Do you work well with children? Enjoy helping others?
Teaching is one of the most important jobs for society and
also one of the most fulfilling. Demand is high right now
and the supply is low. According to the National Commission
on Teaching and America's Future, over two million new
teachers will be needed in the U.S. over the next decade.
Job opening in elementary and secondary schools are
estimated to be between 150,000 and 250,000.
The demand for English as a Second language teachers is even
greater.
How to become a teacher
Traditionally, teachers have an undergraduate degree in
education and then take a series of standardized tests to
obtain a teaching certificate.
Since the current demand for teachers is so high now, some
States will fast-track certain individuals, called emergency
licensure. If you have a degree in high demand areas such as
math, sciences, or special education, you may qualify for
teacher certification. Although exact requirements vary from
State to State, usually a bachelor’s degree plus some
intensive teacher training courses and a passing mark on the
State teacher certification exam are all that is required.
In some jurist dictions with shortages of teachers, if you
already have some college, you may be able work as a
substitute or teacher's aide and go work on your
credentialing while working.
If you meet certain requirements, one-year master's degree
and credential programs are available. Taking this route,
you can earn your credential and be eligible for a higher
salary. Be very careful that the certification program is
accredited and make sure the credentials you are earning are
valid in the State where you wish to teach.
Another option, if you are a recent undergraduate, or a
mid-career professional, and live in a major city such as
Washington DC or New York, you may be eligible for special
programs of intensive teacher training. Teach for America
(www.teachforamerica.org) and the Teaching Fellows projects
(www.dcteachingfellows.org) both offer programs like this.
If you have thought of becoming a teacher, the time has
never been better. Below are some websites with information
that could make your dream of becoming a teacher a reality
-- and faster than you think!
Websites with information on education requirements and
certification
National Council of Accreditation for Teacher Education
Teacher Education Accreditation Council.
Website with information on emergency licensure
National
Center for Education Information website
National Association for Alternative Certification
National Center for
Alternative Certification website .
Brian Stocker is a former teacher and Psychologist. He has
written widely on education and testing. Visit his website
Teacher
Certification for information, study guides on becoming a
teacher,
teacher certification and test preparation.
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