We all have that one teacher who made a lasting impact on our lives. The one who believed in us inspired us, and encouraged us to reach for the stars.<\/span><\/p>\n
Teachers have a unique ability to shape our lives in profound ways, not just during our school years, but even long after we have completed our education and embarked on our professional journeys.<\/span><\/p>\n
Some teachers have been so inspiring that their students follow in their footsteps and become educators themselves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
If you are considering a career as a teacher, you may have questions about the path ahead. For example, how long does it take to become a teacher? What steps do you need to take?<\/span><\/p>\n
In this guide, we answer those questions and provide you with all the essential information to help you on your teaching career journey.<\/span><\/p>\n
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When deciding on the area you want to study as a prospective teacher, it’s essential to explore the available options and determine what you’re truly passionate about.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Choosing an area you\u2019re passionate about will keep you committed to the process and you\u2019ll enjoy doing your job ultimately.<\/span><\/p>\n
There are different areas and education levels you can consider. For example:<\/span><\/p>\n
When choosing which level you want to teach, consider your interests, strengths, and values so that you can make a positive impact on students’ lives and find fulfillment in your teaching career.<\/span><\/p>\n
Once you’ve chosen your area of interest, you should enroll in a bachelor\u2019s degree program. Starting a bachelor’s degree program is essential because most teaching jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
The bachelor\u2019s degree provides you with the knowledge necessary to succeed as an educator.<\/span><\/p>\n
A bachelor’s degree program in education commonly consists of the following key learnings.<\/span><\/p>\n
Throughout your bachelor’s degree program, you’ll also develop teaching skills that will help you succeed in your career such as critical thinking and communication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
You must participate in student teaching. Most of the teaching practice is part of the bachelor’s degree program.<\/span><\/p>\n
Participating in student teaching provides prospective teachers with real-life experience in the classroom.<\/span><\/p>\n
As mentioned above, student teaching is commonly part of the degree program. It helps teachers develop helpful skills and learn through experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
For example:<\/span><\/p>\n
To become a teacher, it is necessary to pass a teacher certification test. This certification serves as proof that you\u2019re prepared and qualified to enter a classroom and instruct students.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
The tests vary by state and school district because some states have their own certification exams.<\/span><\/p>\n
School districts and educational authorities require aspiring teachers to pass the certification exams for the following reasons:<\/span><\/p>\n
These tests serve as a crucial step in becoming a qualified and licensed teacher.<\/span><\/p>\n
Once you\u2019ve achieved your goal of becoming a teacher, you should consider pursuing a master’s degree.<\/span><\/p>\n
A master’s degree in education offers numerous professional benefits for teachers. For example, teachers with master’s degrees are paid more in most school districts.<\/span><\/p>\n
Here are the key learnings you can expect in a master’s degree program:<\/span><\/p>\n
Pursuing a master’s degree provides opportunities to network with educators, researchers, and professionals in the field.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Obtaining a master’s degree also opens doors to career advanced positions, such as instructional coordinator, curriculum specialist, or educational consultant.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
It can also make you a more competitive candidate for leadership positions within schools or districts.<\/span><\/p>\n
The number of years required to become a teacher depends on your choices. For example, whether you decide to obtain a master’s degree first or you want to teach after obtaining your bachelor’s degree.<\/span><\/p>\n
You can also pursue your master’s degree when you\u2019re already working as a teacher. Most bachelor’s degree programs in education take approximately four years to complete.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
The timing of when you decide to take your teacher certification exam can also impact how long it takes to start teaching.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
You may choose to take the exam immediately after completing your bachelor’s degree or choose to gain more experience or pursue a master’s degree before taking the exam.<\/span><\/p>\n
If you decide to pursue a master’s degree, it will take an additional two years to complete. However, there are accelerated programs available that can be completed in approximately 18 months.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
The time it takes you to find a job as a teacher may vary depending on the state and school district you are looking to apply to. However, with the appropriate qualifications and certifications, the job search process shouldn’t take long.<\/span><\/p>\n
Here’s a simple breakdown of the years it takes to become a teacher:<\/span><\/p>\n
The traditional path to becoming a teacher involves earning a degree. However, there are two alternative routes that can be faster and don’t require a degree:<\/span><\/p>\n
Public school systems require a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, as well as completing a teacher certification program. Public school teachers must meet the certification requirements set by the state or school district in which they intend to teach.<\/span><\/p>\n
States have implemented programs to address teacher shortages and provide opportunities for individuals without degrees to enter the teaching profession.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
These programs offer temporary teaching licenses or emergency-status teaching jobs in high-need areas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
In exchange for working in these positions, you may receive support and training while pursuing your education degree or alternative certification options.<\/span><\/p>\n
Teaching offers a wide range of job options, allowing you to work with students of different age groups and educational levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Let\u2019s look at the job descriptions and main responsibilities for each of the job options.<\/span><\/p>\n
Kindergarten teachers work with young children between the ages of 4 and 6, in their early stages of formal education. They provide a nurturing learning environment, focusing on the social, emotional, and academic development of young learners.<\/span><\/p>\n
The main responsibilities of kindergarten teachers include:<\/span><\/p>\n
Elementary school teachers teach students in grades 1\u20135 or 6 They cover a range of subjects such as math, science, language arts, social studies, and more to lay the educational foundation for children.<\/span><\/p>\n
The main responsibilities of elementary school teachers are to:<\/span><\/p>\n
Middle school teachers teach in grades 6\u20138 bridging the gap between elementary and high school. They facilitate students’ transition, academic growth, and personal development during the crucial pre-adolescent and early adolescent years.<\/span><\/p>\n
Middle school teachers specialize in specific subjects, such as math, science, English, social studies, or electives.<\/span><\/p>\n
The main responsibilities of middle school teachers include:<\/span><\/p>\n
High school teachers teach grades 9\u201312. They prepare students for post-secondary education or entry into the workforce.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
High school teachers focus on subject-specific instruction. Their responsibilities include:<\/span>
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Salary expectations for teachers are determined by the following key factors:<\/span><\/p>\n
Salary figures vary significantly by state, school district, and individual school contracts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
The average public school teacher’s salary in the US during the 2021 school year was <\/span>$65,090<\/span><\/a>. This represented an increase of 1.49% or $957 from 2020.<\/span><\/p>\n
The table below shows a breakdown of the average annual teacher salary based on education level.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n