Becoming a Teacher with a Bachelor's Degree: 5 Steps

Holding a bachelor's degree is the first step towards becoming a teacher. The journey includes enrolling in a teacher preparation program, completing a student-teaching internship for hands-on experience, and passing state-required certification exams.

This path necessitates a commitment to student growth and a dedication to studying educational techniques.

Once these steps are completed, the transition from graduate to licensed educator can be achieved, opening the door to a rewarding career in teaching.

Becoming a Teacher

Being a teacher involves guiding student learning and development, creating lesson plans, and assessing progress. It requires strong knowledge, pedagogical skills, and adaptability to meet diverse educational needs.

Teachers work in various educational settings and collaborate with peers and parents. Ongoing professional growth is essential.

Those with a education bachelor's degree can enter this influential and dynamic field with additional certification, supporting students' academic and personal development while leading fulfilling lives.

Step 1: Enroll in a Teacher Preparation Program

To become a certified teacher, one must typically enroll in a state-approved teacher preparation program. These programs offer the pedagogical framework necessary for effective teaching.

Coursework may include educational psychology, classroom management, and differentiated instruction strategies. Many programs also require specific classes related to the subject or grade level the candidate plans to teach.

These programs can be part of an undergraduate degree or post-baccalaureate certification. Upon completion, candidates will be prepared for the certification exams and the practical demands of the classroom.

Step 2: Complete a Student-Teaching Internship

An essential component of teacher preparation is the student-teaching internship. This hands-on experience requires candidates to work under the supervision of an experienced teacher, typically for a semester.

During this time, prospective teachers take on increasing responsibilities, from developing lesson plans to leading classes. This internship is crucial for gaining real-world experience and allows candidates to apply pedagogical theories in a classroom setting.

Feedback from mentor teachers during this period is invaluable and shapes the instructional practices of the aspiring educator.

Step 3: Pass Certification Exams

Completing a teacher preparation program leads to the important step of passing state-mandated certification exams, which assess candidates' content knowledge and teaching abilities.

Typically, these include a basic teaching skills test and one or more subject-specific tests depending on the certification area.

Organizations such as the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the Praxis tests, and Pearson, which offers the NES (National Evaluation Series), are commonly involved in providing these assessments.

Rigorous preparation is vital as these exams are rigorous and critical for licensure.

A candidate's ability to pass these tests, which serve as both the capstone of their preparation and the entry point for starting their academic career, attests to their competency and readiness for the teaching profession.

Step 4: Apply for Licensure

Once the teacher preparation program and exams are complete, graduates must apply for a teaching license through their state's department of education.

This process typically requires submitting transcripts, proof of completed teacher preparation coursework, exam scores, and a background check. Some states also require fingerprinting and a fee.

The time frame for receiving a license varies, but applicants can usually expect their teaching credential within a few weeks to months, and most teacher certifications are valid for ten years.

Step 5: Find a Teaching Position

Armed with a teaching license, graduates can pursue teaching positions. They should create a detailed resume highlighting their educational background, student-teaching experience, internships, special certifications, and relevant skills.

Job seekers can approach school districts directly, participate in educational job fairs, or leverage online job portals. Utilizing university career services and networking with education professionals can also reveal opportunities.

Preparedness for potential interviews and demonstration lessons is often a key part of the hiring process.

What Grades or Subjects Can I Teach with My Certification?

Certification dictates the grades and subjects a teacher is eligible to teach. An elementary certification allows for teaching from kindergarten through sixth grade.

Secondary certifications focus on teaching specific subjects such as math, science, English, or history, usually from seventh to twelfth grade.

Additional certifications may be needed for specialized fields like special education or English as a Second Language instruction.

Can I Teach at a Private School without a State Teaching License?

While private schools have their own hiring criteria, a state teaching license is not always mandatory. Private institutions typically require at least a bachelor's degree and strong subject matter expertise.

Teaching experience, advanced teaching degrees, or specialized certifications may be advantageous and are often highly regarded by private schools in the hiring process.

Start Your Path to Becoming a Teacher Today

Obtain a education bachelor's degree, finish a teacher preparation program, participate in student teaching, pass the necessary certification examinations, and become licensed in order to start a fulfilling teaching career.

As an educator, every move you take gets you one step closer to changing the lives of your students.