Teacher license schools

Which types of jobs are available for those interested in earning a teaching license or credential?

The primary role of teaching is to help students learn and master certain subjects. Elementary school teachers must be able to teach a wide range of subjects, including math and writing, while middle school and high school teachers typically focus on a particular subject, such as history, science or English. In addition to teaching subjects, those with teaching degrees are also trained to communicate well and to motivate their students to enjoy learning.

A typical day for an elementary or high school teacher starts early--usually by 7:30 or 8 AM. In addition to teaching and leading discussions throughout the day, teachers also are in charge of study halls and homerooms, and many oversee extracurricular activities, such as clubs and sports. At many schools, teaching jobs require you to be actively involved in administrative matters, such as developing a budget, reviewing textbooks and designing the curriculum.

Most teachers enjoy having their summers off from teaching. This long break allows them time to work in another field, take classes or travel and provide them with extra experience and knowledge to use in the classroom.

Depending on where they teach, a teacher's contract can also allow them time off during the school year to take additional classes. Many schools give teachers flexible schedules, allowing them to work part-time or to pair up with another teacher to teach classes as a team. Most states allow teachers to earn tenure.

One of the greatest challenges of teaching careers is large classrooms, which make it difficult for teachers to work individually with students and increase their workloads. Teachers also have to deal with undisciplined students who aren't interested in learning and delight in disrupting the classroom. Success is often measured by how well their students perform on standardized tests, and this adds to a teacher's anxiety.

Formal training required to work in a career related to teaching

To get teaching jobs, you need to earn a bachelor's degree from a teacher education program and obtain a teacher license. Private school teachers don't have to be licensed, but usually need certain degrees in teaching or related fields.

For a license, most states require teachers to take a certain number of subject and education courses, and some need specific technology training and a minimum grade-point average. Some school systems require teachers to pass an exam for their teaching credential, and in most states, teachers have to take a certain number of continuing education courses to maintain their licenses.

In addition to courses on education philosophy, teaching methods and child psychology, those with elementary school and kindergarten teaching jobs usually take courses in the subjects they'll be asked to teach--math, science, and English, for example. Secondary school teacher candidates typically major in the subject they'll teach. In all cases, studies typically culminate in a stint as a student teacher, where you work under the tutelage of a professional teacher in their classroom.

Some states require teachers to obtain master's degrees in education after they have been hired.

The typical career path of someone interested in being a teacher

Most who seek teaching degrees enjoy being around children and get great satisfaction from helping them learn. In addition, teachers are often excited about the subjects they teach; their fascination with biology, for example, led them into teaching and their enthusiasm for the subject infuses their instruction.

Many people who get teaching jobs remain teachers throughout their careers. Some earn advanced degrees in teaching so they can become special education teachers, counselors or school district administrators. Some move from an elementary school setting to a high school setting, or even become college professors as they obtain more education.

Job outlook and salary information for those interested in teaching

Jobs are available everywhere for people with degrees in teaching, but the profession is only expected to grow as fast as the average for all professions in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The highest demand will be in the fastest-growing states, which are in the South and the West. Those with teaching degrees in math, science and bilingual education will be in the highest demand, and the need for teachers will be greatest in rural and urban school districts.

Salaries in rural areas are often lower than elsewhere, and the schools in inner city school districts can be overcrowded and lack basic equipment due to budget restrictions. According to the BLS, the 2009 mean annual salaries for kindergarten, elementary, middle and secondary school teachers ranged from $53,150 to $55,150. The BLS reports that the highest teacher salaries are paid in Rhode Island, Alaska, Connecticut, New York and the District of Columbia.

As a teacher, you can earn extra money by coaching your school's athletic teams or leading an extracurricular club or activity. Most school districts increase teachers' salaries if they earn a master's degree or a national certification. Many teachers work for their district during the summer teaching summer school or doing other jobs. Others supplement their teacher's salary with summer jobs outside of school.