Teachers who want to teach elementary education must have a minimum of a high school diploma and a bachelor's degree in elementary education. Secondary teachers need to have a high school diploma and must earn either a bachelor's degree or a college major in the subject area they plan to teach, such as science, math or art. In addition, they must also complete a teacher education program.
Teacher education programs usually take about two years to complete. Most students apply for application at the end of their sophomore year in college. Some states also require their teachers to earn master's degrees before they can enter the classroom. Each state has different teaching requirements.
According to the United States Department of Education, there are a number of different programs available for professionals who already have a four-year degree but want to become certified to teach. Most states offer state-based alternative certification programs that provide on-the-job training for qualified applicants. Federal programs such as Teach for America recruit potential teachers to work in low-income urban or rural school districts. Finally, Troops To Teachers offers paid teacher training for military personnel who hold bachelor's degrees.
Elementary teachers take coursework in child psychology, classroom management and children's literature, as well as classwork in teaching methodology. Secondary teachers take classes such as adolescent growth and development, instructional strategies, curriculum development, teaching reading in the content areas and classroom management techniques, in addition to the coursework that is required by their subject area major. All teachers are required to complete a full-time, unpaid student teaching block at the end of their degree program.
Nearly every state requires teachers to successfully pass a basic skills test that evaluates their reading, writing and math knowledge. Teachers also take subject-area tests that assess both their knowledge of a subject area and their ability to teach the material. Testing requirements vary by state.
All teachers must be licensed to teach. The requirements for a license vary by state. Most states require applicants to submit an application packet that includes transcripts, passing scores on state-based teaching examinations and a licensing fee. Some states also require background checks and fingerprinting before applicants are approved for a license.