So, you know you want to teach, now what? In order to become a teacher you
must be certified as a teacher in the state you plan to teach. All states have
their own specific requirements, but most require some version of the
following:
Bachelor’s degree or higher:
Elementary teachers are required to hold a major or minor in education and
must have taken courses in basic subjects that you will teach, like math,
science, English and social studies. Secondary teachers usually require a
major in their subject area.
Completion of an accredited
education preparation program. Traditional teacher education programs at
colleges and universities are designed so that you can work towards the
major or minor coursework while you are also taking teacher preparation
courses. Additionally, these programs typically include a required number
of practicum hours and a student-teaching internship, usually a semester
in length.
State competency test. Most
states require teachers to pass tests that assess their basic liberal arts
knowledge, as well as their content area and teaching skills. Many states
use the PRAXIS series, while others have their own assessments. Depending
on the state, the tests can usually be taken within a year or two of being
granted a provisional license.
Background check and
fingerprinting. Many states now require applicants to complete a criminal
background check and fingerprinting process. Obviously, this is to ensure
that only upstanding citizens are placed in classrooms with children.
There are two basic ways to go about meeting these requirements. You can go
the traditional route or the alternative certification route. Depending on what
level of education you have currently attained, you can decide which one works
best for your circumstances.