The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Teaching Career [+Infographic]

We all remember that one special teacher – the one who ignited our love of learning. Perhaps they inspired you to follow in their footsteps. If so, then this comprehensive guide for new teachers is just what you need! Here, our team will tell you all about starting your journey in this demanding yet essential profession.

But what if you’re unsure if teaching is the right fit for you? Worry not: we will help you determine whether it truly is your calling. We will also introduce you to all the necessary skills and requirements for becoming a great teacher and give bonus advice to help you achieve success in the field.

💡 Why Become a Teacher?

Teaching is a noble profession that benefits not only students in the classroom but also whole communities. Teachers play a major role in shaping the future by educating the next generation. A good educator has the chance to positively influence the lives of over 3,000 students throughout their career. And, of course, this profession has many personal benefits for teachers themselves. Here are some of them:

⏰ Offers a predictable and convenient schedule	Teachers usually work in the first half of the day, leaving them plenty of time to spend at home. Summer holidays are another treat.
🤩 Makes every day unique	Teaching is a dynamic job. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities. Educators engage with all kinds of students and have different classroom experiences.
🔋 Keeps you energetic	Teaching demands high energy levels. The need to foster a dynamic work environment keeps teachers mentally and physically active.
📚 Encourages constant learning	If you’re an educator, you’ll learn as much as you teach. Staying updated on educational trends and innovative teaching methods keeps educators intellectually engaged.
🤗 Offers a sense of personal fulfillment	One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is the self-fulfillment it brings. Indeed, helping students learn and witnessing their achievements is profoundly satisfying.

🎓 Types of Education Specializations

Teachers can specialize in various subjects, focus on different educational stages, and combine teaching courses with administrative functions. Depending on what resonates with you most, you can choose from the options listed below:

🖋️ What Does a Teacher Do?

Educators do much more than just transfer knowledge. In fact, you will be performing many diverse functions as a teacher. On the one hand, it will keep you from getting bored. On the other, you have to be ready for all kinds of challenges and tasks. Here are some of the critical aspects of teaching you may want to know about.

Educating Students

Good teachers are passionate about imparting knowledge and helping students succeed. Each educator may use different teaching methods, depending on the subject and teaching style.

The most important thing is to engage and motivate students to learn. After all, it is every teacher’s dream to pass on a lesson that will last a lifetime.

Managing Classrooms

Effective classroom management is another essential aspect of teaching. Educators are responsible for maintaining student discipline and ensuring the class is equipped with necessary supplies. This includes organizing materials, setting and reinforcing rules to establish expectations, and creating a positive atmosphere where students can thrive.

Planning Lessons

Teachers are usually responsible for designing a syllabus that aligns with the school’s curriculum and is tailored to the students’ needs. Conducting prior research and incorporating various teaching methods and materials may help create activities that motivate and engage students to learn more effectively. Teachers also need to ensure their explanations are easy to understand.

Communicating with the School Staff and Parents

Communicating with parents involves keeping them updated on their child’s progress and addressing their queries and concerns. Another key aspect involves fostering connections with fellow teachers. By sharing insights and resources, you can work collectively to meet students’ needs.

Constantly Growing

A teacher’s journey is one of constant evolution, both professional and personal:

• For professional growth, it’s essential to have a grasp of the latest teaching methods and technological advances, regularly attend workshops and conferences, and engage in self-reflection.
• Personal growth requires a willingness to learn from others, embrace feedback, and reflect on your teaching methods.

Teachers who engage in professional and personal development have top-notch skills and excel in their careers.

Building Positive Relationships with Students

To establish a connection with their students, a teacher needs to recognize their unique learning style and abilities, offer unwavering support, and cultivate an environment of trust and respect. Teachers can achieve this goal by relating interactive learning experiences with the help of diverse teaching methods and materials, such as hands-on activities and discussions.

Equally important is establishing a classroom ambiance where students feel secure and empowered to share ideas and take intellectual risks. This dynamic blend of relationship-building and engagement propels students and teachers toward academic achievements.

Using Technology

Technology is a fundamental part of today’s education. Teachers integrate technology into their classes in many ways, including presentations, 3D printers, smart classroom resources, and VR technology. A good teacher also has an understanding of the school’s digital tools and can guide students who may need help using them.

Evaluating Students’ Progress

Teachers can give quizzes, tests, and writing assignments to see how well students comprehend the subject. They can also change and adjust their teaching methods and techniques depending on students’ needs. Providing valuable feedback and informing parents about their kids’ academic progress is another essential aspect.

Preparing Students for Standardized Tests

Most educational systems incorporate standardized tests. Teachers can prepare students for these assessments by providing test-taking strategies, covering relevant content, and alleviating test-related anxiety. Their goal is to ensure students are well-prepared and confident on test day.

Supporting Students in Their Studies

Supporting students in their learning journey ranges from assisting them with school assignments to suggesting extracurricular activities, be it school clubs or after-school programs. By providing helpful advice and support, a teacher can ensure that all learners achieve academic success.

🧭 Is Teaching the Right Career for You?

Before choosing teaching as your major, make sure it’s something you want to do and are passionate about. It’s essential to know that this profession is your calling if you want to succeed in it. Here’s a list of questions that can help you with that: answer them with “yes” or “no.”

If you’ve answered “yes” to all the questions, congratulations – teaching is a perfect career for you!

Skills & Qualities Required to Be a Good Teacher

Teaching is both rewarding and demanding. To be a great teacher, you need to possess certain qualities and skills. If you already have them, they will help you adapt to the job quickly and navigate it more easily.

Let’s start with the qualities:

🧘 Patience	Teachers encounter various types of learners with different learning abilities. Being patient helps teachers provide the necessary support and allow students to grasp concepts at their own pace.
🎨 Creativity	Creative teachers make their classes engaging and memorable. They find inventive ways to explain complex topics and design activities that cater to diverse learning styles. This helps them make studying more enjoyable and effective.
👍 Confidence	Confidence encourages trust and respect among students. A confident teacher can present the material effectively, handle any classroom, and create a secure learning environment.
🙌 Self-discipline	Disciplined teachers set a good example for their students. They adhere to schedules and class plans, demonstrating the importance of consistency and structure.
❤️ Empathy	Empathetic teachers understand their students better. It helps them tailor their approach to provide support and foster a better relationship with students.
✨ Open personality	Teachers who are open to others are approachable and adaptable. They welcome questions and discussions, which helps students feel comfortable to share their thoughts.
🤝 Respectfulness	Teachers who have respect for others promote inclusivity and acceptance in the classroom. They also treat all students equally.
🚀 Self-motivation	Self-motivated teachers are enthusiastic about their subject and everything they do. They inspire curiosity and determination in their students by setting a positive example.
🌻 Emotional intelligence	Teachers with high levels of emotional intelligence are perceptive of their students’ feelings. They can effectively manage conflicts, recognize when students need emotional support, and maintain a harmonious learning environment.

Now let’s look at the skills that will help you be a great teacher:

👥 Excellent communication skills	Interpersonal skills will help you engage students and make your classes exciting. Verbal communication is vital for fostering a productive work environment, while good writing skills are key for creating reports and providing effective feedback.
🤔 Critical thinking	Teachers should encourage students to think critically, analyze information, and be skeptical about what they read.
🔍 Self-reflection	Self-reflection helps teachers continually improve their skills. By evaluating past lessons and approaches they’ve used, they can see if anything needs adjustments.
⏱️ Time management	Time management is a go-to skill for any educator, as they need to do so much while adhering to schedules and leaving for some free time.
🌎 Cultural competence	This skill is essential for creating an inclusive environment. Good teachers make all students feel valued by understanding and respecting diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
🧩 Organizational skills	Strong organizational skills help educators plan lessons, keep records, manage resources, and monitor students’ progress. Being organized also allows teachers to have well-structured, easily digestible classes.
🔬 Deep knowledge of your subject	A deep understanding of the subject allows teachers to answer students’ tricky questions and ignite a passion for learning.
📝 Attention to detail	Teachers need to be attentive to correct all of the students’ mistakes and help learners follow instructions carefully.
🔊 Active listening	Active listening allows teachers to comprehend other people’s needs and concerns. It promotes open communication and helps build strong teacher-student relationships.

Teaching is perfect for you if you have all these skills. Besides, you can always develop them by volunteering or participating in various projects that allow you to gain experience.

Possible Difficulties to Keep in Mind

Teaching is an incredibly rewarding profession, but it’s also one of the most challenging. As a future teacher, you may face difficulties, including the following:

⏳ How Long Does It Take to Become a Teacher?

If you’re enthusiastic about teaching, you may want to get started right away. But hold on – it’s not as easy as it seems!

As a minimum requirement, prospective teachers must secure a bachelor’s degree to qualify for certification, which usually takes four years. Specific teaching fields also offer master’s degree programs. Typically, a standard master’s degree in education is a 2-year course. However, some institutions offer accelerated options that can be finished in approximately 12 months.

✅ How to Become a Teacher: Step-by-Step Guide

Now, it’s time to learn how to become a professional teacher. Generally speaking, you only need a degree, some teaching experience, and a state-approved license. If you already have a degree in another field, there’s an alternative way to get a certificate. Sounds interesting? Then keep reading!

Step 1: Be 100% Sure You Want to Be a Teacher

As we’ve mentioned before, teaching is not for everyone. However, if it is your calling, and you have all the necessary skills, then definitely give it a go.

You can become more confident by gaining experience beforehand. For instance, you could volunteer, do some job shadowing, or work as a substitute. These experiences will give you a real taste of what it’s like to be in a teaching role.

Step 2: Determine Whom You Want to Teach

Before pursuing a career in education, decide what and to whom you want to teach. While choosing a subject to specialize in is pretty easy, things are more complicated when determining who should be your future students. Depending on their age, you’ll have different responsibilities and approaches:

• Teaching younger kids, like those in preschool and elementary, involves a broader range of subjects, so you need to be familiar with many topics.
• Teaching older students from middle school onwards allows you to specialize in particular subjects.

There’s also the option of teaching students with special needs, which is more about individual approach and emotional support.

Step 3: Explore Available Teaching Degrees

There are various degrees in the education field, and finding the one that suits you best is essential. Here’s a list of the top 10 degrees you can choose from:

1. Associate degree in education.
   This two-year program introduces educational theory and provides a general foundation for teaching. It’s often pursued before applying for a bachelor’s degree.
2. Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.
   This four-year program focuses on child development and curriculum creation for young learners. It’s often required for preschool teachers.
3. Bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
   Concentrating on kindergarten through to 6th grade, it offers a foundation in math, science, and language. It’s an essential degree for elementary educators.
4. Bachelor’s degree in secondary education.
   Tailored for 6th through 12th grade, it commonly pairs with a subject major, preparing educators for middle and high school teaching.
5. Bachelor’s degree in special education.
   This degree involves an in-depth study of developmental delays, child psychology, and diverse student populations. Unlike other degrees, it focuses on working with individualized education plans.
6. Master’s degree in curriculum design.
   This is an advanced degree for creating educational standards, typically requiring one to two years and leading to administrative opportunities.
7. Master’s degree in reading.
   This degree is designed for reading specialists or curriculum designers in elementary schools. It enhances career options and may lead to higher salaries.
8. Master’s degree in instructional design.
   This degree focuses on classroom and online learning, preparing educators for digital course creation and online teaching.
9. Educational specialist degree in educational leadership.
   This post-graduate degree concentrates on research and instructional leadership. It offers specialization beyond a master’s degree.
10. Doctoral degree in education.
    This is an excellent option for future administrators or college professors. Keep in mind that it requires a substantial time commitment and often requires prior teaching experience and specialized research.

Check out U.S. News’ list of colleges offering an education major to find the best option for you.

Step 4: Decide How You Want to Study

There are several different ways to get a degree in teaching, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Choose the one that fits you the best!

Online vs. On-Campus

Attending in-person classes allows you to interact with new and exciting people face-to-face, while online learning is perfect for those who want to have a flexible schedule and go through their studies quickly. However, even with online classes you’ll still have to attend practical classes to get experience working with students.

Part-Time vs. Full-Time

Depending on how much time you can dedicate to your studies, you may choose a part-time or full-time option. The difference lies in the credit load, which is either reduced or standard. Part-time studying is convenient, but if you choose it, it will take you longer to complete your degree.

Alternative Teaching Certification

Remember when we said there’s an alternative way for those with a degree in a different field? This is what we were talking about.

One of the best things about becoming a teacher is that you don’t necessarily need a degree in education. All you have to do is go through the teacher preparation program, gain some experience, and get your license. There are plenty of routes to choose from, such as ABCTE, Teach for America, and TNTP Teaching Fellows.

If you already have a degree in the area of study you’re planning to teach, you can complete a single-subject teaching degree. You may also acquire a master’s degree in addition to the bachelor’s one you already have. It will allow you to teach any subject you want. We recommend checking your state’s requirements if you chose the latter option, as there may be important differences.

Step 5: Apply for a Teaching Program

When applying for a teaching degree, it’s crucial to ensure that you fulfill all required credits and courses. Here are the basic application requirements:

Degree	Description	Requirements
Bachelor of Education	A 4-year program. Many schools offer programs that include certification tests.	SAT/ACT scores. High school grades. Application fee. Some schools might ask for recommendation letters and specific high school GPAs or courses.
Master of Education	Between 1 and 2 years. Most of the time, online and evening programs are available.	Recommendation letters. Application. Application fee. Personal statement. Transcript from undergraduate college or university. Some schools may have a minimum GPA requirement, conduct interviews, and ask for a resume or a copy of a teaching certificate.
Alternative Teaching Certification	Suitable for those who have a bachelor’s degree in a different field. A mix of education and experience. Some programs lead to a master’s degree.	Bachelor’s degree. Application. Transcript from an undergraduate college or university. Literacy test scores. Sometimes, a recommendation letter or a resume.

Step 6: Finish the Coursework

Coursework is the theoretical part of a teacher’s education. It can vary but typically includes subjects like education theory and child development.

Specializations such as Early Childhood involve classes like Art and Music. Teachers who work with older students focus more on one specific subject. However, disciplines such as Development in Children, Oral and Written Communication, Introduction to Psychology, Learning and Inclusion, and Curriculum Design are required for everyone.

Step 7: Pass the Exams

Prospective teachers are expected to pass an exam at the end of the education process. The test may differ depending on the state, Praxis being the most popular. There are three types of Praxis tests: the Praxis Content Knowledge for Teaching Assessments, the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core,) and the Praxis Subject Assessments.

A few states don’t use the Praxis series and have their own tests, such as edTPA. The tests typically cost between $150 and $300.

Step 8: Complete the Student Teaching

After you finish the exams, you’ll have to gain some practical experience before getting your degree. This includes teaching in a public school while being supervised. During student teaching, which can last one or two semesters, you’ll actively teach the class and receive feedback and evaluations that can help you assess and improve your skills.

To begin this part of the program, you must be in your final year of studies, pass state-specific teaching exams, maintain a minimum GPA, get approval from program faculty, and meet a minimum program duration requirement. You also need to pass a background check and a medical exam.

Here are some valuable tips on how to complete the student teaching process successfully:

And here are some extra dos and don’ts that can help you get the most out of your practical experience:

🟢 Dos	🔴 Don’ts
Create a feedback schedule with your supervisor.	Expect the cooperative teacher to give you feedback immediately.
Ask students to provide feedback.	React harshly to students’ feedback.
Ask as many questions as necessary.	Hesitate to ask questions.
Accept criticism and learn from it.	Assume that your supervisor is trying to break your spirit by criticizing you.

Step 9: Get a Teaching Certificate

A teaching license, sometimes called a certification or qualification, is a necessary credential to work as a teacher. It’s typically obtained from your home state, province, or country’s educational authority. This accreditation allows you to teach in a specific region or globally, depending on its type.

Teaching certification involves background checks, including criminal history checks, professional license verification, and degree validity. They are generally affordable, costing around $20 each. Additionally, drug tests are often required, with some schools even testing their current employees. In recent years, potential teachers are also required to have or acquire a master’s degree within the first five years.

There are various types of certifications you may need to know about. Here are the main ones:

• Elementary and Middle School Teaching Credentials are for generalists. They enable instructors to teach multiple subjects.
• Teaching Certificates and Endorsements in Secondary Education require future teachers to demonstrate that they are highly qualified in their subjects.
• Teacher Certification for Specific Subject Areas focuses more on subjects than age groups, which makes subject-based certification a practical option. It allows teachers to work with students from kindergarten to 12th grade based on their school district’s needs.

Keep in mind that a teacher needs to renew their license every five years. If you continue improving your skills and growing professionally, you will have no trouble with that.

Step 10: Continue Your Higher Education

Accomplishing all the steps we’ve just described doesn’t mean you have to stop there. Getting a Master’s degree or pursuing your Ph.D. will increase your chances of finding a better position and becoming a more valuable professional. Additionally, teachers who have such credentials usually get higher salaries. That’s why we strongly recommend you continue pursuing your studies after earning your bachelor’s degree. Trust us, it will be worth it.

🎯 Strategies for Finding Your First Teaching Job

Finally, you’re ready to start your teaching journey and look for your first job! It’s a nerve-wracking process, but worry not – we will explain how to job hunt effectively and give valuable tips.

Make Use of Job Boards

There are several ways to search for teaching job opportunities:

• One option is using general job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, Handshake, or Glassdoor.
• Another option is niche job boards, which cater to specific industries and offer specialized options for educators. Popular niche job sites for teaching positions include AcademicKeys, HigherEdJobs, and Teachers-Teachers.
• For a more targeted approach, you can explore the websites of individual schools and school districts.

Prepare the Necessary Documents

Creating a solid application package is vital for a successful job hunt. Let’s see what it should include:

1. Start with a well-crafted cover letter highlighting your strengths, educational philosophy, and passion for teaching.
2. Your resume should emphasize relevant experiences and qualifications. Keep it concise and professional. You can also showcase secondary certifications, professional memberships, volunteer work, and ongoing professional development.
3. Your teaching portfolio, which evolves as your career progresses, should contain various documents illustrating your approach and its results. It might include descriptions of courses you’ve taught, lesson plans, student evaluations, and examples of students’ work.

Tip: To increase the chances of getting an interview, tailor your resume, teaching philosophy, and cover letter to match the specific qualifications and preferences of each job you apply for. This will show potential employers that you’re a perfect fit for their school.

Research & Network

After you’ve found the school you want to apply to, do some research and gather plenty of information about it. Talking to other employees or students may give you a better idea of the establishment and what they seek in a teacher. You can also check out the school’s website and programs to see if you meet all their requirements.

Get Ready for the Interview

Preparing for teaching job interviews is crucial for securing the position you desire. Confidence and knowledge of your weaknesses and strengths are essential during face-to-face meetings. Be prepared to answer questions on different topics, including classroom management, technology, and your role in the school.

In addition to your theoretical knowledge, some employers may want to see how well you fit into the school’s culture. If you’re asked to perform a teaching demonstration during the interview, make sure you discuss it beforehand. During the demonstration, showcase your presentation skills and ability to cater to diverse student needs.

🎁 BONUS: Best Tips for Thriving as a New Teacher

Congratulations on starting your teaching career! This beginning period is exciting but also challenging. To make your first days at a new job easier, we’ve prepared a list of bonus tips from successful teachers. Check them out below to learn the insights you won’t find anywhere else!

Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Guidance

The first year of teaching can be filled with questions, from understanding onboarding processes to handling difficult parent calls. Having a good mentor will make this transitional period much more manageable. Here’s what we recommend:

Be Kind to Yourself

During your first year of teaching, each day brings new experiences and challenges. It’s important to set achievable goals and acknowledge your growth and improvements. For example, you can create a diary where you keep track of your progress and celebrate achievements. It’ll help you stay motivated and avoid being overly self-critical.

Find Opportunities to Earn Extra Money

Even though schools don’t always offer the highest salaries, they give teachers many opportunities to earn extra cash: Signing up for additional work or coaching as a club instructor is one such opportunity. Teachers can also make additional money through tutoring or substituting for other teachers during holidays.

Get Organized

Being organized is essential for a teacher. Planning classes, keeping up with grading, attending meetings, and having time to rest requires organization and time management. You can create plan books, diaries, and organizers to keep track of all your responsibilities. Experienced teachers also recommend using apps like Seesaw, Remind, Pocket, TeacherKit, and Trello.

Develop Strong Bonds with Students

Building good relationships with your students is crucial for new teachers. Getting to know students individually may help you create a stronger bond with them. It will also aid you in creating a more welcoming atmosphere in the class – one where everyone is willing to share their thoughts and contribute to the discussion.

Use Different Teaching Strategies

Adjusting your teaching methods will help you find the approach that resonates best with your students and helps them grasp the material more effectively. Great teachers continually seek fresh, imaginative techniques to engage their students and facilitate learning. For instance, you might use visual aids or hands-on activities to assist students who find traditional lectures or reading assignments challenging.

Maintain Work-Life Balance

Finding a life-work balance is the only way to avoid burning out. It’s especially important for teachers who are increasingly burnt out due to extremely high expectations and overwhelming workloads. Saying “no” when you’re exhausted is an essential skill. If you don’t have time to rest, you’ll eventually become irritable, which may negatively affect your students and coworkers.

Prioritize Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is extremely important for those who take care of others. As a teacher, you need to find time to relax and do things that bring you joy. Spending time with family and friends or doing sports in your free time can help you maintain your spirit and continue to be an excellent example to your students.

We hope that you’ve found our article helpful. Feel free to share it with your friends. We wish you all the best on your teaching journey!

🔗 References

1. Teaching for a Living: Career Outlook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
2. Why Become a Teacher? Know All the Reasons Here!: University of the People
3. Teaching Careers: 5 Surprising Facts: Western Governors University
4. Become a Teacher after College: NYU Steinhardt
5. Why Become a Teacher? 8 Benefits to Consider: Drexel University
6. Types of Teachers Who Impact Students’ Lives: Grand Canyon University
7. Career Paths for Different Types of Teachers: What to Know: Forbes
8. How to Become a Teacher: The University of Kansas
9. What to Major in to Become a Teacher: Discover
10. Can You Become a Teacher with a Bachelor’s Degree?: University of San Diego
11. Functions and Roles of Teachers: Britannica
12. What Does a Teacher Do? Role & Responsibilities: Glassdoor
13. How to Land Your First Teaching Job: ThoughtCo
14. 8 Tips for Finding Teaching Jobs You’ll Love: We Are Teachers
15. How to Find Your Dream Teaching Job: Edutopia
16. 22 Tips I Wish I’d Known as a First Year Teacher: Nearpod
17. Helping New Teachers Thrive: Harvard Graduate School of Education
18. 10 Qualities of a Good Teacher: Southern New Hampshire University
19. The Pros and Cons of Being a Teacher: Owlcation
20. Advantages & Disadvantages of Becoming a Teacher: Chron.com
21. I’m Considering Becoming a Teacher: How Do I Know if It’s Right for Me?: Study.com
22. How to Choose the Grade and Subject You Want to Teach: CollegeXpress
23. Pathways to Teaching: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction