How to Have a Teaching Career

There is an old adage that says those who can, do and those who can't, teach. Ask any teacher if they agree--if you dare. Teaching is not a job--it is a calling, a profession, a passion. Having a career in teaching begins with making an important decision--to commit your life to helping students.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Decide if teaching is your passion. Teaching is a hard and often frustrating profession but it is always rewarding in the end. Teaching requires patience, time and understanding. Lacking these basic skills is a sign that teaching may not be for you.
2. Get a bachelor's degree. All states require at least a bachelor's degree to be able to teach. Most colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in elementary education, secondary education and special education. Most majors offer a degree with an emphasis on teaching.
3. Observe and practice. Degrees in education require potential teachers to observe master teachers in a real classroom setting. Also, potential teachers are required to teach under the supervision of a classroom teacher for at least one semester. This trial teaching period confirms your passion for teaching or quickly changes your mind about a teaching career.
4. Attain proper certification. Most states require teachers to be certified. The certification process involves paperwork, proving university credentials and examinations. Check with the state's department of educator certification to find the requirements specific for that state.
5. Get the job. Teachers learn just as much on the job as they did in college. Your first teaching job is challenging, but the best learning experience you come by. Take every good day and bad day as a lesson.

Tips & Warnings

• Remain positive. A positive attitude is necessary if you want to keep a career in education. To have a lasting career, learn from every experience and remember to smile.