Most of us can remember our favorite teachers, no matter how long ago we last saw them. That's because teachers have such a great impact on our lives. If you are headed toward a teaching career, here's the path you'll need to follow.
In high school, offer to tutor classmates who need help in your favorite subjects. If possible, volunteer to tutor younger children. Take note of which age groups and subjects you enjoy most.
When you get to college, you can major in teacher education and take courses in the subject areas in which you are most interested, or major in a subject area English, history, math, etc.) and supplement subject area coursework with the education courses necessary to meet certification criteria.
Most students headed into teaching also do some supervised practice teaching, generally in their last year of college.
In many states, prospective teachers will sit for two exams, the Praxis I and the Praxis II. One measures basic reading, math, and writing competencies. The other is designed to measure knowledge and competency in specific subject areas.
Most students preparing to teach complete their course requirements, Praxis exams, and student teaching prior to earning an undergraduate degree. However, many colleges and universities offer special programs to people who choose to teach after first graduating from college and trying another career.
Future teachers should be aware that certification requirement differ on a state to state basis.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, check with the Department of Education in the state(s) where you wish to teach. That way, you will be sure that you are fully certified by the time you start looking for your first teaching job.
Although teachers in many places do not earn what they are worth, overall, most are now far better paid than ever before. And, they have many opportunities to move into related areas like school counseling, and school administration. Opportunities to make a real difference in students' lives, chances to work in a variety of educational settings, and more frequent and longer vacations than are available to most people are among the factors that combine to make teaching an attractive career for many.
The author, Daniel Z. kane, has counseled high school and college students for more than 30 years. He has a website to help students select an online college and another which lists accredited online degrees. Click here for other unique 'teacher' articles.
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