- At the beginning of the 19th century there were no formal teacher training programs. As long as one could prove they were literate, they could teach. In the 1820s, teacher training was offered to what would be high school students today. In 1823 Samuel R. Hall opened a private "Normal" school which provided a 2-year teacher training program. In 1839 the state of Massachusetts opened a public "Normal" school funded by the government. Toward the end of the 19th century, "Normal" schools transitioned into 4-year degree-granting programs, and in 1887 New York University implemented the first graduate program in education.
- There are 2 different types of teacher training programs. One is the traditional program where you attend a college or university, obtain an undergraduate degree in education and then apply for your teaching certificate. The other is a nontraditional approach or alternate route to certification. In this approach you get a degree in something other than education, obtain a teaching position, and then take the required education classes while teaching (see Resources below).
- A traditional teacher training program provides classes on child growth and development, pedagogy and curriculum design and instruction. Additionally, during a traditional teacher training program you will have opportunities to go into classrooms to observe and help with instruction. Toward the end of the training you will be required to student teach in an assigned classroom, under the supervision of a certified teacher. This traditional approach provides more background and direct teaching experience over time. However, the nontraditional approach is a much faster route to certification for those who started in a different career.
- Whether you take the traditional route or the nontraditional, you will need to obtain a bachelor's degree before you can become a teacher and that normally takes 4 years. With some online degree programs, you may be able to complete it sooner. The amount of time you spend student teaching in a traditional program can range from 8 to 16 weeks, but it is within the time frame of the 4 year program. If you opt for the nontraditional route, once you are in a teaching position you normally have 1 year to complete the extra classes required to become a certified teacher.
- If taking the traditional teacher training route, look for programs that provide field experience during the first year.You really have to experience teaching in order to know if it is for you, so the sooner you get to do this, the better. Consult with someone who has been through the program you are considering and get their opinion. If choosing the nontraditional route to teacher training, be sure you accept a teaching position in a district which has a strong mentor program in place. Additionally, before accepting, factor in the time needed for your schooling and family obligations .
- Check on the specific requirements for the state you will be teaching in before enrolling in any teacher training program (see Resources below). College and university programs are designed to provide you with all of the classes and experience you will need to obtain a teaching certification for that state, but if you plan on teaching elsewhere there may be more or different requirements. Also, be sure to check on the accreditation of the teacher training program (see Resources below) before you enroll. If it is not an accredited school, you may have trouble obtaining your certificate even if you have completed all of the coursework.
