qualifications Elementary and secondary public school teacher must have a teacher's certificate (a license indication that the holder is qualif ied to teach) granted by the government of the state in which he wishes to teach. Most of the states require four years of college education for elementary teaching certificates; all the states require at least four years of college education for secondary teaching ificates3) Qualifications • Elementary and secondary public school teacher must have a teacher’s certificate (a license indication that the holder is qualified to teach) granted by the government of the state in which he wishes to teach. Most of the states require four years of college education for elementary teaching certificates; all the states require at least four years of college education for secondary teaching certificates