Teaching is an art. Not everybody who is an expert of their subject can become a teacher. Being a teacher requires not just subject knowledge but many other core skills like patience, management capabilities and clear communication. A teacher must be a medium through which education and students become connected. Now, if you are wondering how to become a teacher in any part of the world, let me give you a basic idea.
- Degrees
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, as we know. Indeed such is the case in a teacher’s life. If you have incomplete knowledge on a particular subject, how can you educate your pupils? The first step to becoming a teacher is getting your degrees and certifications. The minimum degree required is that of graduation, and the more you achieve, the better it is. Once you have decided on your specialisation, you just have to enrol for a course and get your degree. If you are planning to teach at university level, a Master’s degree is must. Certifications to gain knowledge in particular stream will add value to your CV and will also help in quicker employment.
- Experience
A degree in your subject will not train you to teach. It will provide you with the basic necessities, which will help you to teach. What is most essential in a teaching career is experience. The more real life experience you get, the more enriched you will be. You can begin with junior classes and move up to higher education. A real life classroom experience will add the soft skills and polish your communication power.
- Teaching certifications
Many countries are very specific about their teachers. You cannot join an educational organisation without a teaching certification. After earning your degree in the subject of your choice, it is advisable that you enrol for a education degree or teaching certification course, e.g. a PGCE. You are taught several nuances that you will face as a teacher. The course will give you knowledge on classroom management, curriculum preparation, lesson planning and many more. These pedagogical skills will prove to be of great use in the long run in your teaching career.
- Deciding teaching location and kind of school
Now that you have equipped yourself with the necessary degrees and certifications, it is time for you to go for jobs. But before you start applying, there are a few things you need to make a checklist of. First and foremost, you need to decide which age group you want to educate. While some prefer teaching the kids and babies, some prefer giving lectures to the teenagers. Along with the age group, you have to target the schools which match your requirements and apply there.
- Cracking the interview and getting the job
If you have received the interview call, half the work is done. All you need now is to crack the interview with confidence and experience. Be prepared with the regular set of questions like “why you want to become a teacher” and “where do you see yourself in the next five years?”. Do not feel shy to ask about the organisation, if you have any questions. If the interviewer smiles at you and discusses salary, you have nailed the job. Congratulations.
Do you have any tips on how to become a teacher? Let us know in the comments below.
Photo: Purple Sherbet Photography / Flickr
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