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Home > How to Become a teacher > Teaching Pathways
Teaching Pathways

The Traditional Approach to Teaching
The most traditional approach for becoming a teacher is to enroll in an education degree plan with a four year college or university. Most colleges and universities offer specific programs within elementary education or secondary education designed to facilitate completion of the state’s specific teaching certification programs. Other individuals who have obtained alternative bachelor degrees may apply for consideration within a master’s degree program in education.
Alternative Teaching Certification
Many states have developed alternative teaching certification programs in order to attract individuals looking for a career change into education, or to students who have obtained a bachelor’s degree within another discipline. These programs offer concentrated training specifically for the education career path, where upon completion from the program, an individual earns the right to obtain a teaching credential. Check with your state regarding alternative teaching programs.
National Programs
The most recognized national program designed to attract talented individuals into the teaching career path is Teach for America. This program places recent college graduates within teaching positions found within rural communities, and in some cases, within urban school districts in need of educators. While this program is open to everyone, it often focuses on minorities, individuals who are bilingual and those who are looking to teach within math and science.
Private Institutions
Many private or independent schools offer customized programs for attracting teachers into their communities. While education degrees are often preferred, many of these institutions will offer their own internal alternative certification programs. You can learn more about these programs by speaking with individual schools and school districts within your local area. |
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