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Considering a career in teaching? In this article, we’ll outline what kind of education is required to be a teacher in the United States.
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The Basics
To be a teacher, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in education. However, many states now require teachers to have a master’s degree. In addition to your degree, you will also need to pass a state-mandated teaching exam. Once you have your degree and passing score on the exam, you will be able to apply for your teaching license.
What is teaching?
Teaching is a profession that involves working with students in a classroom setting. Teachers are responsible for planning and delivering lessons, assessing student progress, and communicating with parents and guardians. Teaching is a demanding profession, and teachers must be properly trained and licensed in order to be successful.
There are many different types of teachers, including early childhood teachers, elementary school teachers, middle school teachers, and high school teachers. Each type of teacher has different responsibilities, but all teachers share the common goal of helping their students learn and grow.
In order to become a teacher, you will need to complete a bachelor’s degree in education from an accredited college or university. After you have earned your degree, you will need to obtain a teaching license from your state’s board of education. Once you have completed these steps, you will be ready to begin your career as a teacher!
What subjects can you teach?
The first step in becoming a teacher is deciding what you want to teach. In most states, you will need to earn a teaching credential in the specific subject area or grade level that you want to teach.
There are three traditional pathways to becoming a certified teacher:
1. The Traditional Pathway: Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from a college or university with a teacher preparation program. This typically takes 4 years. Apply for and complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. Pass required exams and apply for your teaching license/certificate.
2. The Alternative Pathway: An individual with a Bachelor’s degree in another subject area (not education) can often times take courses to transition into teaching. Check with your state department of education for more information on how to do this as requirements vary by state. Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program if required and pass required exams before applying for your teaching license/certificate.
3. The Out-of-State Pathway: If you are licensed in another state, you may be able to obtain licensure in your new state through reciprocity agreements between states. These agreements vary by state, so check with the department of education in the state where you would like to teach for specific requirements
The Requirements
Depending on the level of teaching, the requirements to be a teacher range from a high school diploma to a doctorate degree. There are many different types of teaching programs that one can choose from, and each has different requirements. In general, though, there are a few things that all potential teachers will need to do in order to be successful.
A bachelor’s degree
In order to become a certified teacher, you will need to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree program at an accredited university or college, as well as a state-approved teacher preparation program. In some states, you may also be required to complete a master’s degree in education or a related field. Upon completion of your degree and teacher preparation program, you will need to pass a state-mandated certification exam in order to earn your teaching license.
A teaching license
In order to become a teacher, you will need to earn a teaching license. Each state has different requirements for earning a license, but most states require the completion of a bachelor’s degree in education and the passage of a state-mandated exam. Some states also require completion of a professional development program. Once you have earned your teaching license, you will need to renew it every few years by completing additional coursework or professional development.
The Benefits
A college degree in education is not required to be a teacher, but many states require that teachers have at least a bachelor’s degree in education. There are many benefits to having a college degree in education. College graduates are more likely to get hired, and they are more likely to get promoted. College graduates also make more money than those without a college degree.
Job satisfaction
Job satisfaction is often cited as one of the most important factors in a person’s decision to become a teacher. In a recent survey, over 80% of teachers said they were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their job. The same survey found that teaching was rated as the #1 most personally rewarding profession.
Making a difference
The most important benefit of becoming a teacher is the ability to make a difference in the lives of your students. As a teacher, you will have the opportunity to shape the future by helping your students learn and grow. You will also be able to build relationships with your students and their families, and you will be able to watch your students succeed.
Education is another important benefit of becoming a teacher. By becoming a teacher, you will receive the training and education you need to be successful in your career. You will also be able to specialize in a particular area of education, which will allow you to become an expert in that field. In addition, you will be able to continue your education by pursuing advanced degrees or certifications.
Finally, becoming a teacher can provide you with financial security. Teachers are paid well for their work, and they are often eligible for retirement benefits and other perks. In addition, teaching can provide you with job stability and security.
The drawbacks
While a college degree is necessary to be licensed as a teacher, some people question the value of a teaching degree, especially given the current state of the economy. With the cost of tuition rising and many graduates struggling to find jobs, some wonder if the investment is worth it.
Long hours
One of the biggest drawbacks of being a teacher is the long hours. Teachers are often required to work beyond the traditional school day, and they often have to work on weekends and during the summer. This can make it difficult to manage a work-life balance. In addition, teachers may have to deal with disruptive students, difficult parents, and administrators who are more concerned with test scores than with teaching and learning.
Low pay
In most states, teachers are paid relatively low salaries. In Oklahoma, for instance, the average starting salary for a teacher is $31,600, and the average salary for a teacher with 25 years of experience is $42,000. In Mississippi, the starting salary is $30,530, and the average salary for a teacher with 25 years of experience is $40,750.
