What profession do you need to be a teacher?

There isn't one single profession that qualifies someone to be a teacher. To become a teacher, you need to complete a teaching program leading to a teaching license or certification. The specifics vary greatly by country and even by state/province within a country.

This typically involves:

* Bachelor's Degree: Most often, a bachelor's degree in education or a related field is required. Some places allow you to major in a subject and then get a teaching certification separately.

* Teacher Training: This includes coursework in pedagogy (the art and science of teaching), subject matter expertise, and often student teaching or practicum experience.

* Licensure/Certification Exams: You'll usually need to pass state/province-specific exams to demonstrate competency in teaching.

* Background Checks: Thorough background checks are standard.

So, while there isn't one specific "profession" beforehand, the *process of becoming* a teacher is a profession in itself, and completing a teacher education program is the required path.