Becoming an English Teacher

English teachers perform one of the most important jobs in our society. As an English teacher, you'll teach young minds how to read, write and think critically. You'll also share your passion for literature, poetry, writing, grammar, vocabulary, drama and journalism.

With an English teacher job, you may find yourself in one of these settings:

• secondary schools, such as middle and high schools
• public or private schools, including parochial schools
• public or private colleges and universities

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, full-time English teachers in postsecondary schools earned an average annual salary of $65,860 as of May 2009. Although entry-level salaries may be lower, with greater seniority and by completing advanced education, you will increase your earning potential. Public school teachers who teach core studies such as English enjoy reliable job security. Additionally, comprehensive benefits packages and lengthy summer vacations are important factors to consider when assessing total compensation.

To become an English teacher, you'll need to earn a bachelor's or master's degree through an accredited teacher education program. However, since provisions in the No Child Left Behind Act were enacted in 2006 requiring teachers to be "highly qualified," many students seeking an English teacher job now major in English and complete teaching certification requirements at the same time.

If you already have a bachelor's degree in English but haven't completed a teaching program, you should see if your state offers a professional development program. These 1-year programs partner universities with secondary schools to allow students to teach firsthand under professional guidance.

Another great option is to earn a master's degree in teaching, which will immediately improve your earning capacity. Some states require all teachers to earn master's degrees within a specified period. Check with your state Department of Education to find out the requirements in your area.

All public schools require teachers to be licensed. Although teacher certification requirements vary by state, all states require English teachers to hold a bachelor's degree with a specific number of subject and education credits. If you choose to become an English teacher at a private school, licensure may not be required.

When you apply for your teaching license, you'll be given a competency test, such as the Praxis, that covers reading, writing and teaching skills. Additionally, some states require teachers to take continuing education courses to maintain their teaching certificates.

It may seem like a lot of work, but remember the impact you can make. As an English teacher, you can transport your students to medieval Denmark while reading Hamlet or send them to the Internet to research and write a biography on their favorite author. No matter what, English teachers develop some of the most fundamental learning skills—skills that make a difference in students' lives. And with the lengthy summer vacations each year, who knows? Maybe you'll get to visit modern-day Denmark.

_{Source: National Center for Education Statistics}