* Education: A minimum of a bachelor's degree, often in education, and sometimes a specific subject area. Many jurisdictions require a master's degree.
* Licensing or Certification: Most places require passing rigorous exams and completing student teaching or other forms of practical experience to obtain a teaching license or certification. The specific requirements vary widely by location and grade level.
* Background Checks: Thorough background checks are standard to ensure the safety of students.
* Specific Skills and Aptitudes: Effective teaching requires a range of skills including patience, communication, classroom management, subject matter expertise, and the ability to adapt to diverse learners. Not everyone possesses these skills to the degree necessary to be a successful teacher.
While some individuals might informally teach others in various settings (like tutoring or mentoring), becoming a professional teacher in a school setting necessitates meeting the legal and professional standards outlined above.