Training To Be A Teacher

Most of us will have at least one teacher who we respect and admire, who inspired us to become better individuals. Those who have a love for educating and guiding young impressionable children to become responsible citizens of the future must consider a career as a teacher. They need to be extremely patient while being able to control young rebels and help them become exemplary students. They need to be able to use various teaching methods to provide quality education in their areas of specialty. The students who wish to become teachers can select various educational programs offered at different levels, from Certificate and diploma programs, to associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctorate's degree programs.

 

Educational Requirements

You will find that teachers who seek entry level jobs have secured a certificate or have completed a diploma program in child development, early childhood education or other prescribed educational programs. Some students who have completed high school may secure entry level jobs as teaching assistants in preschools and day care facilities. The experience that they gain will help them secure better jobs in the future.

 

Other Skills

Teachers are required to have strong communication skills, interpersonal skills, be good leaders and must be extremely patient. They need to be able to use various methods to make education interesting and fun for children of various age groups.

 

Apart from taking up relevant educational programs students are recommended to learn about the licensure requirement in the State that they wish to practice in. The license is granted by the State Board of Education. They can obtain a license to educate early childhood grades, elementary grades, middle grades or they can opt to get a license to teach a specific subject area or a specific art. Students who desire to work in public or government run educational institutions must have completed a bachelor's degree and should have completed an approved teacher's training program from an accredited educational institution.

 

It is necessary to have secured technology training and have some experience in the field such as an internship or supervised practice teaching. Apart from being proficient in their subject of study they must pass an examination in order to secure a provisional license. They are also required to successfully complete a master's degree program with a certain period of time. It is also mandatory to take on continuing education programs if they desire to renew their license.  There are many alternative licensure programs available to encourage those who have a bachelor's or master's degree in a specific field of study to become educators. Teachers may also secure national certification programs that will qualify them to obtain certain special benefits such as higher pay scale, sponsoring of continuing education programs plus reimbursement of the certification fee.

 

Early childhood educators usually have obtained an associate's or a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and a CDA certification. The basic requirement to work in private or public schools in a bachelor's degree and an teacher's training program from an accredited educational institution.

 

Career Outlook & Salary

There were nearly 4 million teachers (early childhood grades, elementary grades, middle grades) employed in the year 2006. A majority of them were employed in elementary schools followed by secondary schools. Salary ranged between $34,000 to 75,000 depending on their educational qualification, years of experience and geographic location. The job outlook for teachers is projected to be favorable as more students are expected to enroll in schools in the future creating a demand for trained and qualified educators. The employment rate of growth is projected at 12% which is as fast as the average growth rate for all occupations. Subject areas that are expected to be in demand include mathematics, science, computer science and adult education. Social studies, early childhood and physical education are subjects that have reached a saturation point.

 

Selecting the Right Teaching Program

Teaching programs include subjects such as early childhood education, educational leadership, administration, curriculum planning and instruction, technology training and special education. Students are recommended to select programs that have been accredited by The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

 

Students can opt for a regular college education or settle for an online mode of education. Associate's degree programs in Education, Elementary Education, and Paraprofessional Education are offered by the University of Phoenix. Associate's degree programs in early childhood education and paraprofessional education are offered by Kaplan University.

 

Bachelor's degree programs in education, elementary education, child development and teaching are offered by various prestigious institutions such as the University of Phoenix, Kaplan University, and Richard K Riley School of Education.

 

Master's degree programs in teaching, curriculum and instruction, education, education psychology, leadership and administration are offered by Capella University, Dominican University, Argosy University, Strayer University and the University of Scranton. Doctor of education degree programs are offered by Capella University, University of Phoenix and Argosy University.