2 answers
shirley
Student
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY
1
Question
Asked
375 views
What was your path like to being a teacher?
I want to be a teacher but I'm not sure if I am suited for the job
Login to comment
2 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1350
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Shirley whether you’d like to teach elementary, middle school, high school, or special education, their are several requirements you must be met to earn a teaching credential. The Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) sets the standards for teacher licensing and accreditation.
STEP 1 - The minimum education requirement for teacher certification is a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. You must also complete a teacher preparation program approved by the CTC.
STEP 2 - Complete your student teaching requirements. Student teaching is a required component of CTC-approved teacher education programs. These are obligated to provide a minimum of 600 hours of field experience within the duration of the program. However, the types of experiences offered and the length of time you spend in each classroom vary by program. You may participate in traditional student teaching, co-teaching, a teacher residency, or intern teaching to accrue hands-on classroom experience
STEP 3 - Pass the teacher certification tests. Each state requires specific certification exams for a Preliminary Credential, skills in reading, writing, and math. Depending on the type of certification you’re pursuing, you’ll have to pass the corresponding subject matter assessments. Candidates for the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential must take the CSET Multiple Subjects Exam. Candidates applying for a Single Subject Teaching Credential must pass the specific CSET exam for the subject in which they’re seeking certification.
Generally speaking Shirley, it takes about four to five years to become a teacher. This timeline represents the time required to complete the minimum qualification for the teaching profession at an elementary, middle school, or
at the high school level.
STEP 1 - The minimum education requirement for teacher certification is a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. You must also complete a teacher preparation program approved by the CTC.
STEP 2 - Complete your student teaching requirements. Student teaching is a required component of CTC-approved teacher education programs. These are obligated to provide a minimum of 600 hours of field experience within the duration of the program. However, the types of experiences offered and the length of time you spend in each classroom vary by program. You may participate in traditional student teaching, co-teaching, a teacher residency, or intern teaching to accrue hands-on classroom experience
STEP 3 - Pass the teacher certification tests. Each state requires specific certification exams for a Preliminary Credential, skills in reading, writing, and math. Depending on the type of certification you’re pursuing, you’ll have to pass the corresponding subject matter assessments. Candidates for the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential must take the CSET Multiple Subjects Exam. Candidates applying for a Single Subject Teaching Credential must pass the specific CSET exam for the subject in which they’re seeking certification.
Generally speaking Shirley, it takes about four to five years to become a teacher. This timeline represents the time required to complete the minimum qualification for the teaching profession at an elementary, middle school, or
at the high school level.
Rafael Diaz Montelongo
Consultant
235
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
I'm not a teacher myself, but I can still give you some info on becoming one. So, to start off, most people who want to become teachers get a bachelor's degree in education or a specific subject. After that, they usually go through a teacher preparation program or get certified. It's super important to really love education, enjoy working with students, and be good at communicating and staying organized. If you're not sure if teaching is your thing, you can try hanging out in classrooms, talking to experienced teachers, or even doing some tutoring or mentoring to see if it clicks with you. Take some time to think about what you're good at, what you're interested in, and what matters to you to figure out if teaching lines up with your goals and dreams.