Teachers

Teachers are the backbone of our society. They teach children of all ages the skills they need to grow, survive, and succeed throughout the rest of their lives. Reading, writing, math, science, and history are all subjects which we become familiar with through formal instruction — and that is only the beginning of what children learn from the dedicated professionals who teach them.

Every day, children in classrooms everywhere are taught manners, ethics, problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and much more. A good teacher fills young minds with as much information as possible and still makes time to tie loose shoelaces or put a band-aid on a scratch. Would you like to be one of these devoted caregivers? If so, now is the time to go back to college and get your teaching degree.

What is Involved in Teacher Career Training?

To become a licensed teacher, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree. Depending on the type of licensure you wish to receive, the classes may vary somewhat but there are some core classes that all future teachers must pass. All education students must take a variety of basic knowledge classes in math, science, history, civics, and communications. The curriculum will also include ethics, philosophy, psychology, and human development classes. As you near the end of your education, the classwork will become more specialized and will include diversity training, children’s literature, special education, and many classes involving instructional methods. At the end of their coursework, students must successfully complete a specified period of student teaching in which they will work in a classroom under the supervision of a cooperating teacher and a university supervisor.

Upon graduation, future teachers must pass a series of licensing exams. This may vary from state to state but is generally completed through a series of Praxis exams including tests such as content knowledge, principles of learning and teaching, reading strategies, and curriculum, instruction, and assessment. There may also be additional testing required if you are seeking a special endorsement on your license that is subject specific or involves an area outside basic teaching. After licensure, you will receive an apprentice teaching license and will likely be evaluated periodically during your first few years. After a set period of time you will be upgraded to a professional teaching license and your evaluations will be reduced. Licensed teachers are required to complete continuing education requirements at set intervals but in some areas, earning a master’s degree replaces this requirement.

Education is a continually-evolving field. There has never been a better time to enroll in a traditional or online university where you can earn your degree in education and get into the field of teaching. There are very few jobs as rewarding as education. Many veteran teachers love the job so much that they continue working even after they are eligible for retirement.