Careers in Teaching: Becoming a Teacher

People who want to make a positive change and educational impact in the lives of children make outstanding instructors. If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of younger generations, consider becoming a teacher. The field of teaching holds many opportunities for those just graduating and for those who are looking to change careers.

Requirements for Becoming a Teacher

The goal for any educational institution is to have its students taught by professional educators. As a result, every level of teaching does require some type of certification, license and/or degree.
 
The necessary requirements for becoming a teacher will vary by state. The best place to find out how to become a teacher is to contact the appropriate state educational agency. Calling the school district you would like to work in is also another way to learn about teaching requirements in a specific area.

How to Become a Teacher

The steps for becoming a teacher require dedication and a passion for education. Although each state mandates different teaching requisites, nearly every state in the country does require a teaching license.
 
A few basic requirements for becoming a teacher include:
  • earning a bachelor's degree with a minor or major in education or earning a degree in the area you plan to teach (especially for middle school and high school teaching)
  • finishing an accredited educational program
  • having a good foundation in liberal arts
  • passing a state Basic Educational Skills Test.

Job Responsibilities

Like requirements for the job, teachers' job duties will also vary, depending on the age of their students, the topic they teach and the type of school in which they work. For example, in kindergarten through secondary school, you will instruct the children in basic areas such as English, math and science. Teaching children how to listen, learn and study is also part of the curriculum.
 
For all levels, creating a comfortable environment is critical, as well as helping establish good communication skills.
 
Aside from knowing the subject matter, other criteria for becoming a teacher at any level include:
  • being able to capture and hold the attention of students
  • being patient at all times
  • knowing how to motivate students
  • knowing how to properly discipline students
  • recognizing students' limitations
  • treating all students fairly.

Becoming a Preschool Teacher

Although you do not need specific knowledge in any given subject, many educational institutions require that preschool teachers have a college education and a teaching license. Other necessary requirements for becoming a preschool teacher may include:
  • a bachelor’s degree
  • a state license
  • a teacher training program certificate (or any comparable verification of completion)
  • an early childhood education degree (either an associate or bachelor's degree).

Becoming a Substitute Teacher

Hiring quality substitute teachers is just as important as hiring good full-time teachers because substitute teachers will have to be able to pick up instruction where full-time teachers have left off. Consequently, becoming a substitute teacher has its own set of guidelines.
 
In most states, substitute teachers are required to:
  • be certified teachers
  • have a bachelor’s degree
  • have passed a comprehensive employment history check
  • undergo FBI fingerprinting.
Retired teachers with updated certificates are also welcome to be substitute teachers.
Share |