Take more classes in your desired subject area than required as a way to prepare for your teaching career. For example, if you want to teach math, you could take 4 years of math even though 3 are required. In the United States, you can join Future Teachers of America while you’re in high school. Talk to your school’s club adviser to find out how to join your school’s branch.
Many colleges and universities offer 2 degree tracks for certain majors, 1 for education and 1 for non-education. For example, the English department may offer English and English Education as separate degree plans. Some colleges and universities offer a degree in secondary education, with an emphasis in your subject area. This can help you learn the skills you need to teach the material rather than just mastering the subject area. [4] X Research source Talk to your academic advisor about your desire to teach so that you can start taking classes related to education.
On average, these programs take 12-24 months to complete. [5] X Research source You may be able to enroll in a Teacher Preparation Program in your sophomore or junior year of college. [6] X Research source You can find out the state teacher certification requirements for your state here: http://www. teaching-certification. com/teaching-certification-requirements. html. It’s often easier to earn your degree in the state you wish to teach. If you are going to school in a different state, talk to your academic adviser about what steps you should take to ensure you’ll be able to attain your teaching certificate in the state you wish to teach.
The length of your teaching internship will depend on the requirements of your school. Some schools may only require a semester, while others may require a year. [7] X Research source Teaching internships are also called “student teaching” by some. Make the most of your internship by asking plenty of questions, trying out different ways of doing things, and taking the advice of the teacher who is acting as your mentor. Your internship will likely be unpaid. Try to keep in touch with the professional relationships you make during your internship—these are people who can help you throughout your career. [8] X Expert Source Alyson Garrido, PCCCareer Coach Expert Interview. 24 January 2020.
You will work under a mentor teacher while you complete educational courses. Because it’s an accelerated program, expect to spend much of your time working and completing your teaching courses. [9] X Research source If you are enrolled in an alternative certification program, you may teach under a probationary certificate for up to two years while you work toward your certification. However, you will need a school to sponsor your temporary certification.
Look for preparation materials online or at local bookstores. Your state’s education agency may even provide free test-prep supplies. The costs of these tests vary by state. For example, certification tests in Texas cost $131 per test. Most tests are given throughout the year, but some may have a limited offering, depending on your state’s schedule. Check the calendar early so that you are able to secure your testing spot in time to meet your goals.
You will need to go through a background check in order to receive your license. As part of this process, you will likely be fingerprinted. You will pay a fee to attain your teaching license, which will vary by state. Your Teacher Preparation Program or alternative certification program may assist you in applying for your license. You will need to pass all programs and tests before you apply for your license. Some private schools do not require you to have a teaching license.
If you cannot find a peer tutoring program, you could try to recruit a few tutoring clients on your own. Start by offering your services for free, but if you do a good job tutoring, you may be able to earn extra money that way. It’s best to start tutoring as soon as you decide you want to be a teacher. This will help you gain more experience and find out if teaching others is the right job for you.
Work with scouting programs. Volunteer at a girls’ or boys’ haven. Mentor younger students. Help out with your religious organization’s youth program. Become a camp counselor.
Check the websites of your local school districts for information on how to apply to be a tutor. Some schools will ask you to fill out an online application and come for an interview. Others may use other hiring processes. While you’re subbing, ask the teachers in the classrooms near yours for advice about teaching.
This will also help you in your interview, as you can answer specifically about that school’s culture and needs. If your school does not have a website, check with your state’s education agency.
For example, private, charter, and magnet schools all have tougher entrance requirements and may expel students who cause problems. However, they may also want educators who have more experience and/or meet a certain code of conduct. Private schools, for example, may have religious requirements.
Keep the “education” portion of your resume at the top within your first 5 years of graduating college. As you gain more work experience, you can move this section to the bottom. [13] X Expert Source Alyson Garrido, PCCCareer Coach Expert Interview. 24 January 2020. You may even want to include a section detailing your experience with high school-aged children if you don’t have much of a work history. When you explain the work you have done in the past, try to focus on how it connects to teaching. For example, tell how you presented information, taught new skills to other coworkers, assisted members of the public, or communicated well with others. If you are still working toward your license or certification, state that it is “in progress” and the date when you will complete it.
After you apply, you’ll go through several interviews before getting accepted. If you make it to the final interview, you will develop and give a sample lesson. While the program chooses the school where you’re placed, you can pick your preferred cities and subjects. This option is only available in the United States, but there may be similar programs available in your country.
