Thinking of pursuing a career in teaching? Teachers are needed now more than ever. Learn how to become a teacher, including choosing a college, getting certified, and landing your first job!
Jump to:
- Should I become a teacher?
- Traditional vs. Alternative Paths
- Earning Your College Degree
- Surviving Student Teaching
- Getting Certified
- Landing a Teaching Job
- How To Become a Teacher FAQs
Should I become a teacher?
The best thing about being a teacher is the fact that I can have a positive impact on how a student identifies. By constantly reinforcing and recognizing their efforts to learn, they will identify as learners. —Teacher Sheila K.
Before you start on a path that could take years of your life, it’s worth spending some time making sure you really want to make this your career. Teaching is one of the most rewarding jobs out there, but it’s also one of the most challenging. Ask yourself these questions to find out if it’s right for you.
Does the job meet your salary needs?
According to the NEA, the current average teacher salary is about $72,000. This number, of course, varies by state, location, school, and experience. Starting salaries are generally much lower, averaging around $47,000 a year.
Tip: Explore the average salaries in the state where you plan to teach, and compare them with the cost of living estimates and your preferred lifestyle.
Are you counting on having summers off?
If you’re thinking that salary sounds OK since you’ll have your summers off, it’s important to remember that many teachers spend a good portion of their summers on professional development and other school-related activities. And those who don’t often seek out summer jobs to bring in some extra cash.
Tip: Check out our survey to see what teachers really do in the summer.
Do you know what teachers actually do all day?
Before you spend time learning how to become a teacher, start by talking to actual teachers. Ask to shadow them in a classroom, or spend time volunteering as a teacher aide. Learn what teaching truly entails, in the classroom and out. (Hint: There’s a lot more paperwork and bureaucracy than you might realize!)
Tip: Meet up with local teachers to learn more, and join the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook to chat with real educators.
Can you handle the workload?
Teacher days rarely begin and end when the bell rings. Though recent years have brought a push for a true 40-hour teacher workweek, you’re much more likely to find yourself coming in early, staying late, and taking work home. It sometimes feels like teaching itself is only a small part of the job, since planning, administrative work, meetings, and other responsibilities take up a lot of time.
Tip: Read more about the actual workload of a teacher here.
Are you passionate about education?
Teachers need to know a lot more than the subject matter they teach. They also need to understand and apply the latest teaching theories and techniques, build a wide toolkit of instructional strategies, and learn to reach any and every kind of student. In short, teachers have to care very much about their students, their school, and their community, day in and day out.
Tip: Ask yourself “Why do I want to teach?” Then read Discovering Your Teaching Mission: The Only Way To Avoid Burnout to learn why passion for education is so important.
Are you willing to continue learning throughout your career?
Maintaining your teacher license or certification requires ongoing professional development, usually a set number of hours per year. Sometimes the school you work for covers these costs; other times they’ll have to come out of your own pocket. And you may have to earn your continuing education credits outside of regular teaching hours, adding more to your workload. On the plus side, you’ll be constantly challenged, learning something every year until you retire!
Tip: Take a look at the types of professional development teachers pursue here.
We can only begin to predict what the future will hold and with that what we need to prepare students for, so adaptability is critical to being able to survive and thrive in this ever-changing profession. —Teacher Brianna Vuori
Are you patient?
High school ELA teacher Ann Cox shares, “If a teacher is able to remain calm, consider others’ points of view, and think through scenarios, they will be able to navigate just about anything that comes their way.”
She continues: “Patience helps teachers not to react in the moment when students are off task, disrespectful, etc. It’s also helpful when dealing with angry parents so you don’t say or do something you might regret later. And patience is definitely needed when sitting through meetings and professional development sessions!”
Tip: Check out the top 15 qualities of successful teachers here.
Are you a people person?
Teachers spend their days in nearly constant contact with other people—of all ages. They need to feel comfortable speaking in front of groups or one-on-one, with very little time for themselves throughout the work day. If you thrive on time with others (hello, extroverts!), teaching may be a good fit. But even if you’re an introvert, teaching can still be a great gig. It all depends on your priorities and preferences.
Tip: Learn what it’s like to be a teacher AND an introvert.
Can you be a team player?
“Good teachers need to be able to give ideas, ask for help, share, and communicate with coworkers and families,” advises one Washington 2nd grade teacher. “Be able to take suggestions, offer help, and not take things personally.” If you can’t work as part of a team, you’re unlikely to enjoy teaching as a career.
Tip: Think about how you feel when working as part of a team. Will you enjoy collaborating with colleagues and families on a daily basis, or do you prefer to work independently?
Will you find teaching rewarding, despite the challenges?
If you’ve made it this far through the list, chances are good you have what it takes to be a teacher! After all, the (non-financial) rewards are huge. Successful teachers find tremendous satisfaction in guiding the next generation, teaching them valuable skills, and supporting them through all the ups and downs. Sure, it can be a tough job, but dedicated teachers wouldn’t give it up for anything.
Tip: Learn what makes teaching such a worthwhile career choice for so many:
- The 20 Most Surprising, All-Around Best Things About Teaching
- 21 Reasons Why Teaching Elementary School Is the Best Job Ever
- 11 Reasons Why Teaching Middle School Is the Best Job Ever
- Why Teaching High School Is the Best Job Ever
- Why I Stay: 15 Teachers Share Honest, Personal Answers
Are you interested in working in education, but not in the classroom as a teacher? There are plenty of other career options to explore!
Traditional vs. Alternative Paths to Becoming a Teacher
Stay in school and get your master’s degree. The pay increase is worth the extra time. Also, keep your mind open. I have a master’s in teaching yet I took a position as an elementary librarian and I love it. —Librarian Roger J.
Most people follow a traditional path to become a teacher, including:
- Attending a four-year college program to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education
- Completing a semester (or more) of student teaching
- Passing certification exams and meeting other licensure requirements
Other aspiring teachers may already have a college degree but want to switch careers. The alternative path to become a teacher might include:
- Taking required college courses in pedagogy and other education topics
- Passing certification exams and meeting other licensure requirements
If you’re looking for an accelerated alternative path to certification, Moreland University offers a 100% online program that can be completed in as little as nine months, including student teaching. Moreland offers rolling admissions and monthly start dates, so you can begin your program whenever it’s most convenient for you.
All of these requirements vary by state and type of school. Be sure to verify your state and desired school district’s requirements.
Earning Your College Degree
Make friends with the people who are in your college classes now. You will learn to collaborate with these colleagues in your future profession. —Teacher Erica C.
Whether you enter straight out of high school or earn your degree later in life, here are some tips for the college years.
Choosing and Applying to a College Program
Be sure to choose a program that’s well respected and accredited by the state. Explore their complete program, including how much actual classroom experience you’ll gain before your graduate. Tour the college and talk to students in the program if you can, and find out what kind of support you can expect when it’s time to search for a job one day.
Tip: If you’re planning to teach in a different state than you currently live in, consider attending a college program in that state to ensure you’ll meet all the requirements when you finish.
- A Student Guide to College Applications and Admission
- 60+ College Essay Prompts From Actual Applications
Paying for College
A college education is definitely an investment. Learn how to pay the bills while you learn.
Surviving Student Teaching
Watching the seasoned veterans is great and useful, but don’t forget to observe new teachers too. It will give you realistic ideas about what it will be like for you right out of the gate. —Teacher Emily C.
Spending time in the classroom as a “real teacher” is both exciting and terrifying. The important thing is to make the most of your time, asking lots of questions and being open to all the feedback you’ll receive. We’ve got tips from real teachers here for making your student-teacher time really count.
Wondering if you’re getting a quality experience? Look for these elements:
- Co-teaching: Your sponsor teacher should ease you into the experience, spending time co-teaching with you. Learn more about co-teaching here.
- Planning and paperwork: It’s important to learn how to complete lesson plans, fill out paperwork, and handle the other administrative stuff teachers do every day.
- Parent interaction: Whether it’s making phone calls, participating in conferences, or answering emails, be sure you’re getting some experience interacting with parents.
- Independent teaching: By the end of your time as a student teacher, you should be handling a full class day, start to finish. Your sponsor teacher will be in the background, ready to help, but mostly standing by to let you do the job.
- Coaching and feedback: Ideally, you and your sponsor teacher should spend some time every day going over your successes and challenges. Set measurable goals (teachers are experts at these!) and track your growth.
If you feel like your experience is lacking, don’t be afraid to speak up! Talk to your sponsor teacher about what you’re looking for. If they’re unable or unwilling to help, consult your college advisor for advice.
Getting Certified
Every single U.S. state requires teacher certification or licensure. These requirements are completely different in each state, though, so do your research. Start with our complete guide to teacher certification exams in every state.
If you’re following the traditional path to becoming a teacher, your college program will walk you through the steps. They’ll help you schedule your exams (many offer them on-site). Teacher programs also help you determine other requirements, like background checks and fingerprinting. Be prepared for the costs involved in all of these requirements, which are almost always the responsibility of the applicant.
For those switching careers to teaching without attending a college program, most of the licensure or certification requirements are usually the same, including passing required exams. It’s important to check with your state’s board or department of education to learn what you’ll need to do.
Finally, be aware that many states initially issue provisional certificates or licenses. You’ll need to complete classroom hours and possibly continuing education credits to earn your professional license. And in most cases, you’ll have to follow through with more continuing education credits (sometimes at your own expense) to keep your license or certificate current throughout your career.
Landing a Teaching Job
With that teacher certificate or license in hand, you’re ready to find your first job! Fortunately, we’ve got lots of advice to help you out.
Building a Teacher Portfolio and Resume
- Teaching Portfolio Examples That Will Get You Hired
- Philosophy of Education Examples for Job-Hunting Teachers
- Resume Tips Just for Teachers
- These Teacher Cover Letter Examples Will Help You Land Your Next Role
Mastering the Job Hunt
If you don’t get a teaching job right after you graduate, take a paraprofessional job. You will learn so much by doing this. It helped me out tremendously! —Jennifer L.
- Tips for Finding Teaching Jobs You’ll Love
- Tips That Will Help You Nail Teacher Job Fairs
- How To Find a Part-Time Teaching Job
- How To Find the Best Remote Teaching Jobs
- When Is the Best Time to Find a Teaching Job? A Month-by-Month Guide
- Teachers Share How They Knew They Found Their “Forever” School
- You’ve Got This! Affirmations for the Job-Hunting Teacher
Nailing the Teacher Interview
- Interview Questions Every Teacher Must Be Able To Answer
- Job Interview Red Flags That Kept Teachers From Working at Toxic Schools
- Job Interview “Green Flags” That Showed This Is a School Where I Want to Work
- Elements To Include in Your Demo Lesson for Teacher Interviews
- What To Wear to a Teacher Interview
- How To Recognize a Toxic School Culture Before You Get the Job
- Teachers Share Their Funniest, Most Awkward Interview Stories
How To Become a Teacher FAQs
What skills do you need to be a successful teacher?
Teachers need to be patient, kind, empathetic, and compassionate. They need a real passion for education and a willingness to work collaboratively with colleagues and families. Many teachers work long days, multitasking constantly and thinking on their feet, so they need to be organized and good at thinking flexibly. They also need to be comfortable speaking publicly and communicating one-on-one.
How long does it take to become a teacher?
If you follow the traditional path, becoming a certified or licensed teacher usually takes about four years through a college teacher prep program. However, there are alternative paths to certification or licensure in most states, especially for those changing careers to become teachers after earning a different college degree. Visit your state’s department of education website to learn their alternative paths to becoming a teacher.
Do you need a college degree to become a teacher?
Yes. To become a fully certified or licensed full-time public school teacher, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree. Private schools may not always require one, depending on the state, but they usually prefer candidates with degrees.
Do you have to major in education to teach?
Not necessarily. If you already have a degree in the subject area you plan to teach in, you can usually follow an alternative path, taking courses in educational pedagogy to help earn your certification.
Is teaching a good career choice right now?
In many places, there are big teacher shortages right now—this is especially true in fields like special education and STEM. But job prospects vary from location to location, so explore the anticipated needs in your area over the next few years to learn more.
It’s also important to understand the current challenges facing those working in the education field. Changes to education policies have caused funding shortages, and some teachers report more restrictions on what they can say and do in the classroom. The teaching environment can vary widely from state to state and school to school, so be sure to talk with local teachers to learn more about what it’s like to teach in your area currently.
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Have more questions about how to become a teacher? Check out our career advice page, with dozens more articles to explore!
Plus, check out The Big List of Teacher Discounts and Perks.
