{"id":32,"date":"2017-09-18T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-09-18T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.northcentral.edu\/blog\/11-simple-steps-to-become-a-teacher\/"},"modified":"2021-12-28T23:05:00","modified_gmt":"2021-12-28T23:05:00","slug":"11-simple-steps-to-become-a-teacher","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.northcentral.edu\/blog\/11-simple-steps-to-become-a-teacher\/","title":{"rendered":"11 simple steps to become a teacher"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Jodi Herlick<\/em><\/p>\n

If you have always wanted to be a teacher, but aren’t sure where to begin, search no more. Follow these 11 simple steps to kick off your career as a teacher.<\/p>\n

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  1. Commit to life-long learning.<\/strong>
    \nTo get students excited about learning, you need to show that you love learning too! Elementary teachers are generalists, knowing the basics of many subjects. Middle school and high school teachers usually focus on one subject area and become an expert in it. Find a passion for the subjects you want to teach and learn all you can!<\/li>\n
  2. Research a degree in education.\u00a0<\/strong>
    \nFind out which universities offer the education major that you are looking for. Find out where their graduates are getting jobs and if they are succeeding as teachers.<\/li>\n
  3. Improve your communication skills.<\/strong>
    \nTeachers need to be able to explain information to their students and communicate with parents and coworkers. It\u2019s really important that you can speak and write effectively.<\/li>\n
  4. Get experience working with kids of different ages.<\/strong>
    \nExperience with kids is essential no matter what stage you\u2019re at in becoming a teacher. Most teacher preparation programs will expect you to have some experience before you apply to their program.You can be a camp counselor, work with the kids\u2019 ministry or the youth group at a church, or serve as a tutor or homework helper. Not only will you learn about how kids think and act, hands-on experience is a great resume builder!<\/li>\n
  5. Interact with diverse groups of people.<\/strong>
    \nClassrooms are becoming increasingly diverse, and teachers need to reach all their students. The best way to understand people from cultures and backgrounds that are different from your own is to spend time with them in meaningful ways.<\/li>\n
  6. Learn to think on your feet.<\/strong>
    \nTeaching doesn\u2019t always go the way you anticipated. Students might act in unexpected ways or ask difficult questions. Technology may not work. Teachers need to adapt to surprises at a moment\u2019s notice. Being flexible is an important asset for a teacher!<\/li>\n
  7. Enroll in a state-approved teacher education program.<\/strong>
    \nThe most clear-cut path to becoming a teacher is to complete a college-level teacher license\u00a0program that has been approved by the state where the college is located. Graduates who have completed all requirements and pass any required licensing\u00a0tests are eligible for a teaching license in that state\u2014and usually in other states as well. A valid teaching license is essential for finding a teaching job.<\/li>\n
  8. Gain classroom experience.<\/strong>
    \nThe best way to learn how to be a teacher is by diving in and doing it. A quality teacher education program will have multiple opportunities for hands-on experience in elementary, middle, or high school classrooms. Get experience with various age groups and with students of diverse abilities and racial and economic backgrounds.North Central University provides three clinical experiences and a semester of full-time student teaching. We make sure every pre-service teacher has placements in a variety of public and private schools, including schools with a high population of racially, ethnically, socioeconomically, or linguistically diverse students.<\/li>\n
  9. Find mentors.<\/strong>
    \nThere is so much you can learn from experienced classroom teachers! In a teacher education program, you\u2019ll have the opportunity to work closely with classroom teachers during your field experiences.Faculty from the university will also observe your teaching. These teachers and faculty will serve as mentors to guide you through the process of becoming a teacher until you\u2019re ready to take on a classroom of your own.<\/li>\n
  10. Learn to reflect and evaluate.<\/strong>
    \nPart of being mentored is learning to apply the feedback your mentors give you. As a teacher, you not only need to consider advice from others, but you need to be able to evaluate your own strengths and areas for growth. Effective teachers constantly reflect on what they\u2019re doing well and what they need to adjust.<\/li>\n
  11. Take your licensing exams<\/strong>
    \nComplete your final steps to being a licensed teacher in your state, and start looking for a great job!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    How do you become a teacher? Get the checklist<\/h2>\n

    \"ScreenDownload these simple steps to be a teacher and check them off one at a time as you pursue your calling of being a teacher.<\/p>\n