How To Become a Teacher | education and career (2023)

Education welcomes teachers who have a love of learning to share with students. From teaching colors and shapes to preschoolers to teaching high school literature and writing, teachers prepare young people to achieve their goals. A teaching degree allows you to specialize in a subject area, age group or educational setting. Education and licensing requirements vary by state, but most states require teachers to have at least a bachelor's degree and proven experience working under the guidance of an experienced teacher.

ANDInstitute of Economic Policynotes that schools across the country are struggling to find good teachers, a problem compounded by declining enrollment in teacher preparation programs and workforce retirements. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for teachers to increase between 2018 and 2028, with jobs forhigh school teacherProjects grow 4% andkindergarten teachersat 3%. In 2019, teachers earned an average annual salary of around $60,000, but salaries and benefits vary by location, education, experience and school type. This guide explains how to become a teacher.

What does a teacher do?

Teachers work in public or private kindergartens, primary and secondary schools and high schools. Some teachers also work online from their home offices or find employment in in-company training. Many teachers work part of the year and take longer breaks in the summer. Most school systems also allow for longer breaks during vacations.

During the school year, teachers normally work in the classroom from Monday to Friday. Yet many teachers spend evenings and weekends grading assignments and developing lesson plans for the week ahead. Summers can also include continuing education or professional development.

Responsibilities include developing lesson plans that align with established academic standards and providing instruction to students. Teachers develop hands-on activities and assignments that allow students to practice what they've learned and develop mastery of their skills. They incorporate a variety of materials into their classes, such as: B. Textbooks, supplementary reading, videos, and online presentations. They also develop assessments to measure how well students have learned the material so they can adjust teaching methods or refer students to tutoring.

Teachers below the university level communicate with parents about a child's progress and share information about how parents can support learning at home. They also share information about disciplinary action and may refer students to special education services for evaluation. Teachers act as part of a team to help students succeed, and as such, they communicate closely with guidance counselors, administrators, and other teachers. However, teachers must also protect student information and avoid sharing it with unauthorized persons.

Teachers collaborate with other teachers to develop new learning resources or provide training in new technologies. Experienced teachers work with new teachers to mentor and provide guidance and support during their early years. Other teachers occupy leadership roles in their schools, identifying areas for improvement, coordinating groups of teachers or implementing new school initiatives. Some teachers take on extracurricular roles, such as B. coaching or advising clubs. These activities can enhance a student's academic experience, but teachers often find that their work hours increase.

Teachers can work with young children, kindergarten and elementary students, high school students, college students, or adult learners. Many teachers also specialize in areas such as English, math or art. Special education teachers receive special training to work with students with special needs, such as B. cognitive delays, physical disabilities, or learning disabilities. Some educators find their way into the profession after completing a professional or professional career, helping to bring new professionals into the field and offering expertise.

Teacher salaries and job growth

Salary varies according to educational specialization, location, education and experience. 2019,Kindergarten and elementary school teachersmeanwhile earned an average annual salary of $59,420post secondary teachersHe earned $79,540 as per the BLS. Other specializations are, for example,high school teacher, who earned an average annual salary of $59,660 in 2019,high school teacher, who won $61,660, andspecial education teacher, who earned $61,030 in 2019.

In addition to salary, teachers often enjoy health insurance and retirement benefits. Teachers in public school systems also enjoy employment protections through tenure laws, which vary from state to state. Most states set specific standards for how many students a teacher can have per class, which can affect the number of teachers a school must hire.

Many states set minimum salaries for teachers, with the salary depending on the teacher's education and years of teaching experience. Teachers who earn a professional master's or higher may qualify for a salary increase. As government employees, hiring teachers often face budgetary constraints. Areas with declining populations may also reduce their teacher rosters as school enrollments decline.

Teachers can qualify for specialsSchool loan and scholarship programs. Teachers in high-need schools who teach certain subjects may receive federal student loan forgiveness upon completion of a pre-agreed term of service with the school district. Other programs offer all teachers the opportunity to pay off their loan balances after 10 years of teaching service. The US Department of Education (ED) monitors the needs of school districts across the state and produces an annual inventory of teacher shortages.

local school systemsemploys most teachers. More than 600,000 high school teachers work in elementary and secondary schools across the United States. Other industries that require the expertise of highly qualified educators include educational support services, faith-based organizations, and individual and family ministries. Individual and family services offer the highest salary for educators with an average annual salary of $75,640 for high school teachers.

Payment can vary greatly depending on the state.New York Reports Highest Salaryfor high school teachers, $87,050, followed by Alaska at $80,730 and Massachusetts at $80,520. South Dakota pays the lowest with high school teachers earning an average salary of $44,990. Arizona follows at $45,120, Oklahoma at $46,360 and West Virginia at $47,570.

special education teacherThey find employment in the educational support services industry, professional health offices, individual and family services, local schools and government agencies. Education Support Services offers the highest median salary of $85,170.

payment forpost secondary teachersIt depends on the subject and the level of education. In 2019, these teachers earned an average annual salary of $79,540, according to the BLS, with teachers in the bottom 10th percentile earning less than $40,480. Some salaries exceeded $174,960 per year.

Post-secondary professors usually require at least a master's degree in their field, although many schools offer a doctorate. to prefer. Law professors typically earn the highest salaries, with an average salary of $113,530. Universities must compete with the private sector to attract qualified faculty.

Steps to Becoming a Teacher

Becoming a teacher takes several years. You must obtain an appropriate degree, have teaching experience, pass required exams, and be licensed by the state in which you wish to teach. After this initial hurdle, you must continue to show progress in your professional development, obtain a professional teaching license, and get a job in your school system.

If you already have a degree in a field other than teaching, you may need to go back to school to attend programs that focus on teaching methods, professional ethics, and student assessment. The process usually takes four or more years to obtain an initial teaching license and up to five more years to obtain a professional teaching license. Learn more below.

Preparing for a Teaching Career: Degrees and Programs

When choosing a teacher preparation program, consider each school's needs and qualifications. State departments of education generally approve teaching programs at colleges and universities within the state. Students considering a non-government school should verify that the curriculum meets specific government requirements. Choosing a school with CAEP accreditation often resolves this hurdle. The voluntary quality assurance program evaluates member schools on curriculum rigor, student outcomes, and continual improvement in performance.

Many schools ask prospective teachers to demonstrate their academic ability through a core curriculum that includes general education courses in math, science, and English. Enrollment in university degrees requires departmental approval. In schools with large numbers of students enrolled in educational careers, the department's selection process may include background checks, job interviews, and demonstrated interest in the educational profession through volunteer work or work experience.

Students can also find quality teacher preparation programs online. In these programs, participants take theoretical and practical courses online. Classes can offer scheduled meeting times and live lectures, or include asynchronous classes that give students the flexibility to complete assignments. However, all students seeking a teaching license must complete a hands-on teaching experience. Check with the school for availability of student teacher placements in your area.

Most educational degrees take four years to complete, with around 120 credits to complete. Students attending the school part-time may need additional semesters to graduate. A growing number of schools are also offering accelerated schedules. These programs allow students to focus on 1-2 grades for an accelerated period (usually 6-8 weeks) and then move on to the next grade. Students can attend the school year-round and complete more classes in a year than would be possible in a traditional 15-week semester.

Applicants who already hold a bachelor's degree can pursue a teaching degree through graduate or master's programs. These programs do not require completion of specialized classes or general courses. Instead, students focus on teaching principles and theories combined with internships and field experiences.

Teacher qualifications: courses and requirements

Each school develops its curriculum to meet state eligibility guidelines for teaching. Choose your curriculum carefully, as the process for becoming an educator is different from that of a high school teacher. All teachers follow a general academic program with courses in English, mathematics and history.

Some schools set prerequisites for admission to the School of Education, with classes such as public speaking or an introductory course, and a minimum GPA of 2.5. Some schools also require an interview, essay, and letters of recommendation. Also, because some classes require registrants to interact with students, schools may require background checks and fingerprinting. This step ensures that colleges and universities protect students under the care of their teacher mentors and partner school districts.

Typical undergraduate teaching degrees are 120 credits. Approximately half of these credits come from the Department of Education or subject of your choice. Prospective English teachers, for example, should take several courses in literature along with courses in educational theory and principles, human development, and educational psychology.

Education courses include curriculum development, use of educational technology and classroom management. She also studies child development to understand how students of all ages learn and how to adapt her teaching to their needs. Schools also serve different groups of students. Diversity courses help teachers identify sociopolitical factors that can affect student success and provide strategies for providing a rewarding classroom experience for all students. Check with your school for specific classes.

Many colleges require students to observe professors in a classroom multiple times. These practices and field experiences ensure that future educators understand the demands placed on teachers and the different environments in which they may work. Online students can book these sessions through their university or independently.

Main areas of focus in the master's degree

Your teacher training course gives you the opportunity to specialize. The curriculum generally follows ED requirements for teaching certifications, which vary by state. These concentrations allow educators to advance a general grade with a specific content area. Some schools also offer minors that prepare new teachers for additional certifications.

School librarians, also known as media specialists, help encourage reading in students and support classroom teachers with text and multimedia resources. In addition to general educational requirements, librarians take courses in information technology, information organization, and collection management. Literature courses focus on reading material for children and young people. Although many public libraries require a master's degree in library science, many states offer licensed teacher support programs.

Many schools have difficulty hiring teachers for speaking studentsEnglish as a second language. These students need teachers who can help them understand course material and learn to understand, speak, and write a new language. College courses in this area help teachers understand the process of language acquisition, assess students' language needs, and teach such methods.

special education teacherThey are also in high demand in school systems across the country. These teachers work with students who need individualized instruction due to physical, cognitive, or emotional impairments. The curriculum includes psychology and sociology with specific educational courses. Some teachers complement their training with the study of a specific disability, such as disability. B. Deafness/Hard of Hearing or Autism. These teachers work to help students overcome their challenges and lead independent lives after school.

Art teachers have classes based on arts education, curriculum planning and instruction. They also take several courses in various artistic mediums such as painting or sculpture. After completing their teaching experience, they typically exhibit their work at a senior exhibition.

Components of a Successful Teaching Career: Skills, Credentials, Tools, and Technology

Successful teachers love their students. You also need the ability to express ideas through oral and written communication to help people understand new or complex concepts. They must listen carefully to assess students' needs and adapt their teaching methods to each student's learning needs.

Teachers need to organize their classroom by keeping track of various assignments, deadlines and student work. They need good time management as they have a limited number of hours and days to cover the curriculum. Good teachers use their creativity to develop engaging lessons. They rely on their problem-solving skills to find solutions to students' problems or concerns.

Analytical thinking and data management skills help teachers develop effective student assessments and measure academic growth. These skills also help teachers assess past student performance and identify specific skill gaps that need to be addressed before moving on.

Building relationships with students remains an essential task for teachers. You need to build collaborative relationships with students, parents of students, and other teachers. Teachers use skills like negotiation and persuasion to find solutions to conflicts or problems. They communicate with parents in writing and orally and exchange information about grades and behavior.

Teachers also help their students develop skills beyond those measured by standardized tests. Their assignments help students develop public speaking skills and build confidence. Classroom management helps define and enforce standards of good behavior.

Teachers use a variety of tools to accomplish their daily tasks. Technology skills allow them to integrate multimedia presentations or enhance lessons with online quizzes or surveys. Spreadsheets can track student performance and attendance. Teachers need to understand basic word processing and email software.

Related professions at a glance

Teacher titles and career resources

• Educator Preparation Accreditation CouncilCAEP accredits teacher preparation programs across the country, and most state regulatory agencies recognize its rigorous curriculum and teaching standards. CAEP was formed through the merger of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Although the merger took place in 2013, some schools retain their previous accreditation status, which is still valid. You can search for accredited schools through the website.
• National Council of English TeachersThis national organization supports teachers of English, language arts and writing. From kindergarten through high school, NCTE provides evidence-based research and strategies to improve literacy skills. Members benefit from professional development webinars, discounts on conventions and meetings, and a subscription to the organization's magazine. The site also offers a collection of lesson plans that teachers can use to improve their teaching and ways to connect with other professional educators.
• National Education AssociationNEA serves more than three million teachers in 14,000 communities across the country. Affiliated government organizations provide legislative support to guide policy decisions. They also work to protect teachers' rights and defend the teaching profession. The national organization offers NEA Today, a publication that focuses on current events and issues related to education. The publication for future educators helps new teachers in their job search. Members receive instructional management tips and strategies for parent and community involvement.
• United States Department of EducationThis federal agency oversees education authorities to ensure compliance with federal laws and promote educational excellence. ED also administers statewide student loan programs, including loan forgiveness programs for teachers in high-need schools. Other offices provide information and research on educational innovation, special education, literacy, and vocational and technical education.