There's no doubt that teachers can have a huge impact on a child's life.
Most teachers have quite a bit of education and training before they launch their careers.
Continue reading for all the details of this fulfilling career so you can decide if becoming a teacher is the right career path for you.
How to Start a Teaching Career
If you're ready to make a positive impact in the lives of young people every year, consider becoming a teacher.
Teachers encourage and support young people and can make a huge difference in their lives.
After a bachelor's degree and student–teacher training, you're well on your way to a career that really impacts the future.
Teacher Education and Training
Teachers have to be licensed in the state where they're planning to teach, and most states require teachers to have at least a bachelor's degree.
Some states actually require teachers to have a master's degree, and many teachers have a master's in education.
Many colleges and universities offer accelerated programs that enable you to get a bachelor's and master's degree in about five years.
Teachers also work as student teachers to get hands–on experience in the classroom before they get a classroom of their own.
Specialty Teachers
Many teachers specialize in particular grade levels or types of students. Teachers might also specialize in a specific subject.
Teachers who specialize in a specific subject, such as math, chemistry, or history, might have a bachelor's degree in that discipline.
If you want to specialize in pre–K or kindergarten, you can choose to get your degree in early childhood development.
Some teachers also specialize in teaching students with special needs, including students who speak languages other than English.
Job Duties of a Teacher
On a surface level, teachers interact with students on a daily basis to teach them age–appropriate information in various subjects.
A lot more goes on behind the scenes, though. Teachers make lesson plans, design their curriculum, organize supplies, and grade tests.
Teachers are also frequently responsible for organizing and decorating their classrooms so that it's a safe and welcoming environment.
They typically come to school long before students do to prepare for the day. They also work well into the evening and on weekends.
Teaching Work Environment
Most teachers work in public schools, but teachers also work in private schools and charter schools around the country.
Teachers in public schools tend to have larger class sizes than teachers in private or charter schools.
Teachers in lower grades often have assistants. However, middle and high school teachers usually don't.
In addition to classroom work, many teachers are also involved with student activities, clubs, and sports after school hours.
Steps to Becoming a Teacher
Read more below about how to become a teacher and start your teaching career.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Education
All states require teachers to have at least a bachelor's degree to be licensed.
Typically, teachers get a bachelor's in education, but you can also get a degree in the subject you plan to teach.
For example, if you want to teach high school chemistry, you might get a bachelor's degree in chemistry.
If you get a degree in another discipline, take classes on education policy, pedagogy, and curriculum to be prepared for teaching.
Step 2: Complete Student Teaching
Education majors typically complete their student teaching during their senior year of undergrad.
If you majored in a discipline other than education, you might not start your student teaching program until after you graduate.
Most states have separate teaching programs to train students and professionals in other disciplines.
Each state requires you to complete a specific number of student teaching hours before you can be licensed.
Step 3: Take and Pass the Certification Test
The specific certification tests you have to take depend on the state where you're licensed.
Each state typically has its own teaching certification test, as well as tests for specific grades or subjects.
For example, you might get certified to teach elementary school. If you wanted to teach high school, you'd need to be re–certified.
Certification requirements are reviewed and updated periodically, so make sure you check with your state's board of education.
Step 4: Apply for State Licensure
Teachers typically have to pass a background test in addition to the certification exams before they're licensed by the state.
Once you get your license, your state board requires you to take continuing education courses each year to maintain it.
Neither a public nor private school can hire you as a teacher until you've fulfilled the requirements to be licensed in your state.
Step 5: Earn a Master's Degree for More Flexibility
Teachers who have a master's degree in education are eligible for administrative roles, which come with a pay increase.
Some teachers get classroom experience for a few years before returning to school for their master's degree.
With an online program, you can earn your degree when it's convenient for you while you're still working as a teacher.
Accelerated master's programs mean that you can earn your master's degree in education in as little as one year, paving the way to advance your career.
Average Salary of a Teacher
Elementary and secondary school teachers earn $69,520 a year on average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Teachers in administrative positions, particularly at the state level, tend to earn a lot more. These positions tend to require a master's degree.
The salaries of teachers in public schools are heavily dependent on the state's education budget.
Top–paying states for secondary school teachers include California, New York, Washington, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
Job Outlook for Teachers
Overall, employment of teachers is expected to grow at a rate that's about average for all occupations, according to the BLS.
There will always be openings for teachers to replace those who left teaching for other fields or who retired.
The opening of new charter schools can sometimes increase demand for teachers in a local area.
Employment growth for public school teachers largely depends on state government education budgets.
Learn About Becoming a Teacher Today
Reach out to Best Accredited Colleges today if you want more information about becoming a teacher.
