It takes a special kind of person to become a teacher—one who can spark curiosity, encourage growth, and help students discover what they’re capable of. At ProCare Therapy, we know that the journey looks a little different for everyone. Whether you’re just beginning to explore teaching careers in education or already working toward certification, this step-by-step guide breaks down exactly what you need to become a licensed teacher and make an impact in the classroom.
How to Get Into Teaching: Guide to Becoming a Teacher
Step 1: Understand What Type of Teacher You Want to Be
One of the earliest steps in the process of becoming a teacher is to decide which kinds of teaching roles fit your strengths and interests. You don’t need to choose your exact teaching role right away, but having a general sense of the specialty, age group, or school setting you’re drawn to can help you choose the program that’s the best fit for your goals.
Common roles include:
- Early childhood teacher (Pre-K)
- Elementary school teacher or general education teacher
- Middle or high school teacher (subject-specific)
- Special education teacher
- Specialized roles like reading interventionist, ESL teacher, or CTE instructor
Step 2: Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree
Every state requires a bachelor’s degree to become a certified teacher. Most educators complete a Bachelor of Education or major in a relevant subject (such as math or English) paired with an educator preparation program.
Alternate Pathways Into Teaching
If you didn’t follow a traditional education major, there are still several alternative paths that can help you bring valuable experience to the students, such as:
- Alternative certification programs
- Post-baccalaureate educator prep programs
- Transition-to-teaching initiatives
- Emergency or provisional licensure (varies by state)
Step 3: Complete an Approved Educator Preparation Program
To earn your teaching license, you must complete a state-approved teacher preparation program, which provides the knowledge and classroom experience you’ll rely on throughout your career.
Most programs include:
- Student teaching (usually a full semester)
- Supervised classroom practice
- Mentorship from an experienced educator
- Training in classroom management, lesson planning, and assessment
Step 4: Pass Required Certification Exams
Each state requires a series of exams to verify your teaching readiness, and they can vary by state. But don’t worry—your educator preparation program will tell you exactly which assessments are required.
Depending on the specific certifications or licenses you pursue, exams generally include skills tests (reading, writing, math), subject-area exams for your chosen content area, and pedagogy exams that measure instructional knowledge. Common tests include Praxis Core, Praxis Subject Assessments, edTPA, and state-specific certification exams.
Step 5: Apply for Your Teaching License
Almost there! Once you have put in the work—meeting coursework, testing, and field experience requirements—you’ll apply for your initial teaching license through your state’s Department of Education. After approval, you will be officially certified to teach in your licensed area!
This application generally requires:
- Official transcripts
- Proof of program completion
- Passing exam scores
- Background check clearance
- Application fees
Step 6: Apply for Teaching Positions
After receiving your certificate, you can begin applying for your first teaching job! Visit our blog post on the best time to apply for teaching jobs for a complete guide on the process.
At ProCare, we work to place excellent educators like you in school districts where your skills will make the greatest impact. Whether you’re interested in general education, special education, or a specialized subject role, we’re here to help you take the next step. Explore teaching jobs with ProCare today!
