How to Become a Teacher

Good teachers love helping children and young adults develop intellectually and emotionally, despite diverse challenges. In teacher training, you'll learn to meet these challenges, and by actually working with children, you'll be able to decide whether the job is right for you.

Things You'll Need

• Academic Counselings
• Address Books
• File Cabinets
• E-mail Accounts
• Postage Stamps
• Envelopes
• Folders
• résumé paper

Instructions

1. Find work with children in the age group that most interests you: Teach swimming lessons, coach a sports team, be a camp counselor. If you're in college, volunteer in a classroom on a regular basis and document this experience.

2. Investigate teacher-credential or certification programs at the college or university you plan to attend. Decide whether you prefer elementary education (one possible major) or secondary school teaching, for which you major in the subject you plan to teach.

3. Seek employment as a teacher's aide or a substitute teacher if you are already in the workforce and have completed some college. If you already have a college degree, you might be eligible to obtain your credential while teaching full-time in an area with teacher shortages.

4. Expect credential requirements to include numerous standardized tests and mandatory classroom experience prior to a full year of student teaching, in addition to your degree in education or in your teaching subject. Teacher training programs often add a fifth year to college.

5. Familiarize yourself with the services of your campus or school of education career center. They offer job search counseling and will connect you to school districts with openings.

6. Join a professional association in your teaching specialty, such as the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) or the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA).

Tips & Warnings

• Look for one-year master's degree/credential programs open to applicants with college degrees who meet certain prerequisites. You can earn your credential and become automatically eligible for a higher salary.

• Make sure that you enroll in an accredited certification program. If you're planning to teach outside the state where you're studying, inquire early about credential requirements for the state(s) where you want to teach.