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Most schools will require you to have a bachelor's degree in your desired field of teaching in order to teach. Explore different schools you are interested in and check out their course catalogs and what they can offer you in regards to credentials for teachings. Some schools have programs that will place you in a student teaching position after you finish your courses. Your degree will vary on the age group you are teaching. Usually high school teachers obtain degrees in their subject like English, history, government, math, etc. and then go on to complete an educational program. A middle school or elementary teacher will often major in education with a focus on the area they want to teach in. Once you find a school with a good education or teaching program, sit down with a counselor to further discuss the courses and the benefits this program can bring you. Some schools will incorporate the teaching certification in their undergraduate classes, while others will require you to attend a teaching program post graduation. If your undergraduate degree didn't build this into your coursework, you'll need to attend a teaching program so that you can learn the fundamentals of education and teaching. These programs are offered at many universities, some online, and take anywhere from 12 to 24 months. Some states require you to take the first Praxis exam before entering into these programs. You will then take the second Praxis exam once you have completed your program. Praxis I is a basic test to determine if a teacher education program is a good fit for you. It will test you on your reading, math, and writing abilities. Praxis II is geared specifically towards your field of study and is what helps you gain your certification. In order to become a teacher, you will need certification in your specific area. If you are teaching a high school subject, you'll need to be certified in that subject. If you are teaching elementary or middle school you'll likely need a certification in your age group and focus such as middle school math and science. Many states administer the Praxis II exam after you go through a teacher education program. The specific requirements for licensure vary state by state. Make sure you research the requirements for the specific state you plan to teach in before you seek certification. Also, keep in mind that some certifications only work in some states. If you are certified in one state, you may not be able to teach in another. However, some states allow you to use your certification from another state to teach in that state. It could be helpful to review all of these requirements even before you obtain your bachelor's. Check the dates available for the standardized tests required for certification early. The availability of these tests vary widely from state to state. Procrastination could mean waiting a year or more after graduation to secure a teaching job if one or more standardized tests is required to teach in the location of your choice. Most state certification commissions allow the completion of standardized test requirements at any point in a teaching candidate's academic career. Almost all states require you to spend time in the classroom as a student teacher before entering as a full time, paid teacher. If you know that you want to teach in a specific school district or city, try to obtain an internship in that school district or one similar so you'll have a better idea what teaching might be like. Your teaching program or undergraduate program will often help you locate a school to student teach in. Keep in mind that these internships are usually unpaid and you will be spending the same amount of time in a classroom as a teacher, meaning a full school day, five days a week. You will often student teach for one class and work with that teacher to prepare lesson plans and learn from the teacher. This certification goes beyond your licensure and gives you the opportunity to demonstrate that you have exceptional knowledge in your specific subject field. Gaining this certification has its benefits in that you have greater opportunities for advancement, and many schools will pay you a higher salary and give you compensation for continuing your education. Certification is offered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Gaining this certification can also make the ease to higher positions like counselors, administrators, and specialists easier. Graduate school isn't usually necessary to become a teacher in a public school (although some schools may require it). However, it provides many benefits. A master's degree may help you stand out amongst other job applicants. It also allows you better mobility, meaning you can go on to become an administrator or reach a higher level at your school. Schools will often pay higher salaries to teachers with master's as well. Before you pursue a master's degree, think about your career ambitions. If you are content with your salary and teaching position you may decide a graduate program isn't worth the work. However, if you have a desire to move up in your school district, whether that is to become a counselor, work as an administrator or principal, or work in curriculum development, you may want to look into a master's degree. Some school districts will compensate their employees for pursuing further education. Talk with your school district and see what benefits they can offer you. A master's degree also allows teachers to work at community colleges or teach college level courses at their school in many states. Teaching dual credit courses can also increase your salary.
Earn a Bachelor's degree. Attend a teacher education program. Gain certification. Student teach. Look into National Board Certification. Consider graduate school.