The traditional way to become a certified teacher is probably best for
someone who is young and has not yet earned a bachelor’s degree. If this
describes you, it makes sense for you to find a teacher education program at a
college or university, because you need the four year degree. This type of
program will take the normal four or five years to complete a bachelor’s
degree. Along with your regular subject area and liberal studies courses, you
will get to take a number of teaching methods classes. You will be trained in
such educational foundations as curriculum development, classroom management,
and assessment. Some of your coursework may also require you fulfill a required
number of practicum hours, in which you observe and assist in local area
classrooms.
When your classroom studies are finished you will spend about a semester
student teaching, without pay, under a mentor teacher, usually near your
college. During student teaching you will have the opportunity to plan and
execute your own lessons in a regular classroom, with actual students. In the
beginning you will spend time observing and learning from your mentor teacher
and then slowly you will begin to take over the classes until you are the
primary teacher, although under supervision of your mentor. By the end of the
semester, you will transition back out of the classroom and return the classes
to the mentor.
During this process you will periodically be observed teaching by a
university supervisor from the education department of your school and
sometimes by the administrator of the school where you are teaching. In the
end, if you have fulfilled your requirements and demonstrated an aptitude for
teaching, your mentor and university supervisor will recommend you for
graduation.
Once your degree requirements are complete, you can then take the test
required by your state’s licensure department and apply for a license.