What to Study to Become a Teacher
If you want to be a teacher, the field of study you choose depends entirely on what you want to teach. Not only do you need to consider a grade level, but if you are going to be teaching sixth grade or higher, you also need to consider the subject area.
-
For Teaching Up Until Secondary School
-
If you want to teach at the primary school level, you will only need to complete a major in a teacher preparation program, which is usually found within departments or schools of education. Often, these majors are specialized to a grade level, such as elementary or middle school education. Any teacher preparation program you enroll in should be accepted by the state board of education in the state you want to teach in and should help you prepare for the teaching certification exam required by your state.
Teaching Secondary School
-
At the secondary school level, you will be expected to complete a major in the subject area you want to teach (mathematics, biology or English literature, for example) as well as the prescribed courses in teacher preparation. The university you choose may expect a potential teacher to double-major in the subject area and an education program, whereas other programs may have you complete a core curriculum in education. Secondary school teacher preparation programs also need to be approved by the state board of education and should prepare you for certification exams.
Teaching Specialties
-
If you want to teach in a specialized area such as special education, physical education or the arts (such as music, drama and art) at any grade level, you will be expected to major in the subject area or in an appropriate major within the subject area's department for prospective teachers. Many schools offer majors such as art and music education for those who want to teach the arts, and prospective teachers in special or physical education may be able to find programs that are tailored to grade levels as well.
-
