaho’s requirements for CTE certification.
Degree-based educator preparation providers
| University/College | Contact | Initial Endorsement Programs | CTE Coursework |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise State University | Lisa Costa 208-426-4181 | Cybersecurity Technology Education (online) | Limited Occupational Specialist courses
|
| Idaho State University | Dr. Emma Wood 208-282-5443 |
| CTE administrator courses (online) Limited Occupational Specialist courses (online)
|
| University of Idaho | Dr. John Cannon 208-364-4031 |
| CTE administrator courses (online) Limited Occupational Specialist courses
|
Industry to Educator
Industry to Educator is Idaho’s educator preparation program for industry professionals. You’ll build teaching skills, complete required educator training and work toward a standard certificate.
How it works
We’ll help you turn your industry experience into classroom instruction.
Qualify for a Limited Occupational Specialist Certificate
Use your professional experience to qualify for a CTE certificate in your technical area.
Complete your Professional Development Plan
Once you’re hired, you’ll follow an approved Professional Development Plan (PDP) during your three-year Limited Occupational Specialist Certificate.
You’ll work with the Educator Preparation team to:
- Navigate the transition to teaching
- Complete required training
- Meet certification requirements
Move to a standard certificate
After completing your PDP, apply for one of the following:
- Standard Occupational Specialist Certificate
- Advanced Occupational Specialist Certificate
You’ll continue teaching with a five-year renewable certificate.
Advance your certification (optional)
Continue your professional growth by earning an Advanced Occupational Specialist Certificate through additional coursework or a teacher preparation degree.
Course overview
Completing Industry to Educator fulfills the PDP requirements for moving from a Limited Occupational Specialist Certificate to a Standard Occupational Specialist Certificate.
Block A: Launching your classroom with confidence
Learn the fundamentals of lesson planning, classroom management and assessment.
Block B: Planning and teaching for engagement and mastery
Build instructional strategies and student engagement techniques through a CTE lens.
Block C: Grow as a reflective, collaborative professional
Strengthen your professional identity, build relationships and develop systems for continuous growth.
Block D: Teaching what matters: Building career technical education that meets industry needs
Refine your teaching practice, use data to improve instruction and complete a classroom capstone project.
Delivery format
- Blocks A and B: Two in-person training days followed by virtual synchronous sessions
- Blocks C and D: Fully virtual and asynchronous, followed by virtual support sessions
Cost and support
- There is no cost.
- Participants are responsible for travel and related expenses for in-person sessions.
Registration typically opens about two months before each training session.