Most teaching positions require a bachelor's degree in education or a related field. Some states also require teachers to have a master's degree.
Student teaching
Student teaching is a required part of most teacher preparation programs. Student teachers work under the supervision of a licensed teacher in a real-world classroom setting.
Certification
All teachers must be certified by the state in which they want to teach. Certification requirements vary from state to state, but they typically include passing a series of exams and completing a certain number of hours of student teaching.
Continuing education
Teachers are required to complete continuing education credits in order to maintain their certification. Continuing education courses help teachers stay up-to-date on the latest teaching methods and research.
Types of education
Elementary education
Elementary school teachers teach students from kindergarten through fifth grade. They are responsible for teaching a variety of subjects, including reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.
Secondary education
Secondary school teachers teach students from sixth grade through twelfth grade. They typically specialize in one or two subjects, such as English, math, science, history, or social studies.
Special education
Special education teachers work with students who have learning disabilities or other special needs. They provide individualized instruction to help students reach their full potential.
Early childhood education
Early childhood educators work with children from birth through kindergarten. They provide a variety of educational experiences to help children develop physically, socially, and emotionally.