What does a teacher need in experience to be a teacher?

Answer 1

These days, with the need for teachers especially male teachers increasing, you still MUST have a teaching license or be eligible for an alternative teaching license. Alternative methods are more commonplace in "high-need" subjects such as math and/or science and are more progressive in metro areas. The days of an undergraduate degree not used, "Well, at least you can teach...", are long gone. If you plan to teach primary or special education, you have to go to college SPECIFICALLY for that purpose. In my case, I was hired for a contract or interim position teaching French in Memphis, TN. Because I speak and study Spanish, I was offered the job. That scenario is unheard of, so do not expect those cases often if ever. "No Child Left Behind" is a government mandate that requires teachers to have completed an arduous and expensive certification process with formal education study, standardized tests like the Praxis series, and a content specialization. In the old days, anyone with a college degree could teach, not so anymore. For those considering teaching, get started NOW. The process is long and you must play the tenuous "ball game" required by the Feds. Here is some advice for would-be teachers. If you are in it for the money, it takes higher degrees and YEARS of experience within the same state for lucrative future salaries. If you plan on moving around the country, you will lose "step" bonuses which are automatic, annual raises to compete with inflation and time served. If you an adult like me changing or adding career leverage, patience and proactivity are essential. Get accepted into the right, ACCREDITED school. DO NOT spend a fortune! A degree for teaching purposes are of equal weight. Find inexpensive colleges or, better yet, get someone else to pay for it. In my case, Memphis City Schools have frozen tuition and Praxis testing reimbursements for the 08-09 school year. So, I am out-of-pocket for my Spanish and TEP (Teacher Education Program) until the district retracts the freeze...God willing. Finally, I will say this. Teaching is one of the most admirable professions. In time, teachers will make more money. However, given the economic pitfalls more common with this country's inability to properly govern capitalism, we will never be the highly paid demi-gods of other industries. Remember, public education does not make money for anyone initially, and neither will we as professors of it.

Answer 2

Depends on the level you want to teach at, grade school, high school or university.

Additionally, if you are teaching at the university level, it depends heavily on which program you are teaching. Most university programs require you to have a terminal degree, which again varies by program. For example, a terminal degree for most sciences is a PhD, while a terminal degree for many applied arts fields is a Master of Fine Arts.

Answer 3

To teach within the public school system in the United States at the pre-K through high school levels, you must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a teacher education program from a regionally accredited college or university and state teacher certification. This would take approximately four years to complete as a full-time student, provided you take the program as prescribed by the college or university. Individuals who already have at least a bachelor's degree but not in an education program, can obtain certification to teach specific courses through the Alternative Route Program within the state they wish to teach.

For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated directly below this answer section.

Answer 4

The traditional route to becoming a public school teacher involves completing a bachelor's degree from a teacher education program and then obtaining a license. However, most States now offer alternative routes to licensure for those who have a college degree in other fields. Private school teachers do not have to be licensed but still need a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree may not be needed by preschool teachers and vocational education teachers, who need experience in their field rather than a specific degree. Education and training. Traditional education programs for kindergarten and elementary school teachers include courses designed specifically for those preparing to teach. These courses include mathematics, physical science, social science, music, art, and literature, as well as prescribed professional education courses, such as philosophy of education, psychology of learning, and teaching methods. Aspiring secondary school teachers most often major in the subject they plan to teach while also taking a program of study in teacher preparation. Many 4-year colleges require students to wait until their sophomore year before applying for admission to teacher education programs. To maintain their accreditation, teacher education programs are now required to include classes in the use of computers and other technologies. Most programs require students to perform a student-teaching internship. Teacher education programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council. Graduation from an accredited program is not necessary to become a teacher, but it may make fulfilling licensure requirements easier. Many States now offer professional development schools, which are partnerships between universities and elementary or secondary schools. Professional development schools merge theory with practice and allow the student to experience a year of teaching firsthand, under professional guidance. Students enter these 1-year programs after completion of their bachelor's degree. Licensure and certification. All 50 States and the District of Columbia require public school teachers to be licensed. Licensure is not required for teachers in most private schools. Usually licensure is granted by the State Board of Education or a licensure advisory committee. Teachers may be licensed to teach the early childhood grades (usually preschool through grade 3); the elementary grades (grades 1 through 6 or 8); the middle grades (grades 5 through 8); a secondary-education subject area (usually grades 7 through 12); or a special subject, such as reading or music (usually grades kindergarten through 12). Requirements for regular licenses to teach kindergarten through grade 12 vary by State. However, all States require general education teachers to have a bachelor's degree and to have completed an approved teacher training program with a prescribed number of subject and education credits, as well as supervised practice teaching. Some States also require technology training and the attainment of a minimum grade point average. A number of States require that teachers obtain a master's degree in education within a specified period after they begin teaching. Almost all States require applicants for a teacher's license to be tested for competency in basic skills, such as reading and writing, and in teaching. Almost all also require teachers to exhibit proficiency in their subject. Many school systems are presently moving toward implementing performance-based systems for licensure, which usually require teachers to demonstrate satisfactory teaching performance over an extended period in order to obtain a provisional license, in addition to passing an examination in their subject. Most States require teachers to complete a minimum number of hours of continuing education to renew their license. Many States have reciprocity agreements that make it easier for teachers licensed in one State to become licensed in another. Licensing requirements for preschool teachers also vary by State. Requirements for public preschool teachers are generally more stringent than those for private preschool teachers. Some States require a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, while others require an associate's degree, and still others require certification by a nationally recognized authority. The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, the most common type of certification, requires a mix of classroom training and experience working with children, along with an independent assessment of the teacher's competence. Nearly all States now also offer alternative licensure programs for teachers who have a bachelor's degree in the subject they will teach, but who lack the necessary education courses required for a regular license. Many of these alternative licensure programs are designed to ease shortages of teachers of certain subjects, such as mathematics and science. Other programs provide teachers for urban and rural schools that have difficulty filling positions with teachers from traditional licensure programs. Alternative licensure programs are intended to attract people into teaching who do not fulfill traditional licensing standards, including recent college graduates who did not complete education programs and those changing from another career to teaching. In some programs, individuals begin teaching quickly under provisional licensure under the close supervision of experienced educators while taking education courses outside school hours. If they progress satisfactorily, they receive regular licensure after working for 1 or 2 years. In other programs, college graduates who do not meet licensure requirements take only those courses that they lack and then become licensed. This approach may take 1 or 2 semesters of full-time study. The coursework for alternative certification programs often leads to a master's degree. In extreme circumstances, when schools cannot attract enough qualified teachers to fill positions, States may issue emergency licenses to individuals who do not meet the requirements for a regular license that let them begin teaching immediately. In many States, vocational teachers have many of the same licensure requirements as other teachers. However, knowledge and experience in a particular field are important, so some States will license vocational education teachers without a bachelor's degree, provided they can demonstrate expertise in their field. A minimum number of hours in education courses may also be required. Private schools are generally exempt from meeting State licensing standards. For secondary school teacher jobs, they prefer candidates who have a bachelor's degree in the subject they intend to teach, or in childhood education for elementary school teachers. They seek candidates among recent college graduates as well as from those who have established careers in other fields. Other qualifications. In addition to being knowledgeable about the subjects they teach, teachers must have the ability to communicate, inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students, as well as understand the students' educational and emotional needs. Teachers must be able to recognize and respond to individual and cultural differences in students and employ different teaching methods that will result in higher student achievement. They should be organized, dependable, patient, and creative. Teachers also must be able to work cooperatively and communicate effectively with other teachers, support staff, parents, and members of the community. Private schools associated with religious institutions also desire candidates who share the values that are important to the institution. Additional certifications and advancement. In some cases, teachers of kindergarten through high school may attain professional certification in order to demonstrate competency beyond that required for a license. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards offers a voluntary national certification. To become nationally certified, experienced teachers must prove their aptitude by compiling a portfolio showing their work in the classroom and by passing a written assessment and evaluation of their teaching knowledge. Currently, teachers may become certified in a variety of areas, on the basis of the age of the students and, in some cases, the subject taught. For example, teachers may obtain a certificate for teaching English language arts to early adolescents (aged 11 to 15), or they may become certified as early childhood generalists. All States recognize national certification, and many States and school districts provide special benefits to teachers who earn certification. Benefits typically include higher salaries and reimbursement for continuing education and certification fees. In addition, many States allow nationally certified teachers to carry a license from one State to another. With additional preparation, teachers may move into such positions as school librarians, reading specialists, instructional coordinators, or guidance counselors. Teachers may become administrators or supervisors, although the number of these positions is limited and competition for them can be intense. In some systems, highly qualified, experienced teachers can become senior or mentor teachers, with higher pay and additional responsibilities. They guide and assist less experienced teachers while keeping most of their own teaching responsibilities. Preschool teachers usually work their way up from assistant teacher, to teacher, to lead teacher-who may be responsible for the instruction of several classes-and, finally, to director of the center. Preschool teachers with a bachelor's degree frequently are qualified to teach kindergarten through grade 3 as well. Teaching at these higher grades often results in higher pay. For the source and more detailed information concerning this request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated below this answer box.

Answer 5

There is no work experience requirement, but varied life experiences and the ability to relate to others is important. One can be acquired, the other can be learned.

The most important thing for anyone considering becoming a teacher to consider is the "why." Think about what might motivate you.

If it is the money, be a lawyer. Teachers do not make that much.

If it is the time off, move to Paris and take any job. They have six weeks of mandatory vacation in France, and teachers work more than anyone would believe (Three months off in summer. Right. Think continuing education. and when every other profession punches out and goes home, you as a teacher will spend countless hours grading papers and planning lessons.)

If it is the satisfaction you gain by being hands on, join a commune or kibbutz and learn to throw clay.

You have derive the satisfaction from within.

Seriously, I'm not trying to discourage you in your pursuit, but if you want to learn what it is like to be a teacher before you decide to become one, take a job babysitting five kindergarten aged children for eight hours a day, for five days. If you survive that, multiply that by 30, and think 180+ days. That will give you an idea of the life of a secondary teacher. The job of a primary teacher is much more challenging--they do not get the respite of sifting bodies every 45-180 minutes (depending on the class plan of the district in which you work).

There are perks, but few of them are concrete, and they are as varied as the individuals who teach.

Answer 6

Knowledge. Definitely knowledge.