“Of all the hard jobs around, one of the hardest is being a good teacher.” – Maggie Gallagher
Those eloquent words are still valid in this day and age. Teaching, as a profession has evolved beyond the restrictions of a classroom. A good teacher can inspire and teach students anywhere. The bond between a teacher and student is not defined by the roles assumed within a class, but the respect a teacher gets outside and even when the teaching term has ended. One of the most significant successes for any teacher is the ability to connect and uphold their name at all times.
But before we go into the duties of a good teacher, let us discuss the prerequisites for becoming a teacher. In the USA, all the states require teachers of K-12 schools to have a necessary bachelor’s degree among other things. To understand the basics of becoming a teacher, it is essential to shed light on the four aspects that are part of the process.
1. Education
Apart from the mandatory bachelor’s degree to become a teacher, an aspiring teacher should also significant in a content area to qualify for K-6 teachers like English or science. If the aim is to join kindergarten or elementary school, a relevant degree in elementary education is a must. For a high school teacher, the requirement is primary in a particular subject area.
2. Experience
A significant step in the process of becoming a teacher is practical experience. Teachers are expected to put in a certain number of hours based on the state’s requirements. This supervised experience is a norm that should be met to be eligible for licensure. The teacher aspirant can gain experience in the form of an internship, or soon after the completion of course before exploring full-time opportunities.
3. Certification
Once relevant experience and a bachelor’s degree is obtained, one can apply for license or certification. Certification is at grade level depending on the type of school the teacher aspires to go to — preschool, junior school, or high school. Since the requirement is based on the individual state’s condition, it is essential to pay attention to this detail while applying for a job outside the home state. Although not all private schools require a license by the state, it is advised to have an appropriate permit so as not to be limited in employment options.
4. Knowledge
Earning a master’s degree has several advantages. Although not mandatory, it is recommended by schools as the quality of teaching improves with higher education. Teachers also benefit from pursuing higher education as this increases the possibility of higher pay, career growth, expansion into administrative positions, and even job flexibility. Another stand-salon recognition is National Board Certification that is a teaching credential beyond state licensure. Teachers with this certification have higher advantage and recognition.
