Requirements To Become A Teacher

The requirements to become a teacher go beyond degrees and licenses. Your personality also needs to be a good fit for the job because you will be dealing with students, parents and supervisors constantly. If you like working with children or teens and want to improve the lives of others, you may find teaching to be the perfect career for you.

Education Requirements
Requirements to become a teacher vary from state to state. Some states will allow you to teach in the public school system even before you have completed the required schooling, but you will need to show full intent to complete the schooling and licensing required in a specified amount of time. Eventually, you will need at least a bachelor's degree and a teaching license.

Every state requires that any teacher who teaches long term in a public school-as opposed to pinch-hit teaching situations which are allowed in some states that are desperate for teachers-finish a bachelor's degree and pass a licensing exam to get a teacher certificate. You will also need to complete a period of student teaching where you will be supervised or mentored by an experienced teacher. Some states require completion of a master's degree as well. To discover what amount of teacher education your state requires, visit the University of Kentucky's Web site listing the standards for each state. Keep in mind that private school teaching requirements vary not only from state to state but also from school to school. If you are interested in teaching private school, you will need to contact the school directly.

Personality Requirements
Before you become a teacher, you should ask yourself some tough questions, as the job may be much more difficult than you expect. Although you will likely have summers off, your work during the regular school year will be intense. You will be held accountable by your supervisors, parents, your own students and even the government. Being able to handle constructive criticism regarding your teaching is important.

If you can think on your feet, you are already ahead of the game. Students can ask the strangest questions, your class might be interrupted by a fire drill or you might forget to bring along some important materials. Improvisation will help you fill each hour of class time so your students don't get bored or restless.

Unfortunately, you may also have to brace for disappointment. One of the greatest rewards of teaching is helping students achieve their goals, but not all students are interested in fulfilling their potential. Other students will have difficult lives at home, and you cannot fix their situation. You can only do your best with the resources you have.

Career Possibilities
You will need to choose what age group and/or subject matter you wish to teach, and then you can start working on the appropriate license. You can teach elementary school, middle school or high school. You can also teach any variety of subjects or specialize in one subject, such as a foreign language or advanced math.

Expected Salary
The average teacher makes around $45,000 a year. Few teachers make more than $80,000 a year. Entry-level teachers can expect to make somewhere around $31,000 a year. Teaching career prospects are projected to keep growing, which boosts job security.