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How do I become a teacher?

I am from J B Nagar bengaluru in India, and I am interested in becoming a teacher. #teaching #teacher #professional #teach #career #career-counseling

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Rachel’s Answer

It really depends what type of teacher you would like to be. However the main pathways are generally the same and the options vary but go along the same lines.


  1. You need to graduate high school.
  2. You need to attend a college/university and earn a four- year B.A. degree. You will want to get a bachelors degree in the subject-matter that you want to teach, this makes certification in your state and subject-area feasible. You may opt to minor or double-major in education. You do not need to have a bachelors in education to be a teacher. I would suggest getting a bachelors degree in the subject you would like to teach. (for example: I am an English teacher, I majored in English literature and now have a bachelors in English).
  3. Once you graduate college with your bachelors degree you have a few options:

A. Go directly to Graduate school and obtain your masters in the area of teaching/education you want to teach (ie. Masters of Education, Masters of Teaching, Masters of Secondary English, Masters of Teaching in Secondary English, Masters of Teaching in Elementary, Masters of Special Education etc.). You may also opt to get a masters degree in the subject-are you wish to teach. However, while in graduate school you must obtain a masters degree in some variation of teaching/education. So you will have either a MAT (Masters of Teaching) or MED (Masters of Education). Most graduate schools have one of the two programs and offer a variation depending on the subject (ie. Masters of Teaching in Secondary English or Masters of Education in Secondary English). This option is ussually a fifth year pathway that allows you to student teach at a school while earning your masters degree.

B. You can apply to an Alternative Route to Certification (if you state has options/offers this). This would look like a program like TeachForAmerica, AmeriCorps TutorCorps, or other Teacher Residency Programs (ie. KIPP Teaching Fellows, MATCH Schools, or charter schools that offer Teacher Resident positions. Look up the options in your state or the options available if state is not a boundary for you. During the year or two-year commitment of these programs you would typically also have classes or being earning a masters degree. This option is for teachers who want to start working directly after they graduate college. Some programs lead to Certification in your state and others lead to BOTH Certification and a Masters Degree. The ARC programs lead to 90 day certifications, which then lead to Initial Educator Certification OR Resident Teacher Certification (ALL are pathways to FULL certification in your state).


  1. Regardless of which route you take you will need to take the certification exams in your state. MOST states, including CT (which is the information I know because it is my state) require the PRAXIS exams. You will need to research certification requirements within your own state for more information. However, while you are earning your masters (or after you have earned your bachelors) you will want to also prepare for and take the PRAXIS Core (which can be waived if your SAT/ACT scores are high enough) and the PRAXIS II which cannot be waived and MUST be passed for certification.
  2. Once you have obtained your Bachelors degree AND Masters degree AND Passed your state certification exams AND done some form of students teaching (whether that is during college or in a residency program) you can then:
  3. Go to your state board of education website and complete your certification information.
  4. Then, you can APPLY as a LEAD teacher in the area you are certified.

MOST pathways take 4-6 years. You will be able to start your first year of teaching as a lead teacher generally in year 5 or 6.

This professional recommends the following next steps:

  • Earn a bachelors degree in the subject area you would like to teach in AND or a bachelors in Education.
  • Decide if you want to do a teaching Residency program like Teach For America or if you would like to go straight to graduate school to earn your masters degree.
  • Apply to Graduate schools and Teaching Residency programs. During your senior year of college.
  • Begin your first year of grad school or teaching residency.
  • Earn your Masters degree in Education or Teaching, in the area you would like to teach in.
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Tanya’s Answer

Hi Chandra,

The normal way is you would go to college and major in education.

Best,

Tanya
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pushpendra’s Answer

Hello,

To become a teacher you must have knowledge of the subject you want to study. For the secondary school teacher the candidates are required to have post graduation degree while for the college or university lecturer candidates must have PhD or NET certificate.

The NET Exam is conducted for the Science stream candidates and other subjects differently. The Science stream candidates can apply for the CSIR NET while the commerce arts and other stream candidates can appear for the UGC NET Exam.

UGC NET is a National level exam, which is conducted for the determination of the candidates for the lectureship and award of JRF.

Check the your eligibility criteria and other information for the teacher or professor in your subject and apply according to the UGC Norms.

All the best for the future ahead.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hey there, Chandra!

If you're passionate about education and yearning to make a positive difference in students' lives, teaching could be a rewarding and fulfilling career path for you. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand the process of becoming a teacher, including the qualifications, education, certifications, and hands-on experience you'll need.

1. Choose your Teaching Specialization:
Before you set off on your journey to becoming a teacher, it's crucial to decide the subject or grade level you're interested in teaching. This could range from early childhood education to high school subjects like math, science, social studies, or languages. Knowing your area of interest will guide you in choosing the right educational path and certifications.

2. Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Education or a Related Field:
To get certified as a teacher, most education systems require you to have at least a bachelor's degree in education or a related field. This degree equips future teachers with essential knowledge and skills in teaching methods, curriculum development, classroom management, and assessment techniques. Make sure to choose an accredited institution that offers an education program that aligns with your teaching specialization.

3. Enroll in a Teacher Preparation Program:
Alongside earning a bachelor's degree, many future teachers also need to complete a teacher preparation program. These programs offer hands-on training and practical experience in real classrooms, under the guidance of seasoned educators. You'll also study educational psychology, instructional strategies, lesson planning, and student assessment.

4. Get your Teaching Certification/License:
After finishing your education and teacher preparation program, you'll need to get a teaching certification or license to work in your chosen location. The exact requirements for this certification can vary, but generally, you'll need to pass standardized exams that test your understanding of teaching principles and subject-specific content. Some places might also require background checks and fingerprinting.

5. Gain Hands-on Experience:
To polish your teaching skills and boost your chances of getting hired, it's vital to gain practical experience. Many teacher preparation programs include a student teaching component, allowing you to work in real classrooms under the supervision of experienced mentors. Volunteering or working as a substitute teacher can also provide valuable experience and help you build connections in the education field.

6. Keep Learning:
Once you're a certified teacher, keep up with the latest teaching methods, educational research, and advancements in your subject area by engaging in ongoing professional development. Attending workshops, conferences, and online courses can help you improve your teaching skills and broaden your knowledge.

7. Start your Job Hunt:
With your qualifications and certifications in hand, it's time to look for teaching positions. Use online job boards, education-specific websites, and local school district websites to find openings. Craft a compelling resume that showcases your education, certifications, practical experience, and any other relevant skills or achievements. Customize your application materials for each job and be ready for interviews and demonstration lessons.

8. Keep Growing:
As a teacher, there are plenty of opportunities to grow and advance in your career. You might decide to pursue advanced degrees in education or specialize in a particular area of teaching. You could also explore leadership roles within schools or districts, mentorship programs, curriculum development positions, or educational consulting.

Remember, the specific requirements and processes for becoming a teacher can vary depending on where you are. It's always a good idea to research the regulations and guidelines set by the educational authorities in your area.

Here are the top 5 authoritative references for further information:

1. National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) - www.nctq.org
2. U.S. Department of Education - www.ed.gov
3. Teach.org - www.teach.org
4. American Federation of Teachers (AFT) - www.aft.org
5. National Education Association (NEA) - www.nea.org
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