All You Need to Know About Getting Your Teaching Degree

Without teachers, where would we be in this world? They don’t get nearly enough credit as they helped shape us into the adults we are today. With all the advancements in technology, many jobs have become irrelevant in today’s landscape, but there will always be a need for teachers. Teachers have the ability to inspire the next generation, make a lifelong impact on the youth, and to provide quality education to their students regardless of their social class or background. 

Many children don’t have the role models they need, as they often turn to pop-stars or celebrities, and students end up spending more time in the classroom than they do with their parents, making teachers the most important role model. Chances are you can recall that one teacher who went out of their way to make you feel special, and what better way than to give back to your mentor than to become a teacher? 

Here’s how to go about getting your degree in teaching.

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Teaching Degree

If you’re interested in becoming an elementary, middle, or high school teacher you’ll have to first earn a bachelor’s degree. The first step is enrolling in a 4-year program and if you want to teach middle school or high school it’s best to major in the subject you’re interested in teaching. For example, if you want to teach theatre, you should major in theatre, the same applies to any other specialty like English, math, Spanish, history, biology, etc. If working as an elementary school teacher is more up your alley than you should take classes in early childhood education or developmental psychology.

Coursework

Although the coursework varies based on the university you choose, the classes don’t differ too much and you should expect to take classes about student assessment methods, instructional strategies, human development, and multiculturalism. The work you complete will be both individual and group work and most programs require you to do some type of fieldwork or an internship which involves working under a licensed teacher.

Online Degree

Maybe learning in the classroom doesn’t feel like the right fit for you. Don’t worry, as you can always study online. This option is especially great if you want to continue working or you are caring for a family while you further your education. Plus, you have many more schools available to you because you don’t have to worry about moving closer to your school or commuting. All you really need to earn a degree online is a computer and access to the internet. In addition, online degrees are usually more cost-effective, as you don’t have to live on campus or pay transportation fees. Also, the materials are usually online, so paying ridiculously expensive fees for textbooks is a thing of the past.

Licensure After Your Degree

Before you can work in a public school in the United States, you must obtain licensure and the requirements differ between states. For example, if you live in Maryland the requirements will be different than if you live in California. Overall, most programs require you to finish a bachelor’s degree, to have supervised teaching experience, and to pass a state-administered exam. In addition, if you’re licensed in one state and you move to another, you’ll have to get licensed in the new state before you can teach there. After you’ve received your licensure you can practice teaching, but you’ll have to take continuing education courses and have periodic testing to keep your licensure in the state your practicing in.

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Amanda C
Amanda studied cinema before she decided to go to the other side and start writing about movies, TV shows, and celebrity culture. On her free time, she loves to travel and New York is her favorite city in the world.