*Job
Description:
How to become a school teacher involves helping students to learn in
subjects such as English, Science, Math, Language, etc. Preschool,
Kindergarten and Elementary teachers play an essential role in helping
children develop during their younger years.
Preschool teachers use
storytelling and games to build a foundation for children to learn the
basic skills in language and vocabulary and the concepts of Science,
Math and Social skills.
Kindergarten teachers start
teaching children more in academics, such as recognizing letters,
numbers and the awareness of science and nature.
Most elementary school
teachers instruct students in a number of subjects, while some may
teaches a particular subject such as Math, Band, Reading, Art or Phys
Ed.
Middle and
High school teachers help students explore in more depth the things
learned in Elementary school. Middle grade teachers usually specialize
in a particular subject such as English, French, Spanish, Math, Biology
or History. Most high schools have vocational teachers to instruct and
prepare students interested in a specific career such as Carpentry,
Auto repair, Health Care, Nursing, Agriculture,
etc. High school teachers may also help students in choosing what
subjects they need to take for college or technical school. Teachers
may also use computers and the Internet to aid students in research
projects and information.
*Education/Training:
All teachers
have to be licensed except private schools in most states. Requirements
can vary from state to state but to be a general education teacher all
states require a bachelor's degree and to have completed an approved
teacher training program with a prescribed number of subjects and
education credits and supervised practice teaching. Some States require
that teachers earn a masters degree in education within a certain time
period after they begin teaching.
*Job
Outlook:
Teaching positions are
expected to increase over the next few years especially the inner
cities and rural areas.
*Working
Conditions:
Many school teachers work more
than 40 hours a week performing duties after school outside the
classroom. Most teachers work the traditional 10 month school year with
a 2 month summer break. Teaching can be very rewarding helping children
and teens grow into adulthood. Teachers can also become discouraged
especially when dealing with students that are unruly and
disrespectful. Teachers often have to deal with violence and that can
be very stressful. Private and Christian based schools usually have
smaller classes and have more control over setting standards and
discipline. These schools can be more stricter in admitting students,
therefore these students are more likely to be better disciplined and
motivated.
*Estimated Average Annual Earnings:
Public
Schools, Elementary through High school $46,597. Private and Christian
schools generally earned less than public school teachers. Earnings
depends on location, area size, population, etc.
