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How do i get into being a teacher freshly out of highschool ?
I would love to be a history teacher but Im scared of the process since I dont know much about it.
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4 answers
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Von!
First off, I love that you want to be a history teacher! The world needs more passionate educators who actually care about their students. And I totally get being scared of the process—I was in the same boat when I first started teaching.
Let me tell you a little secret... I cried on my first day. Yep. Straight-up freaked out. I looked at a room full of tiny humans and my control was not good, so the thought hits, Oh no, I’m responsible for their future. I think I am gonna ruin them? What if I accidentally teach them that Napoleon was 10 feet tall or something?! But guess what, It got easier. Way easier. You learn, you adapt, and one day you realize… Wait, I actually know what I’m doing! 😅 And if it wasn't for their so naughtiness I wouldn't have gone through research to find how to control them..... 😎.... I mean keep them seated.
And honestly, if you love teaching, you WILL succeed. I’ve met teachers who were only in it for the paycheck, and let’s just say… you can tell. The best teachers? They’re the ones who truly enjoy the process—the chaos, the funny moments, the lightbulb moments when a student finally gets it. Man I love their excitements when that bulb would click, always made me smile!
So, ofcourse, how do you get there?
Here’s my step-by-step don't wanna make it an essay so..... (California edition since you’re in SF!)
First, Get a Bachelor’s Degree
Doesn’t have to be in Education! Since you want to teach history, major in History or Social Science.
Some colleges offer blended programs where you can get your teaching credential while earning your degree (this saves time!).
Then Complete a Teacher Preparation Program.
You’ll need a teaching credential to teach in public schools. This usually includes coursework + student teaching.
California has approved programs here.
Third you will have to Pass the Required Exams
CBEST (Basic Skills) – Tests reading, writing, math.
CSET (Subject Exam) – Since you want to teach history, you’d take the Social Science CSET.
TPA (Teacher Performance Assessment) – Demonstrates your ability to teach effectively.
And then Apply for Your Credential & Start Teaching!
Once you finish your program and pass exams, you can apply for your preliminary credential and start applying for jobs! 🙌
Uhhh..... But what can you do RIGHT Now? 🤔
Since you’re just out of high school, start to get experience and build confidence before jumping into college.
Tutor – Help younger students with history. This gets you comfortable explaining concepts!
Substitute Teaching Assistant – Some schools hire assistants without full credentials. I was a substitute teacher for science and English before I hit uni after school.
Teach English Online – Platforms like VIPKid let you teach international students.There are so many possibilities.
Volunteer at Schools or Museums – Helps you get classroom or education-related experience. And trust me they love volunteers.
Some Tips From me... The Someone Who’s Been There
Your first week or month even year will be chaos, and that’s okay. No teacher starts out perfect. You’ll get through it.
Classroom management is key. Those little demons? They respect confidence. Set clear rules, but keep it fun.
Students will test you. One time a kid asked me if I was “alive during World War II.” I was 18! Eight...teen.
And remember, History can be FUN! Use memes, storytelling, debates—don’t just lecture. History is basically the world's greatest drama series—give them the Game of Thrones version. I was giving general studies and that's basically mixed history along... And I remember how bored my students were to listen to history, what I did? I made the role play, or even just made them dress like the history topic we were gonna go through, so when they were dressed as so they would be engaged more excitingly and it made it so much easier. Believe me i finished my teacher assignments for my class before time, students aced it! Remember fun is a key factor in school (and life) ! 😉
Final Wisdom Bomb 😎 Yep Mine!
"A good teacher is like a candle—it consumes itself to light the way for others." 🌹, I was told this by my principle the day I was leaving and well, I did have some issues so when she said this, it lighted my smile, even cried. It is so true. I never understood what teacher actually go through until I was in their shoes Von. But I also understood how much they love us, even that grumpy ones a hug will make all the difference to them! 😊
Teaching is rewarding, hilarious, frustrating, inspiring, and at times, absolutely ridiculous. But if you love it, you will thrive. I belive in you girl, and if you know this is the one, then You got this, Von! If you ever need advice along the way, reach out! I had be a thousand times happy to guide you! Stay blessed! 🤗
First off, I love that you want to be a history teacher! The world needs more passionate educators who actually care about their students. And I totally get being scared of the process—I was in the same boat when I first started teaching.
Let me tell you a little secret... I cried on my first day. Yep. Straight-up freaked out. I looked at a room full of tiny humans and my control was not good, so the thought hits, Oh no, I’m responsible for their future. I think I am gonna ruin them? What if I accidentally teach them that Napoleon was 10 feet tall or something?! But guess what, It got easier. Way easier. You learn, you adapt, and one day you realize… Wait, I actually know what I’m doing! 😅 And if it wasn't for their so naughtiness I wouldn't have gone through research to find how to control them..... 😎.... I mean keep them seated.
And honestly, if you love teaching, you WILL succeed. I’ve met teachers who were only in it for the paycheck, and let’s just say… you can tell. The best teachers? They’re the ones who truly enjoy the process—the chaos, the funny moments, the lightbulb moments when a student finally gets it. Man I love their excitements when that bulb would click, always made me smile!
So, ofcourse, how do you get there?
Here’s my step-by-step don't wanna make it an essay so..... (California edition since you’re in SF!)
First, Get a Bachelor’s Degree
Doesn’t have to be in Education! Since you want to teach history, major in History or Social Science.
Some colleges offer blended programs where you can get your teaching credential while earning your degree (this saves time!).
Then Complete a Teacher Preparation Program.
You’ll need a teaching credential to teach in public schools. This usually includes coursework + student teaching.
California has approved programs here.
Third you will have to Pass the Required Exams
CBEST (Basic Skills) – Tests reading, writing, math.
CSET (Subject Exam) – Since you want to teach history, you’d take the Social Science CSET.
TPA (Teacher Performance Assessment) – Demonstrates your ability to teach effectively.
And then Apply for Your Credential & Start Teaching!
Once you finish your program and pass exams, you can apply for your preliminary credential and start applying for jobs! 🙌
Uhhh..... But what can you do RIGHT Now? 🤔
Since you’re just out of high school, start to get experience and build confidence before jumping into college.
Tutor – Help younger students with history. This gets you comfortable explaining concepts!
Substitute Teaching Assistant – Some schools hire assistants without full credentials. I was a substitute teacher for science and English before I hit uni after school.
Teach English Online – Platforms like VIPKid let you teach international students.There are so many possibilities.
Volunteer at Schools or Museums – Helps you get classroom or education-related experience. And trust me they love volunteers.
Some Tips From me... The Someone Who’s Been There
Your first week or month even year will be chaos, and that’s okay. No teacher starts out perfect. You’ll get through it.
Classroom management is key. Those little demons? They respect confidence. Set clear rules, but keep it fun.
Students will test you. One time a kid asked me if I was “alive during World War II.” I was 18! Eight...teen.
And remember, History can be FUN! Use memes, storytelling, debates—don’t just lecture. History is basically the world's greatest drama series—give them the Game of Thrones version. I was giving general studies and that's basically mixed history along... And I remember how bored my students were to listen to history, what I did? I made the role play, or even just made them dress like the history topic we were gonna go through, so when they were dressed as so they would be engaged more excitingly and it made it so much easier. Believe me i finished my teacher assignments for my class before time, students aced it! Remember fun is a key factor in school (and life) ! 😉
Final Wisdom Bomb 😎 Yep Mine!
"A good teacher is like a candle—it consumes itself to light the way for others." 🌹, I was told this by my principle the day I was leaving and well, I did have some issues so when she said this, it lighted my smile, even cried. It is so true. I never understood what teacher actually go through until I was in their shoes Von. But I also understood how much they love us, even that grumpy ones a hug will make all the difference to them! 😊
Teaching is rewarding, hilarious, frustrating, inspiring, and at times, absolutely ridiculous. But if you love it, you will thrive. I belive in you girl, and if you know this is the one, then You got this, Von! If you ever need advice along the way, reach out! I had be a thousand times happy to guide you! Stay blessed! 🤗
Thank you so much for this! It really comforted my stress about my future!
Von
Thanks, Von! You just added a little extra sparkle to my day! Keep doing your thing and let’s keep spreading those good vibes—sometimes all it takes is one small gesture to make a big difference.
Dr H
Aww Von, your message truly warmed my heart! 🌟
I'm so, so happy it brought you some comfort, you absolutely deserve to feel excited (not stressed) about your future. And I am cheering for you all the way Von , never stop believing in yourself buddy.
Dr H
Updated
Hassan’s Answer
https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/roadmap-to-teaching/becoming-a-teacher-in-california/pathways-to-credentialing outlines 4 ways to becoming a certified teacher in California and all of them require a Bachelors Degree.
If you know you want to become a teacher then doing the Teacher cert while getting your degree would be the fastest path. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/commission/reports/data/approved-institutions-and-programs has the list of approved Approved Institutions and Programs and includes 32 public Universities and 51 private Colleges.
If you know you want to become a teacher then doing the Teacher cert while getting your degree would be the fastest path. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/commission/reports/data/approved-institutions-and-programs has the list of approved Approved Institutions and Programs and includes 32 public Universities and 51 private Colleges.
Thank you for the advice, Hassan.
Mina
Updated
Charnelle’s Answer
Hello,
I was thinking you can be a tutor or an English speaking teacher to kids overseas. It is important to get your education though, best of luck.
CSL
I was thinking you can be a tutor or an English speaking teacher to kids overseas. It is important to get your education though, best of luck.
CSL
Thanks for your encouragement!
Mina
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Hi Von,
Dr. H's response provides a detailed overview of the usual steps to become a teacher. However, many states also have an alternative certification route. This option is for people with a lot of experience in the subject they want to teach and who wish to start teaching soon. Keep in mind, this path offers less structured support—there's no student teaching and limited theory instruction. But if you already have some teaching experience or deep knowledge of your subject, it could be a great fit. It worked well for me!
Dr. H's response provides a detailed overview of the usual steps to become a teacher. However, many states also have an alternative certification route. This option is for people with a lot of experience in the subject they want to teach and who wish to start teaching soon. Keep in mind, this path offers less structured support—there's no student teaching and limited theory instruction. But if you already have some teaching experience or deep knowledge of your subject, it could be a great fit. It worked well for me!
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Mina