There are a variety of degrees that can lead to qualification as a teacher. There are the traditional BA and BS degrees earned in a School of Education. Degrees earned in areas other than education can also be used to attain teacher certification through alternate routes that have been designed to attract more people to the field of teaching.
Elementary Education
To become an elementary teacher, the most often sought degree is in Elementary Education with an area of concentration such as math, science or reading. This degree is valid to teach grades Kindergarten through 6. For people who want to teach only preschool and kindergarten, they need to earn the Early Childhood Education degree. This is valid for grades prekindergarten through second.
Secondary Education
A degree in Secondary Education is necessary for teachers in grades 7 through 12. These degrees are specific to the subject area desired to be taught such as Social Studies, Math, English and Science. The degree earned will be in Secondary Education as the major. The minor will be the subject area.
Degrees Other Than Education
Because of teacher shortages, most states have developed alternative ways for people to enter the teaching field who have a degree in other areas. The most helpful degrees to achieve this are those in psychology, biology, math, history and pre-law. Candidates will have to pass a subject area teacher exam and may have to earn college credit in specified Education classes.
Considerations
It is best to go through a school of education and complete the prescribed program of study. There are many valuable courses in classroom management and child psychology that are invaluable to the teacher. There is also the very important practice teacher program in which a prospective candidate works in a school, supervised by the regular teacher, while performing all the teaching duties. This experience gives great insight into what the classroom experience will be like.
Time Frame
Most education degrees take at least 4 years to earn. Because of the nature of subject specialization and the hours required of student teachers, it could take 5 years. If a person has become a teacher through alternative means, he or she will have to earn approximately 6 hours of additional college credit every 5 years.
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