Teaching is more than a career.If you want to help others and help young people learn, then you could become a high school teacher.If you want to work with young people, you need to earn your credentials and gain experience.You need to apply for teaching jobs.You can apply for a program that helps people get their first teaching job.
Step 1: Be a teacher before you go to college.
You can join a club for future teachers if you are still in high school.You can become a peer tutor, start a club, join student council, or run for an officer position in your school.Students can be teacher's assistants at some schools.If you have already graduated, you can shadow a teacher, volunteer at a high school, or become a substitute teacher.If you want to prepare for your teaching career, take more classes in your desired subject area.You can take 4 years of math if you want to teach it.You can join Future Teachers of America when you're in high school.You can join your school's branch by talking to your club adviser.
Step 2: If you want to teach, you need a bachelor's degree.
Since high school teachers need in-depth knowledge about a specific subject area, you will earn your degree in that area rather than in education.This may mean majoring in English or Biology, which is more suited for elementary school teachers who need general knowledge about all subjects.There are 2 degree tracks for certain majors at many colleges and universities.The English department can offer separate degree plans for English and English Education.You can get a degree in secondary education at some colleges and universities.This will help you learn the skills you need to teach the material.To start taking classes related to education, you need to talk to your academic advisor about your desire to teach.
Step 3: You can enroll in a teacher preparation program.
After earning your bachelor's degree, you will need to complete a teacher preparation program.Depending on your state, you may be able to complete the teacher preparation program as part of your degree.These programs can take up to 24 months to complete.In your sophomore or junior year of college, you may be able to enroll in a teacher preparation program.You can find the state teacher certification requirements for your state here.You can earn a degree in the state you want to teach.If you want to teach in a different state, you need to talk to your adviser about what steps you should take to get your teaching certificate.
Step 4: You have to complete a teaching internship.
Your teacher preparation program will include an internship.You will learn how to plan and conduct lessons with an accomplished teacher.Your school's requirements will determine the length of your internship.Some schools only need a semester, while others require a year.Teaching internships are 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.It is likely that your internship will be free.
Step 5: If you have a degree, enroll in the ACP.
If you have already earned a bachelor's degree and want to go into teaching, alternative certification programs are a great option.You can earn money as soon as you enter the classroom if you enroll in an alternative certification program.While you complete educational courses, you will work under a mentor teacher.Because it is an accelerated program, you will spend most of your time working and completing your teaching courses.If you enroll in an alternative certification program, you may be able to teach for up to two years while you work towards your certification.You will need a school to sponsor your temporary certification.
Step 6: Pass the tests.
Every state has its own tests, but you can expect a requirement to pass a content area test and an exam to show you know how to teach.The knowledge and skills needed to teach students in your subject will be shown to the state and schools by this.You can find preparation materials online or in local bookstores.Free test-prep supplies may be provided by your state education agency.State to state, the costs of these tests vary.In Texas, certification tests cost $131 per test.Depending on your state's schedule, some tests may have a limited offering.If you check the calendar early, you can secure your spot in time to meet your goals.
Step 7: You need to apply for a teaching license.
Each state has its own requirements for attaining a teaching license.You can apply for a license at your state's education agency.You will have to go through a background check to get your license.You will be fingerprinted as part of this process.You will have to pay a fee to get your teaching license.You may be able to apply for your license with the help of your teacher preparation program.Before you apply for a license, you have to pass all the programs and tests.Some private schools don't require you to have a teaching license.
Step 8: You can join a peer tutoring program.
In a one-on-one setting, peer tutoring can be a great way to practice teaching.If your high school has a formal peer tutoring program, you should check with your school.If you can't find a peer tutoring program, you could try to recruit a few clients on your own.If you do a good job tutoring, you may be able to make extra money by offering your services for free.As soon as you decide you want to be a teacher, it's best to start tutoring.This will help you find out if teaching is the right job for you.
Step 9: Donate your time to work with young people.
The teachers do more than teach.They build a good relationship with their students and will often be in the role of mentor.Gaining experience with youths will help you improve your skills as a teacher.There are scouting programs that you can work with.You can volunteer at a girls or boys haven.There are mentors for younger students.Your religious organization has a youth program.Become a camp counselor
Step 10: Become a substitute.
Before you become a teacher, substitute teaching is a great way to get classroom experience.It allows you to get a feel for the culture of the different high schools in your area so that you can decide which schools you would like to apply to as you search for jobs.There is information on how to apply to be a tutor on the websites of your local school districts.If you fill out an online application, you will be invited to an interview.Others can use other hiring processes.Ask the teachers in the classrooms near you for advice about teaching while you are subbing.
Step 11: You can target your applications if you research local schools.
Many schools have websites and social media accounts where you can learn more about the school and its culture.Take note of test scores, results of surveys, and what the school focuses the most attention on.This will help you in your interview, as you can answer specific questions about that school's culture and needs.Check with your state's education agency if your school does not have a website.
Step 12: There are different kinds of schools where you can research jobs.
It's possible to teach at a public, private, charter, or magnet school.There are different requirements for teachers at each school, but they all have the same type of student body and leadership.Private, charter, and magnet schools all have tougher entrance requirements and may expel students who cause problems.They may want educators who have more experience and meet a certain code of conduct.There may be religious requirements for private schools.
Step 13: Prepare your resume.
You should include your education, certifications, licenses, and any additional educational courses you have taken.If you don't have much to include in terms of work experience, include your volunteer work or experience working with youth.If you don't have a lot of work history, you may want to include a section detailing your experience with high school-aged children.When you talk about the work you've done in the past, focus on how it connects to teaching.Tell how you presented information, taught new skills, assisted members of the public, or communicated well with others.If you are still working toward your license or certification, state that it is in progress and the date when you will complete it.
Step 14: You can apply to local schools.
You should consult the websites of the schools to find out how they accept applications.You have to apply online at many schools.Provide a copy of your resume and write a cover letter for each school you apply to.Send in your college transcripts, certification test scores, and a copy of your teacher's license.
Step 15: There is a program called Teach for America.
People who are having trouble getting their first job can benefit from programs like Teach for America.You will be connected with a job in a low-income district through this program.You don't need a certification if you have a bachelor's degree.You will go through several interviews before you get accepted.You will give a sample lesson if you make it to the final interview.You can pick your preferred cities and subjects while the program chooses your school.This option is only available in the United States, but there may be similar programs in your country.