What additional education is needed to become a teacher?

Answer 1

The answer depends on a) what you intend to teach and at what level, and b) where you plan to do it.

In the United States each state licenses teachers differently. Some states offer reciprocity, which means that the license from one state is valid (at least for a time) in another state. You can find each state's requirements for credentials online.

Generally, to teach in a public school you must hold a valid Bachelor's degree (BA or BS), and complete an additional year or two of course work for a teaching credential. Courses include pedagogical methods, developmental psychology, educational law, and classes specific to the subjects you will be teaching. You must also complete a practicum, or "student teaching" in a regular classroom under the supervision of a master teacher. Some states require teaching applicants to pass various standardized tests.

For teaching at the secondary (high school) level it is usual to require a Masters degree (MA or MS) in the subject you wish to teach. For some specialized programs there are alternative routes to certification. For example, to teach drama in most states you have to hold a credential for teaching English.

Credentials specify what subjects can be taught and at which levels. Supplementary credentials can be obtained via additional course work or through testing. Teaching credentials are no longer granted for a lifetime, and must be renewed every few years. Procedures and costs vary from state to state.