* Bachelor's Degree: Almost all teaching positions require at least a bachelor's degree. This degree is often in a specific subject area (e.g., mathematics, history, English) that the teacher will instruct, but it can also be in education with a subject area concentration.
* Teacher Education Program: Many institutions offer teacher education programs that lead to state certification or licensure. These programs typically include coursework in educational psychology, pedagogy (the art and science of teaching), classroom management, curriculum development, and specialized methods for teaching specific subjects or age groups. These programs might be a major on their own, or a concentration within another major.
* Student Teaching/Practicum: A significant portion of teacher education programs involves student teaching or a practicum, where aspiring teachers gain hands-on experience in a real classroom under the supervision of an experienced mentor teacher. This is a crucial component for obtaining certification.
* State/Provincial Certification or Licensure: Once a teacher completes their degree and student teaching, they must obtain a license or certification from the state or province where they wish to teach. The requirements for this vary widely; some states have reciprocity agreements with others, while others have very specific testing and coursework requirements.
In short, while a bachelor's degree is a minimum requirement, most teachers need a bachelor's degree *specifically designed for teacher education* which culminates in state/province-specific certification or licensure to legally teach in a public school. Some teachers may also pursue a Master's degree in education to further their professional development and career advancement.