In some schools, two or more teachers work as a team and are jointly responsible for a group of students in at least one subject. In other schools, a teacher may teach one special subject. A small but growing number of teachers instruct multilevel classrooms. All 50 states require public school teachers to be certified. All states also require a bachelor s degree and completion of an approved teacher training program with a prescribed number of subject and education credits and supervised practice teaching.
Many states require teachers to obtain a master s degree in education.
Almost all states require applicants for teachers certification to be tested for competency in basic skills such as reading and writing, teaching skills or subject matter proficiency. It s important to have the ability to communicate, inspire trust and confidence and motivate students as well as understand their educational and emotional needs. The job market for teachers varies widely among states and school districts. Overall employment of kindergarten, elementary, and secondary school teachers is expected to increase faster then the average for all occupations through the year 2005. The supply of teachers also is expected to increase in response to reports of improved job prospects, more teacher involvement in school policy, and greater public interest in education.