Learning how to become a teacher can be a daunting task. With the advent of technology, there exists several ways to obtain the credentials needed to become a teacher. This article aims to shed light on some of the different ways one can go about becoming a teacher. However, before going into what you need to start teaching, let us consider the job itself.
The teaching profession has been long known to be the producer of unhappy, underpaid employees. However, this is not completely true. While teachers are typically paid a lower wage than other jobs requiring a degree, many educators will tell you that their compensation cannot be measured in terms of monetary value. To be a successful teacher, you must actually like what you are doing. Otherwise, expect to have stressful weeks during the school year. Besides money, vacation time is something else that teachers love. Remember, as a teacher you will usually be getting weekends off with a winter, spring and summer vacation.
Teaching Credentials
While specific requirements for teaching might vary from state to state, there are core credentials that must be obtained prior to teaching. Usually, teachers are expected to receive a Bachelor’s degree in the subject they intend to teach in. Additionally, teachers are also expected to receive a state-governed teaching certificate or license. For instance, if someone wants to become a math teacher, they must first complete a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics (or teaching of mathematics). Once this is done, then the individual may pursue the teaching certificate to legally work as a math teacher.
Teaching Degrees
More often than not, colleges and universities offer students the chance to earn their teaching certificate while they are pursuing their Bachelor’s degree. In this format, students are able to complete the requirements for their degree and also take the courses needed to apply for the teaching license. However, if someone already has a Bachelor’s degree or are completing one but without the required teaching courses, they can still become a teacher without earning a separate degree. This is done by completing a teaching curriculum which often lasts for about two years. This way, the student may take the teaching courses without the intention of receiving a degree. However, the discipline they are allowed to teach is bound by their degree concentration.
Skills Required of a Teacher
Being a teacher requires a certain set of skills, no matter what the subject is. If you are an English teacher you may think that you do not need to know math. But you would be mistaken! How would you be able to calculate a student’s grade without help? Or let us say you wish to be a math teacher; reading skills are still important, even though no reading instruction will occur. Also, teaching takes a certain level of confidence. It may seem trivial for an elementary school teacher to confident in the classroom, but the fact of the matter is that students of all ages tend to respect a more confident teacher. Ultimately, your confidence as a teacher will reflect on your students’ performance during class. Although it can be stressful, teaching can be a very rewarding career. With this information on how to become a teacher, you’re well on your way to launching a successful career.