How To Become a Teacher: Steps and Requirements 2025

To become a teacher, you'll need to meet specific education, experience, and certification requirements. The process typically takes about four to five years.

If you'd like to become a teacher, you may be wondering about the steps you'll need to take to reach this goal. What kind of education will you need? Are there any other requirements that you'll need to meet?

Keep reading as we take a step-by-step look at the requirements to become a teacher. We'll also answer various questions you may have about pursuing a teaching career.

Steps To Become a Teacher

Whether you plan to work in a public school or a private school, you'll need to meet several basic requirements to begin your career. Let's go through each of those steps and requirements below.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Nearly all states require teachers to have at least a bachelor's degree. Many aspiring teachers go through teacher preparation programs that enable them to earn a degree while completing student teaching requirements.

That said, you can earn a bachelor's degree in any field if you are planning to become a teacher. You may need to complete a short-term teaching certificate or a master's degree in education if you've earned a non-teaching bachelor's degree.

Step 2: Gain Student Teaching Experience

Gaining student teaching experience is an essential part of training for future teachers. Though exact requirements vary by state, this hands-on experience is necessary for getting a teaching license.

Learners often complete student teaching experiences as part of their teacher education program. Career changers with a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field can gain these essential hours through their local school district or as part of a teaching certification program.

Step 3: Pursue Licensure in Your State

It's essential to understand the licensing requirements in your state, as these can vary widely. In many cases, candidates will need to pass a series of Praxis tests to become certified teachers. These tests typically include Core Academic Skills for Educators, Content Knowledge for Teaching Assessments, and Subject Assessments. Additional or alternative tests may be required in some states.

Candidates typically need to meet additional requirements, such as passing a background check and drug screening. They may need to pursue specific certifications relative to the grade levels or subject areas they plan to teach.

Step 4: Apply for Teaching Jobs

Once you meet all certification requirements and receive a teaching license in your state, you are ready to start teaching. You can apply for jobs through your local school district or at private schools in your area.

You can also find jobs by attending hiring events and looking for postings on online job boards. Keep in mind, if you plan to seek employment out of state, you'll need to ensure you meet all requirements for that state, including a separate license. Additional education may be required in these situations.

Step 5: Consider Continuing Education

Some states may require teachers to complete continuing education on an ongoing basis. Even if this isn't necessary in your state, seeking continuing education can demonstrate your commitment to your career and help you stay up to date on developments in education.

If you only have a bachelor's degree or certificate in education, you may want to consider earning a master's degree. This advanced teaching credential can help you pursue career advancement or transition to a different type of teaching career.

What Education Do You Need To Become a Teacher?

Most teachers are required to have a bachelor's degree in any subject. Many aspiring teachers choose a degree in an education field; others major in the subject area they hope to teach. Still others major in an unrelated field and transition to teaching later in their careers.

Those with unrelated bachelor's degrees may need to complete additional teacher certification programs, which may be offered as short-term certificates at some colleges. They may also pursue a master's degree, which many school districts prefer or require for certain advanced or specialized teaching positions.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Teacher?

The exact amount of time it takes to become a teacher can vary. If you enroll in an educator preparation bachelor's degree program, you can typically begin teaching in as little as four to five years.

If you earn an unrelated bachelor's degree followed by a teaching certificate program or master's degree, it will likely take longer before you can begin working as a teacher � sometimes as many as six to seven years.

On the other hand, if you already have a bachelor's degree and are looking to start your teaching career quickly, you may be able to complete all requirements through a short-term certificate program and begin teaching in just one to two years. Some states may allow students with a bachelor's degree in any field to begin teaching immediately under supervision, whether or not they have completed a teaching preparation program.

How To Choose a Teaching Degree Program

There are many different types of specialized education bachelor's degrees available. Some of these may include:

early childhood education
elementary education
secondary education
physical education
special education

These degrees often lead to careers working with specific groups of students. Elementary education graduates often go on to teach in elementary schools, and special education majors go on to work with children with learning disabilities.

When choosing your education degree, consider the types of students you are most interested in working with. If you're unsure, more generalized teaching or education degrees are available that help you gain experience in teaching various groups, ultimately helping you narrow down your focus.

Types of Teachers

Teachers work in a wide variety of specific teaching disciplines and are often differentiated by grade level. Let's take a look at some of the many types of teachers and their typical job duties.

Preschool Teachers

Preschool teachers work with very young students, often three to five years in age. They are tasked with providing vary basic education on introductory subjects like letters, numbers, music, and art.

The steps to become a preschool teacher are similar to the steps for any other teaching career. You will need to earn a bachelor's degree, preferably in early childhood education, complete student teaching experiences, and get certified. A state license may or may not be required to teach at this level.

Kindergarten Teachers

Kindergarten teachers commonly work with students aged four to six. They commonly teach basic reading and writing skills to prepare young learners for elementary school.

To become a kindergarten teacher, complete a bachelor's degree or post-baccalaureate certificate in early childhood education and pass the required certification exams in your state. You may also need to earn a state license.

Elementary Teachers

Elementary teachers work in elementary schools, teaching classes of first through fifth graders. They may teach classes in one specific grade or multiple grade levels.

These teachers often major in elementary education or related fields. They must pursue teacher certification and licensure in any state where they plan to work.

Middle School Teachers

Middle school teachers typically work with students in sixth through eighth grade. They build on what students learned in elementary school while introducing advanced subjects to prepare students for high school.

Middle school teacher education requirements involve earning a bachelor's degree in education or some other field and completing student teaching experiences. Candidates will then need to meet all state certification requirements for a teaching license.

Learn More: How To Become a Middle School Teacher

High School Teachers

High school teachers provide education for students in ninth through twelfth grades. They often teach advanced individual subjects to prepare students for the rigors of college.

High school teacher education requirements include earning a bachelor's degree in secondary education or the specific subjects prospective teachers plan to teach. As with other types of teaching jobs, they will need to complete student teaching experiences and meet all state requirements for licensure.

Learn More: How To Become a High School Teacher

Bilingual Teachers

Bilingual teachers have specialized training in multiple languages. They may teach English as a Second Language (ESL) courses at any level or specific foreign language courses in high school.

Bilingual teachers often major in one or more foreign languages. They must have a strong command of their native language and any other languages they plan to teach.

Special Education Teachers

Special education teachers work with students struggling with various learning disabilities. These may include cognitive and developmental challenges as well as those with mental health issues.

Special education teachers often have advanced levels of education; some states or school districts may require a master's degree. These teachers may also need to pursue additional certifications and state licensure.

Technical Education Teachers

Technical education teachers provide vocational training in high schools or trade schools. They may teach vocations such as welding, plumbing, medical coding, or carpentry.

These teachers must be experts in whatever technical field they are providing training in. Depending on where they work, they may also need to complete traditional teacher education programs and earn specific state licenses.

FAQs About Becoming a Teacher

If you still have questions about what it takes to become a teacher, you're not alone. Keep reading as we provide answers to some commonly asked questions.

What Qualifications Do I Need To Become a Teacher?

The specific qualifications you need for teaching depend on where you live, your specific career goals, and various other factors. In most cases, basic qualifications include having a bachelor's degree and student teaching experience, passing scores on required certification exams, and a state teaching license.

How Fast Can You Become a Teacher?

In most cases, it takes at least four to five years to become a teacher. For those who already have a bachelor's degree, the fastest way to become a teacher is to complete a short-term certificate program in teaching. For those who don't already hold a bachelor's degree, pursuing an accelerated degree program can help you reach your career goals sooner.

What If My Bachelor's Degree Is in Something Other Than the Subject I Want To Teach?

If you have a bachelor's degree in a field unrelated to teaching and the subject you plan to teach, you may need to pursue advanced education in your chosen field. Earning a post-baccalaureate certificate or graduate certificate may provide the credentials you need; in most cases, though, earning a second bachelor's degree or a master's degree in the subject you hope to teach will be your best bet. Some school districts may also hire you if you have extensive work experience in your chosen field.

How Do I Apply To a Teaching Program?

To apply for a teaching degree program, you must first apply to your college or university of choice. You can often complete the application online and may need to submit high school transcripts or other documents as well.

After completing general education courses and declaring your chosen major, you may need to fill out a second application for acceptance into your specific program. Check with an academic advisor at your school to ensure you meet all coursework and GPA requirements to be accepted.

Find a Teaching Degree Program Near You

If you're ready to start your path to a rewarding career in teaching, explore the programs and schools featured on Learn.org. Contact any of the schools to learn more about their available degree programs and to choose the right option for you. Find steps for your state: