Teaching as a Second Career

Answers to frequently asked questions about starting a second career in teaching

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Second career teachers are often some of the best teachers in the field. Bringing a rich combination of experience and perspective, they often approach the profession with a contagious enthusiasm that motivates their students and inspires other teachers. If you are an insightful and patient communicator who enjoys imparting knowledge and interacting with students, you might considering teaching as a second career.

Whether you come from the business world, biomedical industry, technology sector or even a farming background, you can find an outlet for your passions teaching children or adults the foundations of learning or even just the tricks of your trade. From well-rounded elementary teachers to focused adult education instructors, the education industry is looking for qualified, passionate teachers to motivate and inspire the workers and leaders of tomorrow.

How do I move from another career into teaching?

When you decide to become a teacher after pursuing another career, you will still need to satisfy teacher certification requirements for your state. While this often means going back to school, many states have special certification processes that can help get you in the classroom quicker.

Alternative Certification

Nearly all states offer alternative teacher certification programs for people who have bachelor's degrees in the subject they will teach, but lack the required courses for certification. Requirements vary by state but often include an accelerated post-baccalaureate program, student teaching component and the successful completion of certain tests or interviews. So if your schooling and experience are in the field you'd like to teach, pursuing alternative certification can be a quicker way to kick off your second career.

Provisional Certification

In some states, you can pursue a provisional licensure which allows second career teachers to begin teaching immediately. After completing required education courses and working under the close supervision of experienced educators for one or two years, you can receive a full credential. Other states offer programs that allow college graduates who do not meet licensure requirements to take only those courses they lack in order to become licensed. If you have a significant educational background, it may take you only one or two semesters to complete this certification route.

Emergency Teaching Credentials

Because of teacher shortages in some areas and subject matters, many states are extending temporary emergency licenses to prospective teachers who hold bachelor's degrees. Pursuing an emergency credential can help you bypass state licensing requirements and get useful teaching experience that can help you determine if teaching is the right second career choice for you.

How can I transition from the military into a teaching career?

Retired military or civilian military personnel can obtain the education and credentials they need to become teachers through the Troops to Teachers program, sponsored by the Department of Defense. For more information, contact Troops to Teachers to learn how you might take advantage of this invaluable program. And now, on August 1st of 2009, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which grants veterans significantly more options and funding for education, goes into effect. There has never been a better time to look into starting your second career in teaching after completing your service to the country.

What are some other ways I can enter the teaching profession?

In order to recruit teachers, many states will pay for your teacher education in exchange for a commitment to teaching in an inner-city school that is experiencing a teacher shortage. Check with your state's department of education for details.

The Teach for America program places college graduates in two-year positions in high-need urban and rural public schools. Teach for America is looking for prospective teachers in bilingual education, science and mathematics, and is especially interested in recruiting people of color. For more information, contact Teach for America to learn how you might take advantage of this invaluable program.

How do I pursue teaching as a second career online?

If gaining needed education through a state or private specialty program like those listed above doesn't excite you, you still have plenty of opportunities to get your teaching degree on your own time. As online schooling becomes more and more prevalent, you can now complete bachelor's and master's degree teaching programs at top-notch schools from your own home. And if you need to continue working while finishing any last-minute classes or certification requirements, finding an online program might be just the thing for you. For more information, read our online education degrees article or search our comprehensive school database and get started today.