Learn more about key qualities DCPS is looking for in candidates and eligibility requirements for each position by reviewing the materials below. For additional information, select "Application Process" for the position you are interested in exploring!
If you have additional questions, email the Recruitment and Selection Team: DCPS.Careers@dc.gov.
Commitment to Equity: Passion for closing the achievement gap and ensuring that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, receives an excellent education.
Focus on Results: Educators who are driven by a desire to produce quantifiable student achievement gains.
Sense of Possibility: Educators who approach their work with optimism and a sense of possibility despite the many challenges they may face.
Problem Solving Orientation: Solutions-oriented educators who see challenges as opportunities for creative problem solving.
Perseverance: Willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure that their students are successful.
Respect and Humility: Sensitivity to diversity in all its forms and commitment to learning from school and neighborhood communities.
Eligibility Requirements for Teachers
The chart below outlines the criteria for teacher licenses in the District of Columbia. You must qualify for one of these licenses in order to teach in DCPS. All DCPS educators must hold a valid DC license in their instructional area. You can find more information on licensure from the Office of the State Superintendent.
Type of License
Educational Requirements
Praxis Requirements
Regular II*
(Valid for 4 years, renewable)
Completed a degree in early childhood, elementary, secondary, or special education at the Bachelor’s or Master’s level.
AND
Passed the relevant Praxis exams.**
Regular I
(Valid for 2 years, non-renewable)
Currently enrolled in a Master's Degree program in early childhood, elementary, secondary, or special education.
AND
Passed the relevant Praxis exams.
*If you currently have a teaching license from another state, you can apply for a DC license through interstate reciprocity if the following 3 conditions are met:
You have completed a state-approved teacher education program.
Your license is a full, standard license from Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Department of Defense Schools, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, or Wyoming.
You have taught for three years in the subject area in which you are seeking a reciprocal DC license.
Complete reciprocity requirements and agreements are located on OSSE's website.
**To determine which Praxis exams are required, please visit the ETS website.
Eligibility Requirements for Educational Aides
The minimum requirement to be an Educational Aide is an Associate’s Degree or 48 college credit hours or a high school diploma and successful completion of the ParaPro exam administered by ETS.
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Associate's Degree
(in any subject area)
OR
48 College Credit Hours
(in any subject area)
OR
High School Diploma and Pass the ParaPro Exam
Eligibility Requirements for Related Service Providers and Librarians
Related service providers include:
School Counselors
School Psychologists
Social Workers (LICSW required)
Speech and Language Pathologists
Related service providers must have a Master’s degree in their area of practice to be eligible for licensure.
