Becoming a TeacherAre you thinking about becoming a teacher? Here is what you need to know about teacher training requirements and how specific teaching programs of interest can help you achieve your goal. From making that first decision, to finally achieving your education degree, there are specific steps for how to become a teacher. Another factor in defining your decision to teach is to understand how much teachers earn. The salary varies depending on the degree you have, and often teaching jobs overseas can be more beneficial financially. Becoming a teacher involves much more than finishing university - a license still isn't guaranteed, and neither are jobs in education. Steps for Becoming a TeacherFirstThe first requirement is to have a Bachelor's degree in education. This will certify you for an education teaching certificate. If you are focusing on primary education you should have a major in elementary education. Even if your undergraduate degree is not in education, you can often pick up your degree with just an additional year. Many programs also give credit for military experience. Or, you may want to consider going ahead and getting a Masters in Education degree. You might as well do it right away: becoming a teacher these days requires a masters in education to keep your job. This is required not only to retain your license, but also to ensure that you meet the Highly Qualified status. Taking more university courses may also help with moving up on the pay scale. However, teacher salary scales are being changed and negotiated constantly. The biggest concern is that it is critical to know the license requirements for your area. And remember that if you are in the United States, not all of the states have reciprocal agreements, so while your license might be valid in one state, it won't be in another. To become a teacher and keep your job you will also have to take continuing education courses, particularly if you are lacking a few requirements for becoming licensed in other states or countries. One way is to get an Elementary Education Online Degree. Many of the colleges offering this also have courses that are for current teachers looking to hone their skills in certain areas. Districts look favorably upon candidates who continually update their resumes with education courses. But it is obvious when the easy courses are taken just to show credit hours. Serious candidates will look at this as a professional development opportunity and choose courses in current events in education, using technology in the classroom or becoming an expert in RTI interventions. In order to obtain your license, there are tests you will need to pass. Different states and countries have different requirements. As well, you will need to show that you are highly qualified in certain areas, and that can only be done through taking courses and/or passing the certification for certain areas. Your university will assist you with this final step. Most teachers get their teaching jobs through "knowing someone who knows someone else." This means you need to get to know people in the local school systems you will be applying to, try to get your student teaching assignment in the district you would like to work in, substitute teach...anything to get your name out there. An excellent resume is a must, but you have to get out there and get to know people already in the field to even get your resume looked at these days. Get to know some teachers and network. This is usually best accomplished by volunteering at schools or getting on the sub list. Many of the initial screenings for districts are now completed on-line, so if they do not know you personally, the chances of being called are very slim.
Understanding differentiation, RTI and Value Added will help you stand out from the other candidates! Return to Top: Becoming a Teacher About Advertising Privacy Policy How to Make a Website
Join our Affiliate Program! All material subject to copyright laws. Copyright 2009-2012 Dipple WorldWide LLC. All Rights Reserved.  |
