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In order to work in a public school in the United States, would-be teachers must first obtain licensure. Each of the 50 states has different requirements for obtaining a teacher's license. For instance, the requirements for an elementary school teacher in Washington State are different than Ohio's teaching requirements. However, most mandate the completion of a teacher education program such as a bachelor's degree program in education and the passage of a state-administered exam. Supervised teaching experience, often gained through teaching internships, is also typically required. Once licensed, teachers may then be required to participate in periodic testing or continuing education courses in order to maintain their license and continue teaching in their state.

What Degree Do You Need To Be A Teacher?

Every aspiring K-12 educator can enroll in a 4-year bachelor's degree program in education to become a teacher. Individuals who are interested in teaching in middle or secondary school typically also major in the subject that they wish to eventually teach, such as music, mathematics, history, biology, or English. For example, an aspiring math teacher would take advanced math courses in addition to educational courses, such as implementing technology into a curriculum.

Prospective elementary school teachers often take a slightly different path in preparing for a career as a teacher. They can enroll in elementary or early childhood education degree programs that focus on foundations of education and educational psychology, while providing instruction in each of the various subjects taught in grades K-8.

Employment Outlook & Salary Info

Licensure Requirements

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for kindergarten, elementary, and middle school teachers should increase by 3% over the 2018-2028 decade, while high school teaching jobs are expected to grow by 4% during that same period of time. The BLS also reports average annual salaries for teachers ranged from $58,370 for kindergarten teachers to $64,340 for high school teachers in 2018. The average annual salary for middle school teachers was $62,030, and for elementary school teachers it was $62,200.

To become a teacher you need at least a bachelor's degree in education or the subject you want to teach, and you must also meet any state licensing requirements.

Advantages Of Becoming A Teacher

Thinking about entering the world of teaching? Here are 9 advantages to becoming a teacher!

#1 - Share Your Passion

Teaching will give you a platform to share your passion and expertise with others. As you study to become a teacher, you'll also have the opportunity to further hone your skills and develop advanced training.

#2 - Inspire Others

Becoming a teacher will also allow you to play an active role in inspiring others. As you share your knowledge and attention with your students, you'll influence who and what they become – not only in the professional realm, but also personally.

Imagine what your future students might go on to achieve and share with the world. Will they seek to meet the needs of those around them, confronting poverty with compassion? Or might your students one day become the scientists who cure AIDS or cancer? As a teacher, your influence over your students, and ultimately the future, is infinite.

#3 - Make a Real Difference

Teachers also have the opportunity to make a significant difference in the world by touching the lives of their students. For some of the children who enter your classroom, you may be the only one who believes in them and encourages them to do their best. In this way, you can change a child's life for the better, each and every day.

#4 - Do Things Differently

Think back to when you were in school - what are some of the things that you would do differently, today, as an educator? Would you be careful about helping each student discover his or her talents? Would you take more time to listen? Would you give more second chances? As a professional educator, you can incorporate some of the positive changes that you wish you had experienced in the classroom as a child.

#5 - Change the Future of Education

As a teacher, you'll also have the opportunity to influence the future of the field of education. At some point, most exceptional educators are either formally or informally asked to mentor newer staff members. In this way, you can share your expertise and wisdom, while also impacting all of the students that will eventually have that new colleague as a teacher.

#6 - A Community of Educators

Within your school, you'll work alongside many qualified educators. By fostering an environment of creativity, professionalism, and sharing, you'll have the opportunity to be part of a vibrant learning community.

#7 - Ideal Work Hours

Many educators find the convenience of being done with school by 3:00 or 4:00 pm to be quite appealing, not to mention the benefit of having summers off.

#8 - Fresh Start Every Year

Because you'll most likely have an entirely new group of students each Fall, you'll find that each new school year holds different joys and challenges. You'll most likely find that within the field of education, you'll never be bored!

#9 - A Dynamic Field

Trends in education are constantly changing, so if you're a person who enjoys adapting and growing over time, then you'll be well-suited for continuously learning about and incorporating new trends in the field of teaching.

Courses in a typical bachelor's degree program in education include student assessment methods, instructional strategies, multiculturalism, and human development. Students complete class work that combines both individual assignments and group projects. Courses may also cover topics in educational technology and communication principles. Most bachelor's degree programs in education also require students to complete some type of practical fieldwork, usually an internship, at a local school where they work directly under the supervision of a licensed teacher.

Teaching Major Program Coursework