Thursday, November 24, 2011

Why and How To Be A Teacher

Becoming a teacher is not an easy decision. It's not a job full of financial glory or much appreciation at times. However, it is one of the most rewarding careers that anyone could ever have. The purpose of this blog is to walk you through some relatively common steps a person would have to take to become a teacher. Let's explore two questions: How to be a teacher, and, Why be a teacher?


Minimum Requirements

No matter which state you live in, there are some common, core, and  fundamental requirements in order to become a teacher. The first requirement is that you must have Bachelor's Degree (B.A., B.S). Most school districts view a bachelor's degree as the minimum requirement in showing mastery in a particular field. If you do not have a B.A. or a B.S. degree, it is never too late to earn one. Bachelors Degree - CollegeandUniversity.net has over 150 schools that offer Bachelors Degrees.


How to Be A Teacher

If you have already earned bachelor's degree, then hopefully, you were so passionate about the content of the degree that you are now wanting to pass all of this wonderful knowledge on. However, one thing that stop some people at the door when they move to the next step is their reputation. Because you will be working with children, most states and school districts will scrutinize your past. If there are any criminal, legal, or financial proceedings against you, you may want to clear those up first before moving on.

If your reputation is relatively clean, usually the next step is to pass a basic state test of educational achievement and/or of content knowledge. For instance the State of California has the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) as well as the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) as two exams to prove mastery of basic skills and content knowledge. Passing exams like these are normally requirements in entering and exiting you from the next step, the credential process.

Earning a Teaching Credential

If you do not have a teaching credential, then you must ask yourself three questions: 1) Do I really want to teach? 2) Am I willing to continue my personal education? 3) Am I willing to give a little now to earn more later? If you can say yes to all of these, then continue on! And what's important to think about next is the type of teaching credential that you wish to peruse. Do you want to be a special education teacher or a general education teacher? Do you want to teach at the elementary, middle, or high school level? What content area matches your credential best? These questions will help you focus your efforts.

Once you have answered these questions, please visit the state Education site for the stay you plan to teach in for additional information.

And once you have decided what areas match your passion for teaching, then you must find a good teaching credential program. Some programs are much more expensive than others, some are offered online, some have a Master's Degree built into the curriculum, and some will allow you to teach with good pay while you are earning your credential. CollegeandUniversity.net features top online universities and campus-based colleges in your area. Enroll today.

The average credential program will take about two full school years to complete. And there are always various forms of financial aid to see you through financially, including loans that are forgivable as well as grants. Search for student loans from competing lenders at SimpleTuition

Landing a Teaching Position 

Whether you are fully credentialed or still in the credentialing process, the day that you land a teaching position will feel magical! You will be clear to help shape the minds of tomorrow through the gifts and talents you bring to your classroom. What is important however is that you attempt to apply to school districts and schools that match your philosophical and ideological values. You will be a much more effective teacher working in an environment in which you are comfortable. And ultimately, go for the job you want. Make sure to have friends, family, or professionals read over your resumes and letters of intent. Brush up on your interview skills and practice using active listening and concise speaking during interviews. And most of all, be honest, be yourself when applying to teaching positions.

Why Teach ?


So the big question: Why Teach? The only answer to question is that you strongly believe that you have knowledge of and love a content area or areas to the point that you find enjoyment sharing this knowledge with others. Teaching can be TOUGH, and if you do not have a passion for what you are teaching neither you nor your students will benefit from  your lack of passion and you and they will give up! And if you do feel as if you have a passion for teaching, don't delay! Follow the steps above right away and contribute wholeheartedly to society!

1 comment:

  1. I always found that this helped me become a teacher and a good one too http://howtofixstuff.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-to-become-teacher.html

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