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The ABCs of Becoming a Teacher
Most people would agree that Albert Einstein was a pretty smart guy who knew his way around the universe, but even he had to learn from someone. Einstein once said, "It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge." Not a bad way to make a living. Einstein's words are pretty gripping, but teachers should also be prepared to spend significant amounts of time on things that have little to do with classroom teaching. "In the eyes of school districts, teachers are becoming more and more responsible for student success, rather than the students themselves or the parents," says Eric Wearne, who began teaching high school literature in Atlanta, Georgia, three years ago. "This manifests itself as more meetings for individual students, more conferences, phone and email conversations with parents, and, worst of all, more paperwork." But under that bureaucracy lies an interesting and meaningful career. Here's what you need to know to become a teacher. A: Educational Requirements All teachers must have at least a bachelor's degree. Most elementary school teachers are expected to have a major or minor in education, while their middle and high school counterparts should have majored in the subject they plan to teach. Some states also require teachers to attend one or two-year graduate education programs or to obtain a master's degree. Getting an advanced degree may also help pad your pocketbook. "Rules are different in different districts, but in order to get a respectable salary, you need to work toward a master's or higher," advises Wearne. B: Finding Funding A good education isn't cheap, but luckily Uncle Sam is willing to help. The federal government offers several student-aid programs to help pay for your educational costs, including:
Your state government may offer several loan and grant programs, including loan forgiveness if you commit to teaching in that state for a set period of time after receiving teacher certification. Contact your state's Department of Education for details. Financial aid -- from small amounts to full tuition with stipend -- is also available from your college or university, and many national and community organizations. Ask your financial aid office for information. C: Licensure and Certification You can't just get into a car and drive. First, you need to pass a test and obtain a license to show you're competent behind the wheel. It's the same with teaching, at least in public schools. (Licenses aren't required for teachers in most private schools.) All 50 states and the District of Columbia require teachers entering the profession to pass a licensing test to ensure they meet state-mandated teaching requirements. States also require teachers to obtain certification showing they've completed appropriate coursework and preparation, and have passed a criminal background check and state licensure exam. As with licensing, each state has its own frequently updated rules and requirements for certification. However, most states require prospective teachers to take the Praxis exam, which assesses academic skills, subject knowledge and classroom performance. Many states offer alternative certification programs to attract people from other professions to teaching, especially for hard-to-fill positions. "People from all walks of life are stepping forward to meet the projected demand for teachers," says Emily Feistritzer of the National Center for Education Information (NCEI). According to NCEI, more than 175,000 people from nontraditional backgrounds, including military personnel seeking a career change, have been certified through alternative routes. As you travel your path of professional development, you will discover that teaching art, science, literature or even mathematics, for that matter, is an art and science. It requires knowledge and preparation, skill and commitment, patience and understanding. And teaching makes a difference. Not a bad way to make a living indeed.
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