How to Become a Teacher

How to Become A TEACHER There are many paths to becoming a teacher. Your own route will depend on many factors, including your education, professional experience and location. Ultimately, you'll obtain a teaching credential from your state. This might be accomplished by entering an undergraduate program that offers a fifth-year credential program. You may also take an alternative certification program, or you could enroll in a Master of Arts in Teaching program that also offers a credential option. The road to a credential can be a long, confusing process, but Certification Map is here to help by providing this handy table delineating a few routes to becoming a teacher. Please note that the paths outlined below are generalizations. Each state has its own unique criteria for becoming a teacher. To learn more about the specific requirements of your state, visit CertificationMap.com. THREE ROUTES TO BECOMING A TEACHER (1 The Bachelor's Degree Program Route Enroll in an accredited college or university. To become an elementary school teacher: To become a secondary school teacher: Major in the subject you would like to teach (e.g., English, biology). Minor in Major in education or liberal studies. education. If your undergraduate program did not include a teacher education NCATE program, attend one accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. To qualify for a teacher education program, you may need to pass the Praxis I exam on reading, math and writing or take specific state required exams. Earn your state teaching credential: Pass the Praxis II exam or your state's specific exams in your content area. Apply for certification. Pass clearance requirements, including fingerprint screenings and medical screening. Congratulations! You're now certified to teach! The Alternative Certification 2. Program Route If you've already earned your bachelor's degree, enroll in a state-approved alternative certification program. To qualify for an alternative certification program, you may need to pass an entrance exam and pass background and health screenings. Begin working as a teacher with a temporary certification. Complete accelerated coursework for a standard certification while working. Earn your state teaching credential: Pass the Praxis II exam or your state's specific exams in your content area. Apply for certification. Congratulations! You're now certified to teach! 3 The Master's Degree Program Route If you've already earned your bachelor's degree and want a program that will offer you more preparation before entering a classroom, enroll in a Master of Arts in Teaching degree program from an accredited university. Develop a pedagogical foundation with core curriculum classes. Specialize with a concentration in elementary education, single subject education (e.g. math, science), special education, gifted education or English as a second language. Gain in-class experience by working with a mentor teacher. Complete a capstone project on research and implementation. Earn your state teaching credential: Pass the Praxis II exam or your state's specific exams in your content area. Apply for certification. Congratulations! You're now certified to teach! Brought to you by Certification Map. How to Become A TEACHER There are many paths to becoming a teacher. Your own route will depend on many factors, including your education, professional experience and location. Ultimately, you'll obtain a teaching credential from your state. This might be accomplished by entering an undergraduate program that offers a fifth-year credential program. You may also take an alternative certification program, or you could enroll in a Master of Arts in Teaching program that also offers a credential option. The road to a credential can be a long, confusing process, but Certification Map is here to help by providing this handy table delineating a few routes to becoming a teacher. Please note that the paths outlined below are generalizations. Each state has its own unique criteria for becoming a teacher. To learn more about the specific requirements of your state, visit CertificationMap.com. THREE ROUTES TO BECOMING A TEACHER (1 The Bachelor's Degree Program Route Enroll in an accredited college or university. To become an elementary school teacher: To become a secondary school teacher: Major in the subject you would like to teach (e.g., English, biology). Minor in Major in education or liberal studies. education. If your undergraduate program did not include a teacher education NCATE program, attend one accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. To qualify for a teacher education program, you may need to pass the Praxis I exam on reading, math and writing or take specific state required exams. Earn your state teaching credential: Pass the Praxis II exam or your state's specific exams in your content area. Apply for certification. Pass clearance requirements, including fingerprint screenings and medical screening. Congratulations! You're now certified to teach! The Alternative Certification 2. Program Route If you've already earned your bachelor's degree, enroll in a state-approved alternative certification program. To qualify for an alternative certification program, you may need to pass an entrance exam and pass background and health screenings. Begin working as a teacher with a temporary certification. Complete accelerated coursework for a standard certification while working. Earn your state teaching credential: Pass the Praxis II exam or your state's specific exams in your content area. Apply for certification. Congratulations! You're now certified to teach! 3 The Master's Degree Program Route If you've already earned your bachelor's degree and want a program that will offer you more preparation before entering a classroom, enroll in a Master of Arts in Teaching degree program from an accredited university. Develop a pedagogical foundation with core curriculum classes. Specialize with a concentration in elementary education, single subject education (e.g. math, science), special education, gifted education or English as a second language. Gain in-class experience by working with a mentor teacher. Complete a capstone project on research and implementation. Earn your state teaching credential: Pass the Praxis II exam or your state's specific exams in your content area. Apply for certification. Congratulations! You're now certified to teach! Brought to you by Certification Map.