Summarize this article in one sentence.
If you are still in high school, you can join a club for future teachers. You can also take a more active role in your school by becoming a peer tutor, starting a club, joining student council, or running for an officer position. Some schools even allow students to be teacher's assistants. If you've already graduated, you can volunteer at a high school, shadow a teacher, or become a substitute teacher. Take more classes in your desired subject area than required as a way to prepare for your teaching career. For example, if you want to teach math, you could take 4 years of math even though 3 are required. In the United States, you can join Future Teachers of America while you're in high school. Talk to your school's club adviser to find out how to join your school's branch. Since high school teachers will need in-depth knowledge about a specific subject area, you will earn your degree in the subject you will teach rather than in education. This may mean majoring in English or Biology rather than education, which is aimed more at elementary school teachers who need general knowledge about all subjects. Many colleges and universities offer 2 degree tracks for certain majors, 1 for education and 1 for non-education. For example, the English department may offer English and English Education as separate degree plans. Some colleges and universities offer a degree in secondary education, with an emphasis in your subject area. This can help you learn the skills you need to teach the material rather than just mastering the subject area. Talk to your academic advisor about your desire to teach so that you can start taking classes related to education. You will also need to complete a Teacher Preparation Program, either during or after earning your bachelor's degree. Many colleges and universities may allow you to complete the Teacher Preparation Program as part of your degree, depending on your state. On average, these programs take 12-24 months to complete. You may be able to enroll in a Teacher Preparation Program in your sophomore or junior year of college. You can find out the state teacher certification requirements for your state here: http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching-certification-requirements.html. It's often easier to earn your degree in the state you wish to teach. If you are going to school in a different state, talk to your academic adviser about what steps you should take to ensure you'll be able to attain your teaching certificate in the state you wish to teach. Your internship will be part of your Teacher Preparation Program. You will work alongside an accomplished teacher to learn how to plan and conduct lessons, as well as how to manage a classroom. The length of your teaching internship will depend on the requirements of your school. Some schools may only require a semester, while others may require a year. Teaching internships are also called "student teaching" by some. Make the most of your internship by asking plenty of questions, trying out different ways of doing things, and taking the advice of the teacher who is acting as your mentor. Your internship will likely be unpaid. Alternative certification programs (ACPs) are a great option for people who've already earned a bachelor's degree and have now decided to go into teaching. While they vary by state, alternative certification programs are often accelerated faster than a Teacher Preparation Program, and they allow you to earn money as soon as you enter the classroom. You will work under a mentor teacher while you complete educational courses. Because it's an accelerated program, expect to spend much of your time working and completing your teaching courses. If you are enrolled in an alternative certification program, you may teach under a probationary certificate for up to two years while you work toward your certification. However, you will need a school to sponsor your temporary certification. Every state has its own tests, but you can expect a requirement to pass a content area test and an exam that shows you know how to properly teach. This will demonstrate to the state and schools you apply to that you have the knowledge and skills needed to teach students in your subject. Look for preparation materials online or at local bookstores. Your state's education agency may even provide free test-prep supplies. The costs of these tests vary by state. For example, certification tests in Texas cost $131 per test. Most tests are given throughout the year, but some may have a limited offering, depending on your state's schedule. Check the calendar early so that you are able to secure your testing spot in time to meet your goals. All 50 states require a license to teach, and each state has its own requirements for attaining a teaching license. Visit your state's education agency to apply for your license. You will need to go through a background check in order to receive your license. As part of this process, you will likely be fingerprinted. You will pay a fee to attain your teaching license, which will vary by state. Your Teacher Preparation Program or alternative certification program may assist you in applying for your license. You will need to pass all programs and tests before you apply for your license. Some private schools do not require you to have a teaching license.
Prepare to be a teacher before college. Earn a bachelor's degree in the subject you want to teach. Enroll in a Teacher Preparation Program. Complete a teaching internship. Enroll in an ACP if you have a degree. Pass your certification tests. Apply for your teaching license.