Become an English TeacherTo be or not to be: Should you be an English teacher? Choose a Teaching Specialty | All Education Articles & Resources | Find Education Schools English teachers carry out 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. English Teacher Job Description
Where Can I Expect to Work?With an English teacher job, you may find yourself in one of these settings:
What about Compensation?According to Salary.com, full-time English teachers in postsecondary schools earned an average annual salary of $51,803 as of October 2008. Although entry-level salaries may be lower, earning seniority and completing advanced education will improve 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. What Kind of Training Do I Need?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 concurrently. 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's Department of Education to find out the requirements in your area. Are There Certification Requirements?All public schools require teachers to be licensed. Although 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 Denmark. The Future Looks Bright
Source: National Center for Education Statistics Related Articles: |
|---|