How to Become a Teacher – Education, Certifications, and Career Paths

Becoming a teacher takes effort, but it can be one of the most rewarding careers. Schools need educators who can explain subjects clearly and keep students engaged. 

They work in elementary, middle, and high schools, helping young minds grow. A good teacher needs patience, knowledge, and the right training. The path starts with a degree, continues with certification, and leads to a classroom full of students.

Some choose traditional routes, while others explore different options. A bachelor’s degree in education is common, but some study other subjects first. An MAT in secondary education helps those switching careers or specializing in a subject. Every teacher must pass state exams to earn certification. Classroom experience is also a must, usually gained through student teaching. Schools look for people with strong communication skills and a passion for learning.

A journey does not end after getting a job. New methods, technology, and student needs constantly change. 

Professional development, workshops, and advanced degrees help them stay sharp. Some move into leadership roles, while others focus on improving classroom techniques. Teaching is more than just delivering lessons—it shapes future generations.

Start with the Right Education

A bachelor’s degree is the first step. Most future teachers major in education or a subject they want to teach. 

Some states require them to major in their teaching subject, especially for middle and high school. It’s important to check the requirements early.

Preparation Programs

A preparation program gives you the skills to manage a classroom. These programs include:

• Educational psychology to understand how students learn
• Teaching methods to plan and deliver lessons
• Classroom management to handle different student behaviors

You also get real experience through student teaching. Working with an experienced teacher helps you learn how to run a class.

Alternative Certification

Not everyone starts with a teaching degree. Some people decide to become teachers after earning a degree in another subject. 

Alternative certification programs help them qualify. These programs offer fast-track training, including coursework and supervised teaching. Many states provide these options for career changers.

Accreditation and State Requirements

Your degree and teacher preparation program must be accredited. Schools only accept teachers with approved qualifications. 

After completing your education, you must pass state certification exams. These tests check your knowledge of teaching methods and the subject you plan to teach.

Get Hands-On Classroom Experience

Learning how to teach is not just about studying. Real classroom experience is necessary. Teachers must know how to handle students, explain lessons, and keep a class engaged. Student teaching helps you develop these skills before stepping into your own classroom.

Student Teaching and Internships

Most preparation programs require student teaching. This involves:

• Working under an experienced teacher
• Teaching real lessons to students
• Learning how to manage a classroom

Substitute Teaching as Practice

Substituting is another way to gain experience. Many new teachers start as substitutes while finishing certification. This helps with:

• Learning how different classrooms function
• Getting comfortable with different age groups
• Gaining confidence before becoming a full-time teacher

Substitutes also build connections with schools. Many get hired as full-time teachers after proving their skills.

Classroom Management and Real-World Skills

Handling a classroom is one of the biggest challenges. They must:

• Keep students engaged
• Manage different learning styles
• Handle discipline in a fair way

Pass Certification Exams

Getting a degree is only part of the journey. To step into a classroom as a full-time teacher, certification exams must be passed. 

Schools will not hire anyone without proof that they know their subject and can teach it effectively. Every state has its own requirements, so checking the specific exams needed is important.

Most states require one or more of these:

• Praxis Exams – General teaching knowledge and subject-specific tests
• TExES (Texas Examinations of Educator Standards) – Required in Texas
• CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers) – Required in California
• edTPA – A performance-based assessment involving lesson plans and recorded teaching sessions

What to Expect on the Exams

The exams are not easy. They test subject knowledge, teaching strategies, and classroom management. Some states require video recordings of actual teaching sessions. 

Others use written tests with essay responses and multiple-choice questions. Studying is necessary. 

Failing is common, and retakes cost money. Many teachers use study guides, prep courses, or group study sessions to improve their chances.

Explore Alternative Options

Alternative programs help them qualify without starting over. Many states offer these programs to bring in professionals with real-world experience.

Most states provide one or more of these options:

• Teach for America (TFA) – A program that places college graduates in low-income schools
• Troops to Teachers – Helps military veterans transition into teaching careers
• American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) – A self-paced program for career changers
• State-Specific Alternative Routes – Many states have their own pathways for professionals entering education

How Alternative Certification Works

Most programs require passing certification exams before entering the classroom. Some include intensive coursework, while others place candidates in schools with a mentor. 

Many allow teaching while completing requirements. This “learn as you go” model helps career changers transition without leaving the workforce.

Is Alternative Certification Right for You?

These programs work best for those who already have a degree and want to teach quickly. They are ideal for professionals switching careers, veterans, and subject experts in high-demand fields like math and science.

Consider Advanced Degrees

A bachelor’s degree is enough to start teaching, but earning an advanced degree can open new opportunities. 

Some teachers pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or a Master of Education (MEd) to gain deeper knowledge, improve teaching skills, or qualify for leadership roles. 

Common Types Advanced Degrees

• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) – Focuses on classroom instruction and subject-specific teaching methods
• Master of Education (MEd) – Covers broader topics like curriculum development, leadership, and policy
• Educational Specialist (EdS) – A step beyond a master’s, often for administrators or specialists
• Doctor of Education (EdD) or PhD in Education – Designed for those interested in research, policy, or high-level leadership

Benefits of an Advanced Degree

A master’s degree can lead to higher pay and better job security. Many school districts offer salary increases for teachers with advanced degrees. 

Some positions, like instructional coach or school administrator, require more education. A specialized degree can also improve classroom effectiveness by providing deeper knowledge of teaching strategies.

Keep Learning and Growing as a Teacher

Teaching does not stop after getting certified. Schools expect teachers to keep improving their skills. Students change, technology advances, and new teaching methods emerge. 

The best teachers stay updated by taking courses, attending workshops, and learning from experience.

Most teachers improve through one or more of these:

• Workshops and Conferences – Learn new techniques and strategies from experts
• Graduate Courses – Earn credits to renew certification or work toward a higher degree
• Mentorship Programs – Work with experienced teachers to refine skills
• Online Training – Take self-paced online classes on classroom management, technology, or new teaching methods

FAQs

The Bottom Line

Becoming a teacher takes dedication, education, and real-world experience. The journey starts with a degree, continues with certification, and grows with hands-on practice. Some follow a traditional path, while others take alternative routes. Advanced degrees and professional development help teachers stay competitive and effective in the classroom.