Every state requires public school teachers to be licensed or certified in the specific grade level they will teach. Teachers in private or charter schools may  not be required to be licensed.
Certification or licensure requirements for teachers vary by state but generally involve these points:
A bachelor’s degree with a minimum grade point average
A student-teaching or internship program
A successful background check
A general teaching certification test
“I always tell those interested in being certified that they need to talk to their certification officer at their state or school district for details,” LaCour says.
Search “teaching certification requirements in ” or visit your state’s department of education website to learn more.
LaCour recommends beginning as a substitute teacher to get a good look at the field.
“That is a great way for someone to just get a look at the aspects of the day-to-day life of a teacher to see if it is for them and to make an informed decision,” she says.