5 answers
Bailey
Student
Greenwood, Arkansas
1
Question
Asked
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How to begin as a highschool student wanting to become a teacher taking college teaching courses?
I have a 2.7 gpa and plan to take the act soon and graduate a semester early.
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5 answers
Sachin Joshi
Software engineer
23
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Sachin’s Answer
It's wonderful that you're considering a career in teaching! Here are some steps and suggestions to help you pursue your goal of becoming a teacher:
Choose a Specialization: Decide on the subject or grade level you're passionate about teaching. Whether it's elementary education, middle school math, high school science, or a specific subject area, having a clear focus will guide your educational journey.
Excel in High School: Focus on your studies and strive for academic excellence. Good grades will open up more opportunities for scholarships and acceptance into teacher education programs. 2.7 GPA is good but not very impressive so try to take less courses but do better in each course instead of taking too many difficult courses.
Participate in Extracurricular Activities: Join clubs, sports, or organizations that align with your interests and demonstrate leadership skills. Many teacher education programs look for well-rounded individuals who can contribute to the school community.
Volunteer or Work with Children: Gain practical experience by volunteering or working with children. This could involve tutoring, coaching, mentoring, or assisting in after-school programs. This hands-on experience will give you valuable insights into working with students.
Take Education-Related Courses: If your high school offers education-related courses, consider taking them. Courses in psychology, child development, and education can provide a foundational understanding of teaching principles.
Explore Teaching Programs: Research teacher education programs at colleges or universities. Look for programs that have a strong reputation for producing effective educators. Consider factors like accreditation, faculty qualifications, and opportunities for practical experience.
Pursue Higher Education: Most teaching positions require at least a bachelor's degree in education or a related field. Some educators choose to pursue a master's degree for advanced career opportunities. Research the specific requirements for your chosen specialization and location.
Gain Teaching Certification: Depending on your location, you may need to obtain a teaching license or certification. This typically involves completing a teacher preparation program, passing exams, and fulfilling any other state-specific requirements.
Build a Strong Network: Connect with teachers, education professionals, and other students interested in teaching. Attend conferences, workshops, and education-related events to expand your network and learn from experienced educators.
Stay Informed about Education Trends: Keep yourself updated on current trends, research, and innovations in education. This will help you stay ahead of changes in the field and continually improve your teaching methods.
Remember that the path to becoming a teacher can vary based on your location and the level or subject you want to teach. It's essential to stay committed to your goal, seek guidance from experienced educators, and continuously strive to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Choose a Specialization
Excel in High School
Participate in Extracurricular Activities
Volunteer or Work with Children
Take Education-Related Courses
Choose a Specialization: Decide on the subject or grade level you're passionate about teaching. Whether it's elementary education, middle school math, high school science, or a specific subject area, having a clear focus will guide your educational journey.
Excel in High School: Focus on your studies and strive for academic excellence. Good grades will open up more opportunities for scholarships and acceptance into teacher education programs. 2.7 GPA is good but not very impressive so try to take less courses but do better in each course instead of taking too many difficult courses.
Participate in Extracurricular Activities: Join clubs, sports, or organizations that align with your interests and demonstrate leadership skills. Many teacher education programs look for well-rounded individuals who can contribute to the school community.
Volunteer or Work with Children: Gain practical experience by volunteering or working with children. This could involve tutoring, coaching, mentoring, or assisting in after-school programs. This hands-on experience will give you valuable insights into working with students.
Take Education-Related Courses: If your high school offers education-related courses, consider taking them. Courses in psychology, child development, and education can provide a foundational understanding of teaching principles.
Explore Teaching Programs: Research teacher education programs at colleges or universities. Look for programs that have a strong reputation for producing effective educators. Consider factors like accreditation, faculty qualifications, and opportunities for practical experience.
Pursue Higher Education: Most teaching positions require at least a bachelor's degree in education or a related field. Some educators choose to pursue a master's degree for advanced career opportunities. Research the specific requirements for your chosen specialization and location.
Gain Teaching Certification: Depending on your location, you may need to obtain a teaching license or certification. This typically involves completing a teacher preparation program, passing exams, and fulfilling any other state-specific requirements.
Build a Strong Network: Connect with teachers, education professionals, and other students interested in teaching. Attend conferences, workshops, and education-related events to expand your network and learn from experienced educators.
Stay Informed about Education Trends: Keep yourself updated on current trends, research, and innovations in education. This will help you stay ahead of changes in the field and continually improve your teaching methods.
Remember that the path to becoming a teacher can vary based on your location and the level or subject you want to teach. It's essential to stay committed to your goal, seek guidance from experienced educators, and continuously strive to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Sachin recommends the following next steps:
Michelle Dorsey
I am a 5th Grade Math teacher
3
Answers
Wilbraham, Massachusetts
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi Bailey! There are several things you can do. If you have a daycare or preschool around your high school looking for volunteers, I would try and see if you can spend some time there, even if early childhood education isn't the path you want to take, it will give you some experience. I would also try to take a psychology class online somewhere or even if your high school offers one as that would be helpful as well. I would also continue to keep up with your writing and reading as those are essential for any subject teacher. Know that teaching isn't easy, but it is so worth it when you see the changes you are making in students' lives and when they make small or big victories and you know you were apart of it - it is the most rewarding job!
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Woodstock, New York
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Bailey, there are several things you can and should be doing. If you haven't taken a psychology class, that would be very important, as you'll have to follow it up with other psychology classes, particularly child development. If possible you should be volunteering at a school or day care, or otherwise gaining experience working with children. In terms of academics, you need to be working on your writing, organizational and time management skills, as they're essential for teachers. The field of teaching isn't easy, and often the system works against good teachers, so it takes good preparation, commitment, creativity and love, but it can be extremely rewarding.
Suzanne Taylor
Experienced career coach and academic advisor
4
Answers
Tucson, Arizona
Updated
Suzanne’s Answer
Hi Bailey! It's wonderful that you're interested in becoming a teacher. I echo all of Sachin's advice. Each of those steps will be important to achieve your goal. I used to work as an academic advisor for Education majors so I'm happy to answer your questions about the curriculum/requirements once you graduate high school.
In particular, I want to emphasize academic achievement. It is important to improve your GPA so that you can be accepted into a 4-year undergraduate degree program for education. Additionally, there is a minimum GPA requirement that you need to earn and maintain once you're in college in order to become a teacher (the state where I worked required a minimum 2.75 GPA by the end of your second year). Keep in mind that college courses will be harder than your high school courses, so you want to start earning all As and Bs now to set yourself up for success in your undergraduate program.
Also, I do not recommend attending a community college/2-year degree program. Education degrees require very specific coursework that is usually not offered at a community college because those 2-year colleges do not award education degrees. I worked with so many students who took one or two years of courses at the community college, but we were only able to accept some of their courses because some didn't meet the specific degree requirements.
In particular, I want to emphasize academic achievement. It is important to improve your GPA so that you can be accepted into a 4-year undergraduate degree program for education. Additionally, there is a minimum GPA requirement that you need to earn and maintain once you're in college in order to become a teacher (the state where I worked required a minimum 2.75 GPA by the end of your second year). Keep in mind that college courses will be harder than your high school courses, so you want to start earning all As and Bs now to set yourself up for success in your undergraduate program.
Also, I do not recommend attending a community college/2-year degree program. Education degrees require very specific coursework that is usually not offered at a community college because those 2-year colleges do not award education degrees. I worked with so many students who took one or two years of courses at the community college, but we were only able to accept some of their courses because some didn't meet the specific degree requirements.
Louis Morgan-Cassamajor
Client Associate
6
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Louis’s Answer
Hi, Bailey -the responses that precede my own are spot on! Beyond working/volunteering in educational settings consider looking into any experiences involved with families and children. For me that was after school programs, domestic violence centers' children & youth programming, children's ministry, and nonprofits that focus on specific demographics such as LGBTQIA+ homeless youth.
Be considerate of how your past experiences (personal and professional) sharpen and engage skills conducive to educators and be sure to reflect those skills in your resume(s) and cover letter(s).
Be considerate of how your past experiences (personal and professional) sharpen and engage skills conducive to educators and be sure to reflect those skills in your resume(s) and cover letter(s).