Are Homeschooling Families Required to Use Certified Teachers?

One common question that arises when considering homeschooling is whether or not parents can teach their children, if they need to get certifications, or if they have to hire a credentialed tutor. In this blog, we will explore the answers to these questions and guide you through your state’s requirements for teacher credentials.

While credentials and certifications are important, parents are the children's first teachers. Let’s review what the Bible says about the parent's role in educating their children.

• "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. " -Proverbs 22:6
• "And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." -Ephesians 6:4 
• "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." -Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Parents have the privilege and responsibility to be lifelong learners by alongside their children. The first step toward that end may be leaning into His prompting and beginning our research toward homeschooling. Learn more by reading Enlightium's Philosophy of Christian Education. 

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Requirements by State or Country

First and foremost, it is important to understand that every state and country has its own set of laws and regulations for homeschooling. Some states and countries may require homeschooling parents/tutors to have a GED, a high school diploma, or hold the same credentials as local public school teachers, while many states and countries have no requirements at all.

It is crucial to research and understand your state's laws while deciding on an education option for your child. At Enlightium Academy, our admissions process is designed to make the transition into online homeschooling as smooth as possible for families. Our team has carefully created a blog for each state and some countries that cover the individual homeschooling requirements in that specific area.

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Statistics

As of the publication of this article, the Enlightium Academy’s team has discovered the following information regarding students in the United States (50 states and Washington D.C.):

• 43 states have no instructor certification requirements.
• Four states require the instructor have a high school diploma or an equivalent (such as a GED).
• Three states require the instructor to be “competent”, “capable of teaching”, or “qualified to monitor instruction”. 
• One state requires the instructor, if other than the parent/guardian, to teach in an accredited school; Enlightium Academy is accredited by ACSI and Cognia.

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If No Instructor Certification Requirements

In practice, if your state does not require any parental education qualifications or if your state's wording is vague and only requires a parent to be "competent" or some other equivalent, this simply means that it is the parent's responsibility to research and provide the proper tools for their child's education. Enlightium’s team can help meet this need with any of our curriculum and support options.

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If a High School Diploma or Equivalent is Required

If the parent/guardian/tutor has a high school diploma or its equivalent, then you can select any of Enlightium’s offerings, such as the Homeschool Program or the Online Program.

If the parent/guardian/tutor does not meet the requirements of your state, you will need to select a program with support from Enlightium’s teachers. Enlightium’s Online Program offers different teacher support options, starting with the asynchronous and flexible Silver support package.

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If the Instructor is to be Considered “Competent”

As a part of Enlightium Academy’s dual accreditation, Enlightium teachers are state and/or ACSI-certified. A number of our faculty members have Master's and Doctorate degrees in their fields. However, even if your state does not require certified teachers for homeschooling, it is always beneficial to have qualified and experienced educators guiding your child's education journey. 

Whether or not homeschooling families are required to use certified teachers ultimately depends on their state or country's laws and regulations. However, having certified teachers can greatly benefit a child's education experience. At Enlightium Academy, we strive to provide families with the best resources and support in their homeschooling journey. For more information about our admissions process and programs, please visit our website and review our state and country blogs.

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Since 2003, Enlightium faculty and staff have served partner schools, hybrid, online, and homeschool K-12 students. With parental support, excellent instruction, and a personalized approach to learning, Enlightium equips students with the academic, spiritual, physical, social, and emotional skills they need to succeed in life. For any other questions about Enlightium, please call (509) 319-2288 or visit EnlightiumAcademy.com.