How to Stand Out as a Teacher Candidate: Endorsements and Extra Training

Oct 27

Two candidates, same degree, same interview, one job. This chapter is for any teacher candidate who wants to be the one the principal picks, and it comes down to a short list of questions about what you can teach beyond your main endorsement.

This is Chapter 8 of 51 from Road to Teaching (2025 edition). Read the whole book free, in order, at Read the Book.

By Dr. Eric Hougan

“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.”B.B. King

Administrators are looking for teachers that are flexible, dedicated, and will be an asset to their school and the community in more ways than one. In a competitive job market, you must seek ways to stand out from your peers—one great way is through education. Imagine you are the hiring principal. You have an open high school Social Studies position and you have narrowed the field to two highly qualified candidates:

Candidate A is a recent graduate who interviewed well and is certified to teach Social Studies.
Candidate B is also a recent graduate. She interviewed well and is certified to teach Social Studies and English language learners (also referred to as ELs - English learners).

Examining both of these highly qualified candidates, which one would you choose? The principal would hire Candidate B. Candidate B is a greater asset to the school because she can teach Social Studies, provide stronger support for English learners in her class, and, if necessary, teach ELL Social Studies. In short, she would be a fantastic resource, especially if the school’s student demographics are trending toward an increase in English learners. Evaluate your own situation. Which candidate would you typify, A or B? Take a moment and answer these questions:

Are you specializing in a high-need area, such as special education, math, science, and/or EL?
Are you a male seeking an elementary teaching position?
Are you willing to relocate to teach in a hard to staff school (e.g., rural or urban high-needs)?
Have you done anything to set yourself apart from other job seekers?

If you cannot answer “yes” to at least one of these questions, consider taking additional professional education courses to improve your chances of being hired in the school or district of your choice, especially if this extra effort leads to becoming certified/endorsed in more than one teaching area. Not only will you broaden your educational credentials, but you will also become a more knowledgeable and well-rounded teacher. Additional endorsements will also show potential employers your drive and dedication to continued professional growth. In today’s educational landscape, there are several high-demand credentials worth considering:

STEM endorsements (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
Computer Science or Coding certification
Special Education endorsements
English Language Learner certification
Bilingual/Dual Language education
Culturally Responsive Teaching certification
Digital Learning or Educational Technology specialization
Social-Emotional Learning expertise
Trauma-Informed Teaching certification
Advanced degrees in Educational Leadership or Curriculum Development

Many of these credentials can be earned through online programs, weekend intensives, or summer courses, making them accessible even while you’re completing your primary teaching certification. The added credentials also provide you with more options and opportunities throughout your teaching career. For example, after some years of teaching, you may decide you need a change. That additional certification will allow you to pursue new teaching opportunities, perhaps even within the same school. Another potential benefit is the added coursework, endorsements, or certifications may increase your income by pushing you up in the pay schedule. Of course, this will differ from state to state and district to district.

Remember that differentiation isn’t just about formal credentials—it can also come through specialized experiences, unique skill sets, or innovative approaches to learning. The most successful teachers often bring something distinctive to their schools that enhances the educational community as a whole.

Key Takeaway

Strategically pursue additional certifications in high-demand areas like special education, ELL, or STEM to make yourself more valuable to employers while expanding your ability to serve diverse student populations. These investments in your education often lead to more job opportunities and higher compensation.