Do You Need a Teaching Degree to Homeschool in Indiana?

One of the most common questions from prospective homeschooling parents is whether they need teaching credentials, a degree in education, or professional teaching experience. The answer in Indiana is clear: No. You do not need a teaching degree, teaching certificate, or any professional educational credentials to homeschool your children.

Key Takeaways

• No teaching degree required
• No teaching certification or license required
• Parents are qualified to teach their own children by right
• No educational background or college degree required
• No qualifications mandated by state law

Indiana Law Is Clear: No Teacher Qualifications Required

Indiana Code 20-33-2 (the primary homeschool statute) contains no teacher qualification requirements. This is intentional and reflects the state’s philosophy that parental rights are fundamental.

The law classifies homeschools as “nonpublic, non-accredited schools.” Nonpublic schools (like private schools) are not required to employ state-certified teachers. Therefore, the same applies to homeschools.

What the Law Actually Says

Indiana law specifies:

• 180 days of instruction required
• Attendance records required
• Instruction in English required
• “Equivalent education” required

Nowhere does it say:

• “Parent must have a teaching degree”
• “Instructor must be state-certified”
• “Educational background required”
• “College degree required”

The absence of these requirements is significant. Indiana intentionally gives parents authority to educate their children without gatekeeping based on professional credentials.

Why No Teaching Degree Is Required

Several reasons support this framework:

Parental Rights: Indiana recognizes that parents have a constitutional right to direct the upbringing and education of their children. This includes the right to educate them at home without state approval or credentialing.

Historical Precedent: Homeschooling has existed in America longer than professional teaching credentials. Parents have successfully educated their children for centuries without teaching degrees.

Practical Reality: Parents know their children best — their learning styles, strengths, interests, and needs. This intimate knowledge allows parents to adapt instruction in ways professional teachers in classrooms of 25+ students cannot.

Diverse Educational Methods: Different educational philosophies (classical, Charlotte Mason, unschooling, etc.) emphasize parental role and involvement. Some approaches explicitly build on parental participation rather than professional expertise.

What Does Qualify You to Homeschool in Indiana?

If a teaching degree isn’t required, what actually qualifies a parent?

You are qualified to homeschool if:

• You are a parent or legal guardian
• You can provide 180 days of instruction per year
• You maintain attendance records
• You provide instruction in English
• You offer education that is reasonably equivalent to public school education

That’s it. These are the legal qualifications.

Personal Attributes That Help

While not legally required, certain attributes help homeschooling parents succeed:

• Commitment to your child’s education: Time, consistency, and dedication matter
• Willingness to learn: You’ll learn alongside your student, especially in subjects less familiar to you
• Organizational skills: Planning, scheduling, and record-keeping help
• Flexibility: Being able to adjust approach when something isn’t working
• Self-assessment: Recognizing where your student needs help and being willing to seek it (tutor, group class, etc.)
• Subject knowledge: You don’t need to be an expert in every subject, but willingness to learn or find resources helps

What If You’re Concerned About Your Ability?

If you’re worried about teaching subjects you’re less comfortable with, options exist:

For specific subjects:

• Use a structured curriculum that provides detailed teaching guides
• Take online courses yourself to refresh knowledge
• Hire a tutor for challenging subjects
• Use video instruction (Khan Academy, online courses, etc.)

For whole curriculum:

• Use a boxed/all-in-one curriculum (Abeka, BJU, Sonlight, etc.)
• Enroll in an online homeschool program
• Join a hybrid school or co-op with structured instruction
• Use an online school for some subjects

For support:

• Join a local homeschool co-op for group classes
• Participate in IAHE events and resources
• Connect with other homeschooling families for mutual support

High School: Do You Need Teaching Credentials?

Some parents worry more about teaching high school subjects. The answer remains the same: no teaching credentials required.

For high school, you can:

• Use rigorous high school curricula
• Enroll in dual enrollment college courses (your student takes college classes at a community college)
• Combine homeschool subjects with online courses
• Use AP curriculum and have your student take AP exams
• Document coursework through transcript-building resources

Many highly successful Indiana homeschool students complete high school and attend selective colleges without their parents having teaching degrees.

College Admissions: Will Homeschool Affect Acceptance?

Colleges do not require that your child’s homeschool instructor have a teaching degree. What colleges do evaluate:

• SAT/ACT scores: Standard for all applicants
• Transcript quality: Well-documented courses, grades, credits (you create this)
• Course rigor: Evidence of challenging academic work
• Essays and personal statements: Written in your child’s voice
• Extracurricular involvement: Community service, sports, clubs, work
• Letters of recommendation: From people who know your child well

None of these require that you have a teaching degree. Indiana homeschool students attend Indiana universities (IU, Purdue, Ball State, etc.) and selective out-of-state colleges regularly.

If You Do Have a Teaching Degree

If you are a certified teacher, that’s wonderful and certainly helps. However, many successful homeschooling parents have no teaching background at all. Your teaching degree, if you have one, is an asset but not a requirement.

Special Needs Teaching

If you’re homeschooling a child with special needs, you don’t need special education certification. However:

• You may benefit from understanding the IEP (Individualized Education Plan) if your child previously had one
• Learning about your child’s specific learning difference (dyslexia, ADHD, autism, etc.) helps guide instruction
• You may hire a special education tutor for specific skill areas
• You may access public school special education services through your district (free services available to homeschooled children)

The Bottom Line

Indiana law is explicit: parents do not need teaching degrees to homeschool. The legal qualification is that you are a parent committed to providing your child with 180 days of equivalent education per year while maintaining attendance records.

This reflects Indiana’s fundamental belief in parental rights and home education. Your role as parent — knowing your child, caring about their development, and committed to their education — is your primary qualification.

If you’re unsure about specific subjects or approaches, resources and support systems exist to help. But the legal authority and permission to educate your child at home is yours by right as a parent.