How to Become a Teacher (Basic Tips)
Want to know how to become a teacher? Struggling to understand which teacher certification to obtain and other requirements? Our guide will help teach you what to do to become an educator.
Most of us remember a favorite teacher from our childhood; perhaps it was the one who taught you to read, or the one who taught you to appreciate diversity, or even the one who taught you how to play kickball.
Perhaps that teacher inspired you to want to be a teacher yourself.
If you’re wondering what degree you need to be a teacher and want to learn about the steps to becoming the teacher you want to be, this How to Become a Teacher guide is for you!
We’ve outlined the steps to becoming a teacher, including the degrees you’ll need and the exams you’ll need to pass.
READ ALSO:
Steps to Become a Teacher
In this guide, we provide you with everything you need to know about the teaching profession:
Get Your Bachelor’s Degree
The BLS notes that at least a bachelor’s degree is needed to become a teacher. What you’ll study depends on the level and subject you wish to teach.
An early childhood education degree program prepares you to work from kindergarten through fourth grade, a middle education program allows you to work with fifth grade through seventh grade, while a secondary education program preps you for students in eighth grade and up.
Some colleges offer more general programs that pertain to all levels of education.
Many secondary and middle education programs provide the basics in education and require you to select a field to teach.
The four primary subject areas are math, science, social studies (history) and English. More specialized subjects are also available.
Once you know the basics of education and your specialized subject, you’ll be ready for a classroom internship.
Complete Classroom Training
Most teaching programs include a residency known as student teaching.
You’ll start by observing the primary teacher and gradually gain more responsibility teaching the class. This classroom training is essential to practice for your career.
It’ll be even more important if you choose to major in something else and not in education.
These student teaching programs introduce you to the classroom, students and the teaching experience while developing your decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Seek Teacher Certification
According to the BLS, you’ll need a license to teach, no matter the state in which you desire to teach.
Student teaching sessions are likely required by your state board of education as one of the licensing requirements.
Other states use the Praxis series tests, administered by the Educational Testing Service, towards their teacher licensing.
These two exams test you on your knowledge of your specialized subject and on general math and literacy.
Advance Your Education
Some states require teachers to earn master’s degrees at some point after they begin teaching.
With a master’s degree program, you can study education basics that you may have missed in a non-education bachelor’s degree program.
You may also be able to meet eligibility requirements (such as supervised student teaching hours) that you didn’t complete in your undergraduate study.
If you’re already a licensed, working teacher, earning a master’s degree may make you eligible for pay raises and additional responsibilities reports the BLS.
If you’re interested in working in a college, college professors are required to have Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.
Pursue National Certification
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) offers a total of 25 different certifications.
These credentials cover 16 topics for teachers of children and young adults. These voluntary NBPTS certifications are nationally recognized and valid for ten years.
You can obtain certification in fields such as science, English, and foreign languages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the frequently asked questions on how to become a teacher:
How do I Qualify as a Teacher UK?
To teach in a state school in England, you must have a degree, and gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) by following a programme of Initial Teacher Training (ITT).
Can I be a Teacher without a Degree?
No. All states require teachers to have a license to teach in the public school systems. A bachelor’s degree is also considered a minimum requirement for full-time teachers in K-12 schools across the country.
Is it Hard to Become a Teacher?
Teaching is arguably harder now than ever before for many reasons, including student behavior, rapidly changing technology, and low pay.
READ ALSO:
Conclusion and Call-to-Action
Becoming a teacher is simple, with the steps above, it is simpler. Kindly drop a comment on the comment section if you have any.
Please, endeavor to share this content on all the available social media platforms.
CSN Team.