Delaware Teacher Reciprocity Agreements
Delaware teacher reciprocity works through the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which provides a framework for reviewing out-of-state teaching credentials rather than an automatic guarantee. Applicants submit documentation through the Delaware Educator Data System (DEEDS), and the Delaware Department of Education evaluates each request individually before determining eligibility for an Initial or Continuing License.
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Professionally certified teachers from other states may not have to start certification over from scratch to teach in Delaware. Through the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, Delaware reviews out-of-state teaching credentials and evaluates whether an applicant qualifies for a comparable license, rather than automatically granting one. Applicants submit their credentials for review through the Delaware Educator Data System (DEEDS), and the Delaware Department of Education determines eligibility based on the certificate sought and current statutory requirements. Teachers who aren’t yet certified anywhere can review Delaware’s teacher certification requirements to start the process from scratch.
Use the links below to jump to reciprocity states, application steps, and license type requirements.
- Which states have reciprocity with Delaware
- How to apply for a Delaware license through reciprocity
- Initial vs. Continuing License requirements
- Special education certification and reciprocity
Which States Have Reciprocity Agreements with Delaware
Delaware participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, a network of state licensing boards that provides a framework for reviewing each other’s certified teachers’ credentials. Participation supports the review process but doesn’t guarantee certification. See how certification reciprocity works for more on what the NASDTEC agreement does and doesn’t cover. The states listed below are current signatories, but membership in the agreement can change. Confirm the most current list on Delaware’s official reciprocity page before applying.
| State | State | State | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Kansas | New Hampshire | South Dakota |
| Arizona | Kentucky | New Jersey | Tennessee |
| Arkansas | Louisiana | New Mexico | Texas |
| California | Maine | New York | Utah |
| Colorado | Maryland | North Carolina | Vermont |
| Connecticut | Massachusetts | North Dakota | Virginia |
| Florida | Michigan | Ohio | Washington |
| Georgia | Mississippi | Oklahoma | West Virginia |
| Hawaii | Missouri | Oregon | Wisconsin |
| Idaho | Montana | Pennsylvania | Wyoming |
| Illinois | Nebraska | Rhode Island | |
| Indiana | Nevada | South Carolina |
How to Apply for a Delaware Teaching License Through Reciprocity
Delaware teacher reciprocity applications go through the Delaware Educator Data System (DEEDS), the same online portal all new educators use to apply for licensure. Out-of-state applicants create a DEEDS account via the EdAccess login page, then apply for the license and certificate corresponding to the content area they want to teach.
Applicants submit the documentation required for their specific license and certificate through DEEDS. This commonly includes official transcripts and a copy of the out-of-state teaching credential, though exact requirements vary by certificate type and applicant history. Many reciprocity applicants aren’t required to retake Delaware assessments, such as the Praxis or ACTFL. However, additional testing or documentation may still be required depending on the certificate sought and the outcome of the credential review. Delaware charges a one-time, non-refundable $100 application fee for a first license, which the DOE states is reimbursable once an applicant is hired and fully licensed at a Delaware public or charter school. Confirm the current fee and reimbursement terms on Delaware’s application page, as they may change. The Delaware Department of Education reviews each application individually to determine whether the applicant meets the requirements for the certificate area being sought.
Questions about the reciprocity process should be directed to the Delaware Licensure and Certification Office. Confirm current contact details and application steps on the Delaware Department of Education website.
Initial License vs. Continuing License by Reciprocity
Experience is one factor Delaware weighs when determining which license a reciprocity applicant is eligible for. Educators with less than four years of licensed teaching experience generally apply for an Initial License, while those with more experience may be eligible for a Continuing License. Moving from an Initial to a Continuing License typically also requires completing Delaware’s induction and mentoring requirements and satisfactory evaluations, rather than simply accumulating years of experience. Delaware reviews the complete application before determining the license an applicant qualifies for.
Along with the license, Delaware evaluates each Standard Certificate requested separately, one for the specific content area or grade level being taught, plus any additional certificate areas an applicant wants to add. Applicants must satisfy the requirements for every certificate they’re seeking. Holding a license doesn’t automatically mean every certificate and out-of-state credential is covered. Adding a certificate later typically involves the coursework or testing Delaware requires for that specific area.
Special Education Certification and Reciprocity
Delaware evaluates special education endorsements separately from general content-area reciprocity, and requirements are endorsement-specific. In general, an out-of-state Special Education certificate is reviewed alongside a content-area certificate, such as elementary education or a specific subject. Additional content-area requirements may apply depending on the endorsement sought. Applicants pursuing special education certification through reciprocity should review Delaware’s current DOE certification requirements for their specific endorsement, since pathways and documentation can vary by case.
Delaware law does provide options, such as an Initial License with an Emergency Certificate in a content area, for educators who are completing outstanding requirements, such as a Praxis exam or coursework. Whether this or another pathway applies depends on the individual application and the endorsement involved, so applicants should confirm their specific situation with Delaware’s Licensure and Certification office rather than assume one process applies to every special education applicant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Delaware accept teaching certifications from every state?
Delaware reviews educator credentials from other states through its reciprocity process. Participation in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement helps facilitate credential review, but doesn’t guarantee certification. Delaware still evaluates whether an applicant meets current licensure and certification requirements.
How much does it cost to apply for a Delaware teaching license through reciprocity?
Delaware’s DOE charges a one-time, non-refundable $100 application fee for a first license, which is reimbursed once an applicant is hired and fully licensed at a Delaware public or charter school. Confirm the current fee and reimbursement terms on Delaware’s application page before applying, since fee policies can change.
Do I need to retake the Praxis exam to teach in Delaware through reciprocity?
Many reciprocity applicants aren’t required to repeat assessments already satisfied in another state. However, Delaware may require additional testing or documentation depending on the certificate sought and the outcome of the credential evaluation.
What’s the difference between an Initial License and a Continuing License in Delaware?
Initial and Continuing Licenses have different eligibility requirements. Experience is one factor; for an Initial License, it is generally under 4 years, but moving to a Continuing License also involves completing induction and mentoring requirements. Delaware reviews the complete application before determining which license an applicant qualifies for.
- NASDTEC participation supports review, not automatic certification — Delaware evaluates out-of-state credentials individually rather than granting reciprocity automatically.
- Applications go through DEEDS — the Delaware Educator Data System handles reciprocity applications the same way it handles new educator applications.
- Licensure depends on current requirements — meeting Delaware’s statutory licensure and certification requirements determines eligibility, not NASDTEC membership alone.
- Experience helps determine license eligibility, but it isn’t the only factor — moving between license types also depends on completing induction, mentoring, and evaluation requirements.
- Special education and endorsement areas may need extra review — requirements vary by endorsement, so applicants should confirm their specific situation with Delaware’s DOE.
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