By Jodi Herlick
Students who are interested in pursuing a career in teaching need to ensure that they get on the best degree path that will carry them to their goals.
Follow this helpful guide to make sure that you choose the best teaching degree for you!
Choose the education major for the age you want to teach:
- Elementary education majors are generalists.
They teach math, language arts, science, etc. They typically take lots of classes about how to teach K-6 students about various subjects. - Middle and high school teachers pick a specific area content area, such as math, language arts or social studies.
They take a combination of courses in their subject area and courses on how to teach, like math or social studies. They need to be experts in their content! - Some subjects, such as music or art, are taught by specialists who can teach any K-12 grades.
Your degree should be an education degree
For example, you usually can’t just major in English and teach high school English in a high school. You need to learn the art of teaching in addition to knowing about the content you’ll teach.
Your degree needs to be approved to lead to a teaching license in the state where the university or college is located.
Universities and colleges go through a rigorous vetting process by their state’s board of teaching before they can offer education programs.
If you complete one of these programs and pass any required licensure tests, you’ll be eligible for a teaching license in that state for the age level and content you were prepared for.
Licenses can be transferred between states, so someone who was trained in Minnesota could get a license in Wisconsin or California. A few additional classes may need to be taken, depending on the state’s requirements.
Find an education program that fits your personality and needs
Education programs have different focuses and strengths. Some education programs have high academic standards for admission. Some have a mentorship focus, with faculty coaching students along the way. Some have a holistic approach, nurturing both the mind and the heart.
Get a feel for an education department’s essence to see if it fits with your own goals. All good education programs will offer plenty of hands-on experience in the classroom.
Follow these 11 simple steps to become a teacher
Interested in earning an education major so that you can become a teacher? Download this easy checklist to kick off your teaching career.
