How to become a teacher?

A job in teaching is a rather fulfilling career path that allows one to influence and shape the minds of the young. This role is perfect for fresh graduates from high school working towards becoming teachers, thinking about switching professions or lovers of education and academia. 

Let’s take a look at how to undertake this process with detailed explanations of questions associated with how to become a school teacher while providing some insights to those who aspire to be teachers.

1. Understanding the teachers’ role

Before you can go through the steps for being a teacher, it is very important that you understand what comes with the role in terms of duties and aspirations. Teachers do not only pass on knowledge but also motivate, guide and shape the character of students besides inculcating values in them. They should be patient and flexible in understanding different learning styles and caring for students. This whole picture will give you a better perspective on your own journey towards becoming a teacher.

2. Choose your way of teaching

Answering the question of how to become a teacher will be one of the first concerns that you need to address. Below are the common pathways:

• Early childhood education – this concentrates mostly on preschool or kindergarten levels which deal with ages less than ten.
• Primary teacher – engages in teaching a variety of subjects at 5-11 years old bracket.
• Secondary instructor – this is about one subject like Mathematics, Science or English for students in 11 to 18 years old bracket.
• Higher education – lecturers at universities offer advanced and specialized instruction during tertiary stages.

3. Educational requirements for becoming a teacher

Different countries and states have their own guidelines regarding what steps should be taken if one wishes to become a teacher which can vary depending on location as well as what level of education you want to offer children but here are generally accepted principles as regards universal requirements:

After completing high school, those who wish to go into teaching must start by taking up specialized degree programs. This means that one must be looking up “how do I become a teacher after 12th?” Becoming a teacher would require getting into a relevant Bachelor’s degree program such as a Bachelor’s in Education (B.Ed.). Consequently, those aiming at becoming university lecturers will need a Master’s or PhD.

4. How to become a teacher after 12th

There are many students who choose to be teachers immediately after finishing their 12th grade. Here are some ways on how to be a teacher after 12th:

Join a TTC (Teacher Training Certificate) and D.Ed (Diploma in Education) course – this is common among students who wish to become teachers either at the primary or secondary level and it usually takes around 2 years to cover such subjects as pedagogy, classroom management, and curriculum development among others. 

Enroll for the subject-specific UG degree program. Those interested in teaching Mathematics or Science in Secondary Schools may opt for studying these areas at the undergraduate level followed by a B.Ed.

5. Get practical experience

In most countries, becoming a teacher does not only mean obtaining a degree – practical experience is highly important. When learning about how to become a teacher after 12th grade, one will often need to have experience in student teaching. These opportunities help you to –

• Get real-life classroom teaching experience
• Develop lessons and classroom management dynamics
• Improve your teaching by getting feedback from experienced teachers.

6. Certification and licensing

A teaching certification or license is required in most states or countries for you to be able to teach in school. This typically involves taking an exam or completing a government-regulated teacher training program. If you want to know how to be a teacher then certification processes are necessary information for any teacher hopeful residing within your country’s borderlines.

How Online Manipal supports your education career’s growth

For people working as teachers who dream of rising higher in their fields, progressing to an MBA may be an appropriate step to take, especially for those who are contemplating occupying leadership positions in educational administration or merely want to develop a business sense. At Online Manipal, learners can get online degree programs offered through Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ), Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE).

Online Manipal presents an opportunity for learners to enroll in online graduate degree programs that are UGC-accredited to ensure good quality academics without hindering their careers. It is beneficial for teachers already working but also desiring job promotions.

How can I become a government teacher in India?

Government school teachers must have a graduate degree in any stream along with an education diploma or degree. Furthermore, they should pass through the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) at the central/state level to qualify. After passing this examination, one becomes eligible to apply for teacher vacancies when such vacancies are declared by respective state governments in India. Further, a written test followed by an interview process would be involved during recruitment.

How can I become a private teacher after 12th?

Most commonly, schools hire private teachers in response to job notifications issued by that particular school or educational institution. The recruitment process involves interviews or demo classes. Also, candidates aspiring to join private schools do not necessarily have to have a B.Ed/B.El.Ed degree as most schools accept diploma qualifications in teaching as well. Besides, one can start one’s career with a mere 10+2 certificate or a degree from college by joining an institution that recognizes it for internship positions like teaching assistantships.

Start your teaching journey today!

Becoming a teacher is a journey of educational qualifications, experience and continuous learning. It does not matter if you are just from high school or looking for a second career – you should lay down your educational path with an objective to pursue it. 

For those who want additional training for career development, Online Manipal offers online programs including MBA courses meant specifically for those who are at work and are planning to rise as future education leaders. Register with Online Manipal, explore the career prospects and carve your way towards a satisfying teaching job.

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