Teacher Training and Licensure Degree Program and Career Education

To help solve the problem of a shortage of teachers in U.S. public schools, both colleges and universities are beginning to offer teacher licensure programs to individuals who have earned their bachelor's degrees in a field other than education. These programs prepare these degreed individuals to pass the state-required exams necessary to obtain a teaching license. In many of these programs, individuals who have not yet received a bachelor's degree can complete the courses necessary to obtain the degree while preparing for the license exams. Licenses, required of all public schoolteachers throughout the United States, help to ensure the public that teachers have succeeded in meeting a minimum of state-approved licensing standards.

In addition to taking academic courses such as curriculum design, effective lesson planning, and human development, teaching licensure candidates must participate in hands-on learning, working as student teachers or teaching assistants in real classrooms. Licensed teachers coach them and evaluate their progress.

Individuals enrolled in teacher training and licensure programs must have a desire to learn, as well as a love for teaching others. They should enjoy working with children, and they should possess excellent communication and listening skills. They should be patient, organized, and effective leaders.

Education, Training and Degrees in Teacher Training and Licensure

Teacher licensure programs allow students to complete the necessary coursework either in a classroom setting or online, though all students must complete hands-on training, under the supervision of a licensed teacher, in a real classroom setting.

All public schoolteachers must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree. Individuals who want to become a teacher but who do not already possess a bachelor's degree would do well to earn their degree in education. Individuals who already have a degree in another subject must take a number of teaching courses in order to meet state requirements. Finally, some schools require or encourage teachers to pursue master's degrees in their specialized field.

Find more information about online degrees, certificates, and diplomas in Education.

Explore Career Opportunities in Teacher Training and Licensure

There has always been a demand for qualified schoolteachers, and, as many teachers face retirement over the next few years, the number of job openings for teachers will only increase. In addition, the demands and stresses of teaching in inner-city schools causes a number of new teachers to leave the field each year, creating a particular demand for teachers in these areas.

Individuals who have obtained a bachelor's degree, completed the necessary hands-on classroom experience, and passed state-required standardized exams in order to earn their teaching license are allowed to pursue a career teaching in the public school system. Below are a few of the teaching opportunities available.

Kindergarten Teacher
Kindergarten teachers work with four- and five-year-olds, teaching them the basics of reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, music and science. Through storytelling, games, and creative projects, they use a playful, interactive atmosphere to encourage growth and a desire to learn in young children.

Elementary School Teacher
Elementary or grade school teachers teach children from the first through sixth grades. They most often teach numerous subjects, such as reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies, to one class of children, at the level appropriate to that grade and age. They plan lessons, administer and grade tests, assign projects, and meet with parents and other teachers to review each child's development.

Middle School Teacher
Middle school teachers work with seventh and eighth graders, or seventh through ninth graders, usually teaching one subject to a number of different classes, as in high schools. They focus on one particular subject in depth, teaching children more than they were exposed to in previous grades.

High School Teacher
High school teachers teach students between the ages of 14 and 18. They teach one subject to a number of classes, using lecture, presentations, and projects to provide detailed instruction. They develop lesson plans, assign projects, administer tests, and track the progress of each student. They may also oversee after-school activities, such as clubs, band, choir, or sports.

School Principal
Principals plan, coordinate, and oversee all educational activities and policies of a school. They oversee budgets, review new programs, hire personnel, set educational standards and goals, solicit funding, and meet with teachers and students to discuss student behavior or learning problems.

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