Alaska preschool teacher

How To Become a Preschool Teacher in Alaska in 2026

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Alaska’s Growing Focus on Early Childhood Education

Preschool Teacher in Alaska

Alaska still has some catching up to do when it comes to preschool. The state ranked 38th for four-year-olds and 27th for three-year-olds in state-funded programs.

Today, things are moving in the right direction.

In 2022–2023, the state added 435 more kids to preschool. This brings total enrollment to just over 1,000, and spending jumped 45% to support early learning.

Alaska knows early learning matters. The state is putting real effort into building stronger, better programs for its youngest learners. Leaders are rolling out initiatives like the Alaska Read Act and SEED to give more kids access to full-day, quality preschool.

For those asking how to become a preschool teacher in Alaska, this is your full guide. This guide walks through the steps of meeting the Alaska preschool teacher requirements. It also highlights the rewarding nature of teaching Alaska’s youngest learners.

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The Rewarding Path of Early Childhood Teaching in Alaska

Early childhood teachers witness milestones like a child’s first words, first friendships, or initial exploration of numbers and letters. These moments offer immense professional satisfaction and personal fulfillment.

Alaska’s growing investments in Pre-K programs, combined with SEED’s support, have created a variety of opportunities. Teachers can work in urban centers or serve in rural and tribal communities, often supported by programs like Head Start.

For early childhood teacher jobs in Alaska, demand is expected to increase slightly. For one, state spending rose by about 45%, totaling over $5 million, reflecting Alaska’s commitment to strengthening early learning opportunities.

According to the Alaska Department of Labor, employment for preschool teachers is projected to rise by about 6% through 2026.

The preschool teacher salary in Alaska is competitive. Median annual wage is $71,640, depending on location and experience. Administrators earn even more, up to $81,120 annually. Salaries in urban areas are generally higher than in rural regions, though rural positions may offer housing or travel benefits.

Step 1: Earn a Degree in Early Childhood Education

The first step in how to become a preschool teacher in Alaska is to obtain a bachelor’s degree or higher. It must be in Early Childhood Education from a regionally accredited college or university.

Here are the top three accredited early childhood programs in Alaska:

  1. University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) – B.A. in Early Childhood Education
  2. University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) – B.A. in Elementary or Early Childhood Education
  3. University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) – certificate and associate programs

The early childhood education degree in Alaska ensures that educators understand Alaska’s cultural and environmental contexts.

For those not pursuing a full bachelor’s degree, positions like preschool instructional aids are available. Applicants must have at least one of the two:

  • Associate I: A CDA credential or completion of a 30-credit college program with 400 hours of supervised experience.
  • Associate II: Completion of an approved associate degree in early childhood education, in addition to Associate I requirements.

Alaska’s SEED program even offers Pathways to Professionalism. This is a program that provides training stipends for candidates working toward their CDA, particularly within Head Start programs.

There are also online degree options that are especially valuable for rural students or working professionals. They provide flexibility without compromising accreditation or program quality.

Step 2: Finish Alaska’s Approved Educator Preparation Program

The preschool teacher qualifications in Alaska for public preschool teachers involve a state-approved educator preparation program. It combines coursework with supervised teaching experiences and covers critical areas, including:

  • Child development and learning theory
  • Culturally responsive teaching practices
  • Curriculum design and assessment for young learners

These Alaska preschool teacher requirements are in place to make sure that teachers can offer culturally inclusive education.

Step 3: Pass Alaska’s Teacher Certification Exams

Candidates must pass a PRAXIS II content area exam to earn an early childhood endorsement. Exams include:

  • Elementary Education: Content Knowledge (5018)
  • Elementary Education: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (5017)

Passing this exam is mandatory to apply for initial preschool teacher certification in Alaska. ETS administers the PRAXIS exam, and preparation resources are available through DEED or local universities.

Other equivalent state exams accepted include:

  • CBEST: California Basic Educational Skills Test, accepted as an alternative.
  • Florida Teacher Certification Exam (FTCE): Florida’s basic skills test for educators.
  • WEST-B: Washington Educator Skills Test – Basic, accepted as another alternative.

After this part, teachers have to apply for an early childhood educator license in Alaska.

Step 4: Apply for a State Teaching License Through DEED

Candidates who have completed an approved teacher education program and passed the competency exams can apply for initial Alaska Department of Education certification.

The process includes the following:

  • Submit official transcripts and Praxis scores.
  • Obtain an institutional recommendation from the completed program.
  • Complete a background check and fingerprinting.
  • Apply online via DEED’s certification portal.

The process on how to get certified to teach preschool in Alaska may seem intimidating, but it’s manageable. Once the candidate submits their application and required documents, DEED reviews everything to ensure all educational and exam requirements are met.

If approved, they may receive:

  • Initial Three-Year Teacher Certificate: For candidates who have completed all required Alaska coursework.
  • Initial Two-Year Teacher Certificate: For candidates who still need to complete Alaska-specific coursework.

Step 5: Build Classroom and Community Experience

Hands-on experience is essential for early childhood teacher jobs in Alaska. Student teaching, part of most educator preparation programs, provides real-world classroom exposure.

Beyond that, educators are encouraged to gain experience through:

  • Head Start internships or positions
  • Volunteering in licensed childcare centers
  • Participating in community-based early learning programs

Alaska’s First Steps Early Learning initiative supports candidates in meeting the preschool teacher qualifications in Alaska. They offer:

  1. Mentoring and coaching for new educators
  2. Guidance and networking opportunities that help beginners build confidence and skills

Practical experience strengthens resumes and is often a requirement for many early childhood teacher jobs in Alaska.

Step 6: Strengthen Your Career with Advanced Credentials

While optional, additional credentials can enhance employability and career growth. Popular preschool teacher certification in Alaska options include:

  • Child Development Associate (CDA) credential: Beneficial for childcare and Head Start roles.
  • National Board Certification – Early Childhood Generalist: Demonstrates advanced teaching expertise.
  • Master’s in Early Childhood Education or Educational Leadership: These early childhood leadership degree programs prepare teachers for administrative, policy, or curriculum leadership positions.

Alaska encourages ongoing professional development through DEED Educator Effectiveness. This framework supports continuous improvement and advanced career opportunities.

Preschool Teacher Salary and Job Growth in Alaska (2026 Outlook)

Employment projections indicate slow but steady growth. From 2016 to 2026, preschool teacher employment is expected to rise from 670 to 710 positions, a 6% increase. The number of ECE administrators and special educators remains smaller, around 130 positions each, with minimal growth.

The salary for early childhood teacher jobs in Alaska varies by position and location:

  • Preschool Teachers: $31,450 – $52,390
  • Preschool Administrators: $56,190 – $81,120
  • Preschool Special Educators: $66,710 – $82,600

Urban centers like Anchorage and Fairbanks tend to have the highest salaries. Here’s a preview of the preschool teacher salary in Alaska:

  • Anchorage
    • Median: $30,050
    • 75th percentile: $35,970
    • 90th percentile: $44,100
  • Fairbanks
    • Median: $30,050
    • 75th percentile: $35,970
    • 90th percentile: $44,100

These figures reflect median wages and top earners and include professionals at varying education levels. Alaska has a dispersed population. So, many ECE resources are delivered directly to families, such as the Parents as Teachers program, supporting home-based learning.

Maintain and Renew Your Teaching License

In addition to meeting basic Alaska preschool teacher requirements, teachers must also maintain a professional teacher certificate.

Alaska requires six semester credit hours every five years, with at least half being graduate-level or upper-division coursework. Continuing education opportunities include:

  • DEED-endorsed workshops
  • University courses
  • NAEYC training and conferences

Ongoing professional development for early childhood educators in Alaska remains effective and aligned with best practices. This commitment reflects Alaska’s broader goal of building a high-quality, culturally responsive early childhood education system across the state.

Conclusion: Begin Your Early Childhood Teaching Journey in Alaska

That’s everything you need to know about how to become a preschool teacher in Alaska.

Becoming a preschool teacher in Alaska is a structured yet rewarding journey. It requires the following:

  1. Earning an accredited degree.
  2. Completing an approved educator preparation program.
  3. Passing competency exams.
  4. Gaining practical experience.
  5. Obtaining professional certification.

With SEED’s support and Alaska’s emphasis on cultural responsiveness, educators are well-positioned to make a meaningful impact on children across the state.

Alaska’s youngest learners benefit from skilled, passionate teachers, whether in Anchorage, Fairbanks, or remote villages. These educators are dedicated to building strong educational foundations for every child.

Start your journey today—each child in Alaska deserves an educator who understands, inspires, and nurtures their earliest steps in learning.