Think back to when you were a kid in school. Sure, there were challenges—maybe there were some mean kids in your class, or maybe you had a hard time fitting in. But there was almost certainly that one special teacher who helped you get through it. One dedicated teacher can make a huge difference to a student. Maybe that one teacher could be you.
Teachers work in public and private schools from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. At the elementary level, most teachers generalize, and teach a wide variety of subjects to their home room students. In high school, teachers are more likely to be specialists, like math teachers or Spanish teachers.
Many teachers participate in other activities, such as coaching an athletic team or directing the high school play. Teachers oversee study halls and homerooms, and accompany students on field trips. They may identify students with mental or physical or problems and refer the students to the proper authorities. Secondary school teachers may assist students in choosing courses and provide advice on applying to college. Teachers also participate in education workshops and conferences.
Do I need a teacher’s license? To teach in public schools, yes. All 50 states and the District of Columbia require public school teachers to be licensed. However, licensure is generally not required for teachers in private schools. Licensure is usually granted by the State Board of Education or a licensure advisory committee.
What kind of training do I need? Traditionally, to become a public school teacher you need to complete your bachelor’s degree from a teacher education program, and then obtain your license. Many states now offer alternative routes to licensure if you have a college degree in another field. You can check out colleges offering teacher education programs on EducationForCareers.com.
Private school teachers need a bachelor’s degree but generally do not have to be licensed. Preschool teachers and vocational education teachers may not need a bachelor’s degree and may be qualified because of life or work experience.
What’s the job outlook? According to the U.S. government, in the current decade from 2006 to 2016 employment of preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers is projected to grow about as fast as average. Job prospects are expected to be favorable, with particularly good prospects for teachers in high-demand fields like math, science, and bilingual education, or in less desirable urban or rural school districts.*
If you enjoy working with young people and helping them become outstanding adults, then a career in teaching may be for you!
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Teachers—Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos069.htm (visited August 07, 2008).
