Choosing a Teaching Program
While programs vary, most will emphasize the liberal arts, pedagogy (the study of how to teach), and field experience (student teaching). In the end, your choice may boil down to the school's tuition, location and reputation. Some factors to consider are:
Accreditation: Is the school accredited by the National Council of Accreditation for Teacher Education or the Teacher Education Accreditation Council?
Flexibility: Does the school offer a program that will allow you to work part time or full time while completing your coursework? Does the school offer the option of credit for past experiences?
School curriculum: Does the focus and philosophy of the program match your interests? Are programs designed using subject matter-specific standards developed by specialized professional associations such as the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics?
Student teaching: Does the school provide a variety of veteran teachers under whom you can study? How much student teaching experience does the school offer?
Career services: What percent of the graduates pass the state licensing exam? What is the job placement rate?
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Elementary Education
Elementary education generally spans kindergarten through grade 6 and sometimes through grade 8. Most elementary school teachers instruct one class of children in several subjects. In some schools, two or more teachers work as a team and are jointly responsible for a group of students in at least one subject. In other schools, a teacher may teach one special subject—usually music, art, reading, science, arithmetic or physical education—to a number of classes. A small but growing number of teachers instruct multilevel classrooms, with students at several different learning levels.
Traditional education programs for kindergarten and elementary school teachers include courses designed specifically for those preparing to teach in mathematics, physical science, social science, music, art and literature, as well as prescribed professional education courses such as philosophy of education, psychology of learning and teaching methods. This type of credential is also known as a Multiple Subject Credential.
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Secondary Education
Secondary education spans middle school and high school, usually grades 7 through 12. Middle school, also called junior high school, can range from grades 5 through 8. Middle and secondary school teachers specialize in a specific subject, such as English, Spanish, mathematics, history or biology.
Aspiring secondary school teachers either major in the subject they plan to teach while also taking education courses, or major in education and take subject courses. Most middle schools will hire teachers who have a bachelor's degree in the subject area, even if they don't take the PRAXIS II. This type of credential is also known as a Single Subject Credential.
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Special Ed
Students with disabilities require teachers with high-quality, specialized training who are committed to helping those most in need. These students also need strong advocates to ensure that their rights to appropriate quality education are met. Special education teachers provide specialized assessment and intervention services to a culturally diverse population of students (pre-K to 12th grade) with disabilities. Most programs offer emphases in Learning Disabilities, Developmental Disabilities, and/or Emotional Disturbances, and are designed to prepare teachers to teach students with disabilities who may be served in a variety of educational settings, including public or private schools, regional programs, residential schools, institutions and correctional facilities.