A noble calling

Becoming a teacher is a challenging yet rewarding career path.

The process requires dedication, a strong educational foundation and a deep passion for engaging learners from all backgrounds. As Claudia Lyles, the CEO of Keystone Academy Charter School in Philadelphia, notes in U.S. News & World Report, "you really have to like children and young people in order to do the job. You can't be iffy about it.”

While Lyles’ statement limits the student population — learners can be older, continuing-education students — she is correct about the personal engagement required of teachers. Patience, a passion for helping others, and effective communication: These characteristics require a facility for human connection.

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Does this career path resonate with you?

If you know teaching is the right career choice for you, follow these steps to become a teacher:   

• Earn a college degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, public school teachers must have at least a bachelor’s degree for entrance into the profession. This degree does not necessarily have to be in education, but it should provide a solid foundation in the subject you plan to teach. 
• Complete a teacher-preparation program. These programs provide aspiring teachers with the pedagogical knowledge and real-time classroom experience necessary to become effective educators. Whether these programs take the form of additional college courses, independent work-study, or registered apprenticeships, their goal is to help teacher candidates become confident in the classroom and ready for state teacher-certification exams. 
• Take Praxis® tests. Not only are Praxis® tests often a requirement for teacher licensure, they also help create pedagogically informed teachers. The Praxis Core test gauges skills in reading, writing, and math, while Praxis® Subject Assessments measure knowledge of more specific subjects that K-12 educators cover. And taken together, Core and Subject tests help reinforce the general and subject-specific teaching skills educators need for the classroom. 
• Prepare for teaching job interviews. When you begin applying to jobs, research each position as well as the school or institution. Doing so will inform you more about the job and provide insight on the culture. During the interview, be prepared to discuss your teaching philosophy or mission statement that explains why you want to work with students as well as what you hope to achieve through teaching. Remember, the teachers and administrators at the school consider it a privilege to facilitate the well-being and education of their students, so they search for teachers who share the same values.

Love of learning lasts forever

Teachers are in the unique position of influencing and inspiring students.

They help foster student curiosity and guide their exploration of the world. And for that reason alone, the journey to teaching, though rigorous and demanding, is rewarding. As educators, we have the power to ignite a love for learning, instill values of respect and empathy, and empower students to reach their full potential. In essence, teaching strives toward a greater societal good as students gain the knowledge and confidence to become the leaders, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow. 

ETS supports all aspiring teachers. Ready to demonstrate your teaching expertise?