What Degree Do You Need to Be a Teacher? (Steps Included)

A career as a teacher is a noble pursuit that carries significant social impact. It allows you to shape young minds and foster curiosity. However, navigating the journey to becoming a teacher can be daunting, especially regarding the degree pathways and steps involved. Therefore, you must gain a clear understanding of what it takes to become a teacher and make an informed decision about your future. 

In this blog, we'll explore the degree you need to be a teacher while also delving deeper into the educational pathways and steps in pursuing a teaching career. So, join us and gain a clear understanding of what you need to do as you embark on a rewarding career in education. 

What Type of Degree Do You Need to Be a Teacher?

The degree you need to become a teacher depends on the level and subject you want to teach. Let's explore the two degrees you'll need in your teaching career.

Bachelor's degree 

A bachelor’s degree is the baseline for becoming a teacher. It is the minimum education requirement for becoming a teacher across all states. A bachelor's degree in education or a related field will prepare you to become a teacher in a K-12 school. Moreover, it will also prepare you for pursuing a master's degree in education or a similar field. 

Master's degree

If you're interested in teaching high school or college students, a master's degree in education is the key to open doors for career advancement. Besides teaching positions, a master's degree will allow you to pursue leadership roles within an academic institution. Such positions include campus director, principal, curriculum designer, department chair, and more.

As you pursue advanced education in teaching, there are many types of master's degrees available, such as:

•  Master of Education (M.Ed.),
• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) 
• Subject-specific master's programs.

7 Steps to Becoming a Teacher

Becoming a teacher is a noble and fulfilling endeavor that requires a unique blend of passion, dedication, and specialized knowledge. If you are on a journey to inspire and shape the minds of future generations, let’s explore together the critical steps you need to take to turn dreams into reality. 

1. Get a bachelor's degree

The first step to becoming a teacher is earning a bachelor's degree in education from an accredited institution. During your undergraduate studies, you may take courses such as Introduction to Teaching, Educational Foundations in a Multicultural Society, Curriculum and Methods, etc. 

As part of your teaching journey, you may also have to participate in field experiences. These crucial practical experiences allow you to observe and assist sponsor teachers and witness different teaching styles and strategies. 

2. Pass state-required examinations

After earning a bachelor's degree, you must take and pass a state-mandated skills test. This exam is crucial for obtaining licensure or certification. Many states rely on the three Praxis exams to assess your knowledge and skills as a teacher: the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators, the Praxis Subject Assessments, and the Praxis Content Knowledge for Teaching Assessments.

Another option is the National Evaluation Series, which also tests your academic knowledge and professional skills. Before you take it, make sure to review your state's test requirements to ensure you meet educator regulations and are qualified to teach. 

3. Participate in student teaching

During the final year of your undergraduate studies, you must complete a student teaching placement, which can last from 14 weeks to a year. This practical teaching experience involves managing and teaching a classroom with the support of an experienced educator. Student teaching typically takes place in a public school setting under the supervision of a classroom teacher or faculty. 

Student teaching is a step that can’t be overlooked as it allows you to determine the grade level or subject you want to work with. Moreover, it helps you gain confidence and prepares you for a successful teaching career. 

4. Take the teacher certification exam

Once you obtain your bachelor's degree and complete enough classroom hours, you must pass your certification exam and become a licensed teacher in your state. While the certification exams vary from state to state, at their core, they require you to demonstrate competency in the content you'll teach.

The exams typically cover teaching theory and practice, as well as subject-specific knowledge. These exams are generally multiple-choice and essay-based.

5. Specializations

After becoming a licensed teacher, you have the opportunity to specialize in specific subjects, grade levels, or different areas of education, such as special education, English as a second language (ESL), or STEM education.

Specializing allows you to deepen your knowledge and focus your career on areas you're passionate about. Therefore, make sure to choose a specialization that aligns with your personal interest, career goals, and market demand. This way, you won't only benefit in terms of job satisfaction, but you'll also be able to address specific educational needs.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Teacher?

Overall, it can take four to five years to become a teacher. This years-long journey includes earning a bachelor's degree (typically lasting four years) and a teaching certification or license (which can take a few months to a year).

The timeline of becoming a teacher isn't set in stone, so the duration of becoming one varies depending on factors such as:

• Part-Time vs. Full-Time Enrollment: If you enroll part-time in your bachelor's degree, it will take you more time to complete the coursework than full-time enrollment. 
• State-Specific Requirements: Depending on your state, you may also need to complete additional requirements for teacher certification or licensure. For example, thirty-one states require additional coursework or training before entering a classroom or within a certain number of years of experience.

What Should You Consider Before Becoming a Teacher?

Before you decide to become a teacher, it is essential to weigh the decision carefully. You need to consider all the factors that contribute to the challenges and rewards of the teaching profession. Let’s explore some of the essential ones you need to consider.

What age level do you want to teach?

A crucial factor to consider is the age group or grade level you want to teach. You should consider if you feel more comfortable and passionate about working with younger children or if you prefer the challenges of teaching older students.

Teaching styles and classroom dynamics also differ among age groups, with younger students requiring a more hands-on approach and more attention to behavior management. 

What subject do you prefer teaching?

You should also consider your strengths and expertise in different subject areas to choose a subject area you're passionate about and feel confident teaching.

Here, you should also research the job market demand and consider potential career opportunities in the subject of your choice. Lastly, you need to explore how your teaching subject aligns with curriculum standards and educational objectives.

In which state do you want to teach?

Another crucial thing to consider before becoming a teacher is where you want to teach, as the education system varies greatly depending on the country and region. For example, Chinese education emphasizes memorization and learning by drill, whereas Japanese schools focus on moral education. 

But even within the US, you'll find differences in the education standards with states such as California and New York having their own state standards.

Moreover, you may also have to fulfill specific requirements for certification and licensure depending on the state in which you live. For example, states like Hawaii and Rhode Island require early education teachers to complete subject area competence exams.

Do you want to teach in public or private schools?

You must also consider whether you want to teach in public or private schools. As a teacher in a public school, you may have greater job security than a teacher in a private school, with some states offering a status similar to tenure. The state mandates determine the subject offered and topics covered in public schools, so as a teacher, you'll have a structured framework for teaching and assessment. On the other hand, private schools have more flexibility in implementing innovative teaching approaches in their curriculum.

While in public schools, you’ll have access to government funding supporting technology in the classroom and extracurricular activities, in private schools, it depends on the socioeconomic makeup of the student body, leading to limited resources available. 

Continuing education

With the field of education constantly evolving, as a teacher, you are required to stay current with the latest trends and innovations in education. During this time, you'll also be able to enhance your teaching skills and pedagogical techniques. So, if you are committed to staying updated on developments in your subject area and deepening your subject knowledge, then teaching is the profession for you. 

Conclusion

Though the road ahead may seem overwhelming at times, every step you take toward a teaching career will prepare you for becoming a great teacher. So, fear not! Now you know the educational pathway toward a teaching career and what you should consider when determining if a teaching career is right for you.

Take your first steps in your noble pursuit by checking out our three different teacher preparation programs with various specializations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What degree do you need to be a preschool teacher?

To become a preschool teacher, you should have at least an associate degree in child development or early childhood education. However, earning a bachelor's degree may provide you with more career opportunities for advancement.

What degree do you need to be an elementary teacher?

To work as an elementary teacher, you need to obtain a Bachelor of Science in elementary education. You may also pursue advanced education and earn a master's or doctoral degree in elementary education.

What degree do you need to be a high school teacher?

All states require high school teachers to have at least a bachelor's degree in education or subjects like English, mathematics, or sciences. However, some states require earning a master's degree after obtaining a teaching certification and finding a job. 

What degree do you need to be a special education teacher?

To become a special education teacher, you need to earn a bachelor's or master's degree in special education.