Become a Teacher
Learn about teacher education, training and certification.
What are the steps to becoming a teacher?
Earn your bachelor's degree: All states require at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, and some states require a master's degree. A broad liberal arts undergraduate education will help prepare you for a career as a teacher. If you know you want to be a teacher, you can get your bachelor's in education and then specialize.
Research different teaching jobs: Talk to teachers, volunteer in a classroom, and evaluate your strengths and past school experiences. There's quite a difference between managing a classroom of 20 kindergartners, leading five high school algebra classes in a day, and coaching a girl's varsity basketball team.
Research your state's teaching certification requirements: Each state has different requirements. Most states have several levels of credentials for teachers and varying certifications based on the age group or subject area taught. Also, if you know which school district you're interested in working in, call their personnel office and find out what their requirements are.
Complete an accredited teacher education program: Across the country there are hundreds of education programs and no two are the same. Most post-baccalaureate programs take one-to-two years to complete.
Pass teacher examinations: You'll need to pass either a state test or the widely used PRAXIS exam. The good news is that these tests are graded on a pass/fail basis.
Become certified as a teacher: Your teacher education program will help you complete your requirements, including finishing your student teaching, taking the mandatory tests for your subject area, and applying for certification in your state.
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Where do teachers work?
The majority of teachers work in the public school education system teaching grades kindergarten through twelve. The remainder work in parochial or private schools, which may have an emphasis such as religion or the arts, or a specific educational philosophy; others serve special needs or gifted children.
How long does it take to become a teacher?
There are several paths to becoming a teacher. At minimum you'll need to complete a four-year bachelor's degree program:
Baccalaureate Certification (four-to-five years): Some schools offer a four-year Bachelor of Education or a three-year Bachelor degree plus one-year postgraduate teacher education such as a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Teaching.
Post-Baccalaureate Certification (ten-months-to-two-years): These programs cover the courses necessary for teacher certification in your state. Post-baccalaureate programs can take anywhere from ten months of full-time study to two years of part-time study. Some programs offer certificates/diplomas in education and others offer master's degrees in teaching.
Emergency Credential (immediate): Because of the teacher shortage, some school districts offer the option to begin teaching without having completed a certification program. Teachers with a bachelor's degree are granted an emergency credential after passing a test, with the understanding that the teacher will enroll in a certification program within the first six months on the job.
Provisional Credential (immediate): These credentials allow college graduates who do not meet licensure requirements to take only those courses that they lack, and then become licensed, which may take one or two semesters of full-time study.
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What qualities do successful teachers possess?
In addition to being knowledgeable in their subjects, successful teachers must have the ability to inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students. They must also understand each student's unique educational and emotional needs.
Excellent communication skills: Teachers must be comfortable explaining subject matter in a patient manner. Teachers also must be able to work cooperatively and communicate effectively with other teaching staff, support staff, parents, and other members of the community.
A sense of humor: Research has consistently shown that good teachers have a sense of humor, and that they are able to use humor as part of their teaching methods. Humor, used properly, can be a powerful addition to any lesson.
An eye for detail: Teachers must be organized in their professional and teaching duties.
Flexibility: Teachers must be able to seize the moment and take teaching opportunities as they arise. Successful teachers are dependable, patient and creative.
Fair-mindedness: Teachers must be able to assess students on the basis of performance, not on the students' personal qualities. Teachers must be able to recognize and respond to individual differences in students, and employ different teaching methods that will result in higher student achievement.
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What are the typical prerequisites for entering a teaching program?
All post-baccalaureate programs require a bachelor's degree, but individual course requirements vary. Many schools require an undergraduate GPA above 3.0 and passage of a test such as the PRAXIS I, which tests basic math, reading and writing skills.
Do private schools require a teaching credential?
Private schools are not regulated by the state government and can set their own requirements. While some private schools require credentials to be hired, many do not. You'll need to contact private schools directly to learn what is required to teach in any particular school.
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How do elementary and secondary teaching credentials differ?
Elementary school teaching credentials are usually generalist, which means the teacher can teach a wide variety of subjects. Middle and secondary school teachers specialize in a specific subject, such as English, Spanish, math, 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.
How will I gain experience in the classroom before I get my credential?
All teacher education programs have a student teaching component. Some teacher education programs require up to 900 hours of student teaching in a classroom setting. Many institutions now offer student teaching as soon as possible so that teaching candidates can better understand schools from a teacher's point of view.
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Should I earn a certificate or master's degree?
Some states require teachers to have a master's degree, so be sure to check out your state's requirements. Otherwise, the choice between earning a certificate or a master's depends on your personal goals and how fast you'd like to begin teaching. Basic teaching certificate programs can have you in the workforce within ten months, but master's programs tend to take a little longer. Teachers with master's degrees tend to earn more money and have more room for career growth. You'll need additional preparation and possibly a master's degree to become a school librarian, reading specialist, curriculum specialist, school administrator or guidance counselor.
What is the salary range for teachers?
Salaries vary widely depending on geographic area and level of education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of kindergarten, elementary, middle and secondary school teachers was $49,000 in 2006; the top 10 percent earned $73,350. The American Federation of Teachers found that beginning teachers with a bachelor's degree earned an average of $31,753 for the 2004-2005 school year.
Teachers with master's degrees or national certification often have higher salaries. Private school teachers generally earn less than public school teachers. Some teachers earn extra income teaching summer school, tutoring or performing other jobs in the school system.
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How many hours do teachers work?
Most teachers work over 40-hours per week including class time, parent conferencing and curriculum preparation. But the traditional two-month summer vacation is a perk for over-worked teachers. During the vacation break, they may teach in summer sessions, take other jobs, travel, or pursue other personal interests. Many enroll in college courses or workshops to continue their education. Teachers in districts with a year-round schedule typically work eight weeks, are on vacation for one week, and have a five-week midwinter break.
What career opportunities will I have as a teacher?
Teachers may become administrators or supervisors, although the number of these positions is limited and competition can be fierce. In some systems, highly qualified, experienced teachers can become senior or mentor teachers, which means higher pay and additional responsibilities while guiding and assisting less experienced teachers. A master's degree is often required to become a director or department head.