Teaching licence whilst waiting for EAD?

[visacat 1]

I am hoping someone can help me with this one

Is it possible to apply for your state teaching licence in the US whilst waiting for your EAD and AOS?

[HeatDeath 430]

The only reason why you wouldn't be able to would be if the application process for the teaching certification specifically asks for proof of work authorization. If it does not, you'll be fine. USCIS certainly won't care, either way. Any objections to your lack of EAD would come from the State Education Office/Licensing Board. If they let you apply with no EAD, then everything will be fine.

Once your teaching certification is issued, you can apply for jobs, and even interview. The only limit is, like with any other job, you must be able to fill out an I-9 Work Authorization form for your employer (which means having an EAD or a GC in your hand) within the first 3 days of work. Do NOT start working unless you know with complete metaphysical certitude that you have or will have your EAD or GC within the first two days after your official start date.

Also, USCIS define working as "working" as "doing a job for which a US citizen could be paid". So no sneaky "volunteering" as a classroom teacher until your EAD comes in, and then collecting back pay. USCIS really frowns on those sorts of little games. You can volunteer at a school, but it would have to be for positions that volunteers (for example, parents) would normally do. Volunteering for a job you will be hired for is a strict no-no.