By
eHow Careers & Work Editor
Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Step1
Get a well-rounded education. Take courses in English, math, science, history, sociology and the arts, as well as child psychology or development.
Step2
Start working with young children as soon as possible by volunteering at your local elementary school or with youth groups in your area. Contact the local United Way, parks and recreation department or school district for details.
Step3
Expect that most teaching credential programs will require documented evidence of your experience in the classroom (as many as 80 volunteer hours, minimum) even before you begin student teaching, hence the importance of step 2.
Step4
Major in elementary education if your college or university offers it. If elementary education and teacher certification are not offered, find fifth-year or postgraduate programs you can apply to and learn about their entrance requirements, including prerequisite courses and standardized tests.
Step5
Make your campus career center or educational placement office your job search headquarters, but if they don't offer job listings in the area where you'd like to teach, contact those districts directly.
Step6
Keep up-to-date by joining a professional association such as the American Federation of Teachers or the National Education Association.
Comments
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Consider getting a job as a substitute teacher. Many school districts that are desperate for help in the classroom will accept applicants with fewer qualifications. This is a great way to find out if teaching is really for you.