Whether you decided at an early age that you wanted to be a teacher or you're just now realizing that working with kids is your career goal, you'll need to make sure you have the educational requirements to get into the classroom. So, what's a typical path to becoming a teacher? There are certain nuances to your academic path depending on the age you want to teach, so yours might look different depending on whether you plan to teach kindergarteners, high schoolers, or even college students. In general, qualified teachers must hold a degree, become certified, and pass a state licensure exam. Teacher education is a formal mix of both the subject matter you will eventually teach and coursework on how children learn, managing a classroom, making lesson plans, and child development. Here's a walk down the basic path of pursuing education in college
1. Choose your path
A preschool or elementary school teacher isn't required to have the same level of college education as a college professor. Many preschool teachers only hold an associate's or bachelor's degree, but if you're considering teaching students of an advanced age, your degree requirements will be higher. If you plan to teach any level from Pre-K through high school a bachelor's degree is generally mandatory, and a master's degree is often desirable and sometimes required within a certain time frame after you begin teaching. If you have your sights set on working as a college professor, earning your doctorate in the subject matter you plan to teach is essential.
Related: How to Choose the Grade and Subject You Want to Teach
2. Gain real-world experiences
Prospective teachers don't just go from learning in the classroom to teaching in the classroom. If you're earning a degree in Early Childhood or Childhood Education, you'll combine educational coursework to get the foundations on how to teach a class effectively in different subject matters that you may or may not be required to teach. You'll also complete programs like practicums and student teaching that will give field experience in real-world classrooms.
High school teachers generally earn an Education degree by first learning the specific field they've chosen to teach (e.g., chemistry, English, history). They start by gaining expertise in the subject matter and then combine that coursework with secondary education classes to gain the career component. Teaching programs also include practicums, internships, or student-teaching experiences that allow you to teach a class on your own while under the supervision of an experienced teacher.
3. Earn your certifications after graduation
Once you've earned your degree, most states require teachers to become licensed to teach in the public school systems (private schools do not have to require this). To get a license, you must pass a licensure exam in core content and have had supervised teaching experience, which is often part of your degree program. Some states also require you to pass a certification exam in the content area you plan to teach as well.
Each state has different requirements for licensure and many also require established teachers to take additional classes or earn professional development credits to keep their licenses valid. Depending on the state you are teaching in, you might also be required to earn your master's degree within a certain period of time after being certified as a teacher. Check your state's education department to find out their licensure requirements.
Related: Go Global: How to Get Certified to Teach English Abroad
All these steps on the way to a career in education ensure that when you're in charge of a classroom, you're knowledgeable about both the subjects you're teaching and the kids sitting in front of you. It is a highly rewarding career so long as you put the effort in to be the best teacher you can. Use this guide as the foundation for further research into the field and where you'd like to end up within it.
Find a great school to pursue your dreams of being an educator by exploring our featured teaching colleges and universities.
