EDUCATION IS OUR FUTURE

What Degree Do You Need to Be a Teacher?

Many aspiring teachers know from an early age that teaching is their calling. Others have fulfilling careers in another field and later decide that they want to share their knowledge with young people.

In general, the path to becoming a teacher begins with an undergraduate degree in education. However, there are alternative routes to licensure for individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree in a different subject.

Bachelor’s Degree

Teachers guide students through their social, emotional, and intellectual development. They help students become lifelong learners and productive members of society. The skills required to be a successful teacher include honed communication, the ability to work with peers and students, and the dedication to continuously learn new things.

The path to becoming a teacher begins with earning a bachelor’s degree. It is important to choose a program that emphasizes both subject matter expertise and pedagogy, which is the art of teaching. Prospective teachers should also consider taking part in student teaching or completing an internship.

To select the right major, aspiring teachers should discuss their career goals with a guidance counselor, school counselor, or their college’s education department. They can also seek out current teachers in their professional network to learn more about their experiences. Many schools offer accelerated programs that allow undergraduate students to earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the same time.

Master’s Degree

The teaching profession offers a family-friendly work schedule and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children. It is also one of the most rewarding careers, as you see students grow intellectually and socially.

Before enrolling in a teacher-preparation program, learners should clarify their state’s licensing requirements. Most require a bachelor’s degree and participation in student teaching for a certain number of hours. In addition, they must pass a criminal background check and take at least one certification exam.

The general amount of time required to complete a teacher preparation program is four years. However, if you have already earned a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than education, you can attend an accelerated teacher-preparation program and get licensed in just one year. Teachers often go on to pursue graduate school to earn a master’s degree, which allows them to rise in the profession and earn higher salaries. Many states offer a variety of alternative teaching programs designed to fast-track career changers into the classroom.

Licensing

Become a successful teacher by working together with your students to set goals and achieve them. You can do this by observing their strengths and weaknesses and tailoring your teaching methods to help them succeed. In addition, you can build relationships with your students and encourage them to learn as much as they can.

Most states require that you pass a teacher certification exam, usually the Praxis, before beginning your teaching career. You can take this test while enrolled in an education bachelor’s program or through an online master’s degree in teaching such as Fordham University’s.

Many teachers have a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than education. However, that doesn’t mean they have to start over from the beginning of their careers. Most states offer post-baccalaureate teaching license programs for learners with an existing bachelor’s degree in a non-educational subject. These programs typically include student teaching and specialized classroom instruction to help you meet your state’s licensure requirements.

Certification

Teachers are often passionate about their work, and they enjoy sharing their knowledge with their students. They also need to be organized, because they must communicate regularly with administrators and other teachers, as well as students and their families. It’s also important for teachers to have a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of their students.

In order to become a teacher, you’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree program that leads to a teaching certificate or equivalent. This will include coursework in the subject area you want to teach, as well as student teaching, a months-long internship where you can gain classroom experience. Once you’ve completed your degree, you’ll need to pass the required state teaching exams. Certification requirements vary by state, so it’s important to research your specific state’s guidelines. Some states even offer alternative certification programs for professionals with degrees in subjects that are difficult to recruit for. These programs can be a great way to get your foot in the door and start working in education.