I'm interested in becoming a TEACHER, preferably anywhere from grade 3-12. What must I do to start?

Question

I have no experience or educational background in teaching and youth activities, nor do I have any credentials at this moment. I just decided on this recently as a career change. Can anybody please help guide me (useful websites, approach, what is required of me)?

and also, I have a BA from art school but am now choosing to enter education field.

Answer 1

This depends upon your local school district. Where I teach, you can get "in" a few ways. 1. You get a degree in teaching, pass some tests, 2. You already have a degree in whatever, take a few required additional courses, pass a few tests, or 3. you already have a degree in whatever, get a master's degree in a particular content (art, math, elementary education), pass some tests. It is actually fairly hard to get into my school district (if you didn't do your student teaching here) as we are some of the highest paid teachers and in the top 5 performing school districts in the nation. However if you are certified in a needed area, male, or otherwise a minority, it is not as difficult.

Contact the board of education for the state you are in. They can tell you what you need to do to become certified. In my area, we are in such need of teachers in certain areas (i.e. math, science, special education) that our local school system will pay for your masters degree (books and all) and pay you as a substitute teacher while you attend night classes as long as you work for them for 3 years (I wish I had done that...I wouldn't have $20K in student loans!!!)

Also, you may want to look at the testing requirements for your state/county. Some areas require multiple tests whereas other only a few. One place to look on the internet is at the Praxis I/Praxis II exams for your state at Educational Testing Services (I think it is ETS.org???). There they will give you your state requirements, minimum passing score, and a handful of example test questions. You will have to pass some kinds of tests...this is all due to being "highly qualified" under No Child Left Behind act.

Answer 2

With the "No Child Left Behind" Act you will have to be highly qualified in your content area. Even if you decide to teach art or another subject area you will have to have some education courses to get certified to teach. Call your states Department of Education and ask them what courses you need to take. Also, you will have to take a test to get certified in the area you want to teach. I went to college to become a teacher, but I know some teachers that went through the program "Teach America"

Answer 3

Early Childhood Education includes birth-to the third grade. Secondary is fourth grade to high school.

If you have an Art degree you could go for your masters in education and also be lincensured. Check different programs at your local universities. Also contact the on line university of Phoenix.

Answer 4

Go to your state Department of Education website and find out what Alternative Teaching Certificate programs are available. If you have a bachelor's degree, you can tranition in to teaching by doing a prep program and taking the required state exams.

Answer 5

Start subbing and volunteering in schools as much as possible. This will help you confirm your choice and narrow down what age level. You should be able to find a 2 year program to get your certification since you already have a degree.
Curious how you suddenly decided this with no classroom experience.

Good luck!

Answer 6

I was a TEAcher for 39.5 years. Go to college. Observe in a classroom. Do you love children?? It's a comsuming job. You spend many hours outside the classroom working. It's not an 8 - 4 job. It requires alot of dedication.

Answer 7

If you already have a degree, stop by a local school and ask the principal. They should be happy to point you in the right direction to get certified. If you have not, you will need a degree and can get the additional information while there.