Do you know what schooling is needed to become a teacher?
What schooling is needed to become a teacher?
You’ve always loved working with children and teenagers. You want to study how children learn, and you want to lead a classroom. But, as you consider becoming a teacher, you might be wondering what schooling is actually needed to be a teacher.
Becoming a teacher when you already have a bachelor’s degree
First of all, if you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can earn your Secondary Education Teacher Certification along with a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction. This program is run in an accelerated online format, which means that you can complete it while working.
Who is the ideal candidate for this program?
- Individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree in any subject area
- Working adults
- Individuals looking for a flexible program
- Individuals who want to teach in grades 6-12 (Secondary Education)
What can you expect in this program?
- 30-credit program
- Secondary Education certification, so you’ll be equipped to teach in a middle school, junior high, or high school setting in both public and private sectors
- Eight-week, online graduate-level courses
- Earn a Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction
- Michigan Department of Education certification
First of all, in this program, you’ll learn how to design and use teaching methods that impact your students. Secondly, you’ll graduate knowing how to plan lessons and manage a classroom. Additionally, you’ll have experience using technology and best practices to engage in effective teaching.
Above all, our Teaching Certificate Program takes a faith-based approach, which means you will bring faith and learning together in a meaningful way for your students. If you’re teaching in a public school, our program will prepare you to have a positive impact on your students and community through servant leadership.
What concentration will you choose?
Candidates can choose to earn a certification to teach:
- English
- Mathematics
- Integrated Science
- Comprehensive Social Studies
- Spanish
- Music
- Special Education Learning Disabilities
- Physical Education/Health
Becoming a teacher when you don’t have a bachelor’s yet
Next, if you know that teaching is right for you, but you haven’t earned your bachelor’s degree, know that you have options. Concordia University offers an accelerated bachelor’s degree in elementary education and an accelerated bachelor’s in secondary education. Earn your bachelor’s degree and WI teaching license within 3 years or at the pace you prefer. If you prefer to work with grades K-9, an elementary license is right for you. But, if you’d rather work with older students in grades 4-12, the secondary license would be a better fit.
Who is the ideal candidate for these programs?
- Individuals who are looking for a flexible learning program
- Working adults
What can you expect in these programs?
- Ability to transfer credits
- Online, with the exception of practicums and student teaching
- Accelerated format: This means students take 3 successive 8-week terms each semester.
- January or July start dates
The curriculum for these program are similar to the traditional undergraduate education degrees. However, the education courses are more collaborative, whereas the non-education courses (i.e., science, math, communications, English) tend to be more self-paced.
When it comes to your practicum and classroom experience, you’ll have five semesters worth of fieldwork. It’s developmental in nature, meaning that it starts off as observational. Then, by the end of your fifth semester, you’re ready to begin your student teaching. The sixth and final semester is student teaching.
Which educational path is right for you?
Overall, when it comes to figuring out what schooling is needed to become a teacher, only you know which path is right for you. Remember that you have options and support. Find out more here.
— Vanessa Lane is the Content Marketing Lead at Concordia University and can be reached at vanessa.lane@cuaa.edu. When she's not at work, she can be found playing with her kids or watching NBA basketball with her husband.
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