Are you thinking of pursuing a career as a teacher? Teachers are needed now more than ever. Learn how to become a teacher, including choosing a college, getting certified, and landing your first job.
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Additionally, click fill out the form on this page to get a free printable poster to educate and inspire students to join this profession.
Is teaching right for you?
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Before you start down a path that can take years of your life, it’s worth taking the time to find out if you really want this to be your career. Teaching is one of the most rewarding jobs, but it can also be one of the most rewarding. Consider the following factors:
salary
According to the NEA, the average teacher salary in 2024 is $69,554. Of course, this number varies by state (see how your state ranks here), location, school, and experience. Starting salaries are generally quite low, sometimes as low as $20,000 per year.
If you think you’re okay because you have summer vacation, it’s important to remember that many teachers spend the majority of their summer vacation doing professional development and other school-related activities. Others are less likely to look for summer jobs to earn extra cash.
workload and stress
A teacher’s day begins and rarely ends when the bell rings. Although there has been a push in recent years for teachers to effectively work 40 hours a week, they are much more likely to come to work early, stay late and take their work home. Planning, paperwork, meetings, etc. take up so much time that teaching can feel like only a small part of the job. Moreover, teachers are very concerned about the health of their students, which increases the stress load on students.
Teachers also often don’t have much flexibility in their schedules. While others are free to plan sunny holidays in the Caribbean, teachers are expected to take vacations during school breaks. Taking time off to go to the dentist or just staying home when you’re sick can feel difficult.
So how do you know if teaching is right for you? Before you spend time learning how to become a teacher, start by talking to an actual teacher. Ask them to spend time monitoring students in the classroom or volunteering as a teacher’s aide. Learn what it really means to teach, both in the classroom and outside. Chances are, you’ll be rewarded for the challenge and ready to start on your career path.
Traditional path and alternative path
Most people follow the traditional path to becoming a teacher.
Attend a four-year university program to earn a bachelor’s degree in education science Complete one semester (or more) of student teaching Pass a certification exam and meet other licensure requirements
Aspiring teachers may already have a college degree but are looking to change careers. Other paths to becoming a teacher include:
Take required college courses in pedagogy and other education topics Pass certification exams and meet other licensing requirements
All of these requirements vary by state and school type. Be sure to check the requirements for your state and your desired school district.
get a university degree
Whether you’re enrolling straight out of high school or earning your degree later in life, here are some tips for your college experience.
University program selection and application
Be sure to choose a program that is fully evaluated and accredited by your state. Check out our complete program, including how much real-world classroom experience you’ll gain before you graduate.
Tip: If you plan to teach in a different state than the one you currently live in, consider joining a university program in that state to ensure you meet all requirements upon exit.
pay university tuition
A college education is definitely an investment. Learn how to pay your bills as you go.
Guidance of surviving students
Spending time in the classroom as a “real teacher” is both exciting and terrifying. The key is to make the most of your time, ask lots of questions, and be open to all the feedback you receive. Here are tips from real teachers to make the most of student and teacher time.
Curious about whether you’re getting a quality experience? Look for the following factors:
Co-teaching: Your sponsor teacher should take the time to co-teach with you to familiarize you with the experience. Click here to learn more about co-teaching. Planning and Paperwork: It’s important to learn how to complete lesson plans, fill out paperwork, and handle other administrative tasks that teachers do every day. Interacting with parents: Whether you’re making phone calls, attending meetings, or responding to emails, be sure to gain experience in interacting with parents. Independent Teaching: By the end of your time as a student teacher, you will be required to teach a full day’s class from start to finish. Your sponsor teacher will be waiting in the background, always ready to help, but mostly just waiting for you to do your work. Coaching and Feedback: Ideally, you and your sponsor teacher should take time each day to reflect on your successes and challenges. Set measurable goals (teachers are experts at that!) and track your growth.
If you feel like you don’t have enough experience, don’t be afraid to speak up. Talk to your sponsoring teacher about what you are looking for. If they can’t or don’t want to help, ask your college advisor for advice.
Get certified
All states in the United States require teacher certification or licensure. However, each of these has very different requirements, so do your research. Start with our complete guide to each state’s teacher certification exam.
If you’re following the traditional path to becoming a teacher, your university program will walk you through the process. Helps you schedule your exam (many exams are offered on-site). The teacher program can also help determine other requirements, such as background checks and fingerprinting. Please note that in most cases the costs associated with all of these requirements will be borne by the applicant.
For those who enter the teaching profession without attending a university program, most of the licensing and certification requirements are usually the same, including passing the required exams. It is important to check with your state board or Department of Education to find out what you need to do.
Finally, note that many states will initially issue a provisional certificate or license. To obtain a professional license, you must complete class hours and possibly earn continuing education credits. And in most cases, you’ll need to earn additional continuing education credits (sometimes at your own expense) to keep your licenses and certificates current throughout your career.
get a teaching job
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With your teaching certificate or certification in hand, you’re ready to find your first job. Fortunately, we have plenty of advice to help you.
Creating a teacher portfolio and resume
Master job hunting
Successful teacher interviews
Get a free printable teaching career exploration poster
Click the button below to get a free printable poster that explains the skills needed and opportunities available to students interested in becoming a teacher.
