What is the credential process to become a teacher?

Teaching is a noble profession. There are several different paths to certification depending on where you live. I would suggest either calling or going down to the local university or community college if there is one nearby. The folks who work there are almost always extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Some states allow you to teach with a bachelor's degree in education. Other states require you to get a bachelors degree in another field and then either get a master's in education or go through some type of alternative certification program. Regardless of what path you take, you will spend time observing and participating in other teacher's classrooms. I would suggest sitting in on classes you see yourself teaching in the future.

Hi, Raeann: that's great that you want to be a teacher. We need really good teachers, especially in the sciences. So, if you want to teach in a public school you will probably need a teaching certificate, and eventually a masters degree if you want to become a master teacher. However, there are now many, many programs around the country that will hire people fresh out of college with no teaching certificate IF you want to teach a subject that's in high demand (probably math and science). They will hire you and expect you to become certified in a set period of time, or there will be programs that are more formal where you'll teach part time and go to school at the same time. I'm sure you've heard of Teach for America; that's one such program. There are lots of Teach for America type programs. Try this site: http://www.educationdegree.com/programs/alternative-teacher-certification/ or here's one about programs in CA: http://www.teachercertificationdegrees.com/certification/california-alternative/ and http://www.cateachercorps.org/alternative_certification/.

Then, you can look at independent (private) schools. They often hire new teachers that are not certified. They are not required to hire teachers with certifications, so have much more flexibility in whom they hire. They, too, have entry level teacher training programs. They do expect you have some tutoring and/or counseling experience.

So, to answer your questions specifically --
1. certification is regulated state by state
2. there are different certifications for each subject and/or grade level; there are even certifications for principals and superintendents
3. certification requires that you take specific courses and have some teacher training

So, you should definitely go for it because we need young teachers like you. Talk to your favorite teachers and ask them how they went about getting certified . . . also ask them what the love and hate about teaching. It's always good to get both sides of the story. Best of luck and keep asking questions.

Hi Raeann - The typical route to becoming a teacher is first to obtain a bachelors degree in an education program such as elementary education, secondary education (middle & high school), or in a subject matter such as Math Education, English Language Arts Education, Music Education. The types of degrees depend on the individual college you attend but degrees such as elementary education and special education are fairly common. In California, you can get a degree in a "single subject" or "multiple subject". As you finish your degree or shortly there-after, you will apply for licensure in the state where you want to teach. The licensure process is specific to the individual state but all require that you pass some type of test along with other requirements. Some colleges include some of this licensure process in their degree programs or at least recommend when to start the process. In California, after you have completed a California-approved teacher education program - your bachelor's degree- you will take the California Basic Educatiom Skills Test (CBEST) which has sections in reading, writing and math. There is lots of good info available about any states licensure program online (see links below). Another requirement is that you pass a basic course on the US Constitution OR pass a test about that subject matter. Again - some college programs may include a course as part of the program that meets this requirement. You may also be asked to complete a foundational computer technology course or again, this may be included in a college teacher prep program. Others are correct, in some areas or high need subjects like secondary science, math or special education, some people MAY get hired without licensure and then obtain licensure after they get hired. This is simply about supply and demand, as not as many people get degrees in math secondary education and can teach calculus and trig, as they get degrees in elementary education. So you are more marketable as a teacher in those high demand areas. Best of luck.