Becoming a Teacher: Everything You Need to Know

Guest essay by Lucy Reed

Being a teacher can be incredibly fulfilling. You disseminate valuable knowledge, groom minds, and help shape people’s futures. Of course, becoming a teacher is easier said than done. First, you need specific degrees, licensing, certification, and, frequently, references to land a teaching job at most private or public institutions. To make your journey easier, On Education offers this mini guide on how to successfully become a teacher.

Are you feeling called to be a teacher?

Before you get started, it’s important to understand what you’re signing up for. Lootpress notes that teaching is not for everyone. It requires patience, the desire to teach, good communication skills, and, preferably, a good understanding of other people. The salaries aren’t always something to write home about either (although the lifestyle and benefits can balance that out).

Moreover, you shouldn’t be averse to learning. It’s something you will likely do for the rest of your life. Besides the initial certification, most teachers are required to periodically update their knowledge and refresh their licenses. Are you prepared?

You could see what teaching is like with job shadowing.

You could get a taste for teaching before you choose it as your future profession. Many local schools offer volunteering or assistant programs that give you an opportunity to “job shadow” teachers while they work. You can see what teaching involves first-hand that way. Tutoring students for a few hours – online or offline – is also a good way to see if you’re cut out for the job. Last but not least, consider taking an aptitude test.

What – and who – would you like to teach?

Depending on your interests, you could teach elementary school, middle school, high school, special education, vocational school, and college students. You could teach a range of subjects, from math and science to physical education and vocational skills. Besides teaching, you could also opt for a related job in education. Ask yourself what you’d like to do long-term. Consider your financial situation, too.    

Match your interests to certification requirements, available degrees, and jobs

Once you know exactly the kind of teacher you’d like to be, you’ll need to qualify for the position. You don’t need a specialized degree in education (like a bachelor of education) to teach, although it is the classic route for budding teachers to take and can significantly improve your prospects. You do need a license or certification from your state to teach in public institutions (and in many private ones). In general, teachers hold a degree in a specific subject, a specialized degree in education, or both.  

It’s a good idea to first check the license or certification requirements for your state before you choose a degree. Creating a personalized educational plan can help you get clear on the path you need to take to get to your desired position. Finally, don’t forget to check potential salaries. While a degree in an obscure field like astrobiology might be enjoyable, it might not pay the bills.

What do you need to get certified?

Every state has its own certification requirements. Acquiring certification can be tricky and time-consuming. You can visit your state’s education department website for the exact prerequisites. In general, you can expect to have to follow three steps:

• Bachelor’s degree: You will need a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in education. Alternatively, you could also teach a specific subject – like math – with a bachelor’s degree in math (or higher) and an independent teaching program. 
• State-approved teacher preparation program: In all cases, you will need to follow state-approved coursework that trains you on being a teacher. This includes academic curricula as well as fieldwork (practical teaching experience). The coursework may or may not be a part of your degree program.
• Pass tests: You will need to pass a background check and a bevy of tests – basic skills, language checks, subject area competence tests, and similar. For example, the common Praxis test administered by the ETS determines your classroom readiness.

Acquire a degree.

Based on the licensing requirements of your state (and chosen position), you will need to acquire a degree. You have a few options here:

• Online: An online program is a convenient way to acquire your degree. You can learn remotely, at your own pace, and save on commute time. Online degrees are significantly cheaper than campus degrees while still equipping you with the skills you need to be an able educator.
• On-campus programs: The biggest advantage of an on-campus program is the in-person interaction you have with teachers and fellow students. The disadvantage would be the expenses and extra time investment. 

It’s possible to follow part-time to become a teacher, meaning you could work while learning. In total, you can expect to spend approximately five years getting certified to be a teacher (assuming four years for a full-time degree and a year for licensing).

Get certified to teach.

Next, it’s time to get certified. This can be harder than you expect: More than half of all test-takers fail their licensing exams on the first try, according to a report from The 74. Your degree and coursework may not prepare you adequately for the test. Self-study is recommended.

Apply to jobs after getting certified.

You’re ready to apply for a job, finally! Again, landing a job could take time, especially if you’ve chosen a popular occupation (like high school teacher). Having a stellar resume, solid references, excellent interviewing skills, and networking will make it easier for you to land a job. To get your first job, you could consider volunteering or subbing. Specialized certification or an advanced degree can help.

If you aren’t able to find the right job in your area, you might have to move. Although it can be challenging to sell one’s house while also purchasing another, tackling both aspects simultaneously has some advantages. For one thing, it means you’ll be able to get settled much more quickly, allowing you to really focus on the new chapter of your life instead of trying to resolve a previous one.

Continue with your education (mandatory)

The work isn’t done yet. As mentioned previously, you will need to learn continuously (read: update your license) to remain a teacher. According to a Chron piece, most teaching licenses become due for renewal every 5 years. You are required to complete specific courses and in-service training sessions to apply for a renewal. If you’re confused with all the requirements, don’t worry – you don’t have to chart a course toward becoming a teacher alone. There are resources out there that can help.

Conclusion 

Becoming a teacher is no walk in the park, clearly. Still, getting there can be more than worthwhile. The benefits are solid, and the work can be incredibly rewarding. You’ll have the appreciation of your students, their parents, and your community as a whole.

Image via Unsplash

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