42 Unit 1 You: The Teacher of Tomorrow
Explore College Programs
Begin now to gather information about colleges and universities
that offer teacher training. These programs are called teacher education
programs or teacher preparation programs. Many schools have such pro-
grams, but some are more highly regarded than others. Your high school
guidance staff can be an excellent source of information. Ask your teach-
ers for their recommendations. Search online to fi nd possible schools and
learn more about them. This will help you decide which schools interest
you most and might be a good fi t for you.
When you narrow your list of potential colleges and universities,
visit their Web sites to learn about their entrance requirements and what
courses you would take. Try to visit the colleges or universities at the top
of your list during your junior year. Applications for admission should be
sent to colleges in the fall of your senior year.
Guidance counselors also have a wealth of information. For example,
if the cost of college is a concern, ask for information about fi nancial aid.
Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence or other
criteria. Some grants are available, usually for those who show real eco-
nomic need. Grant money does not need to be repaid. Student loans are
usually available at low interest rates and can be repaid over a longer time
period than normal loans. Your guidance counselor can help you fi gure
out options for fi nancial aid possibilities and other options for coping with
educational expenses.
Gain Experience and Improve Your Skills
While in high school, gain as much experience working with children
of various ages as you can. Why gain experience now? You have opportu-
nities now that are different from those open to you later in life. Working
with children can help you make a better decision about whether teaching
in an elementary or secondary school is a good career choice for you. In
addition, colleges and universities look favorably on applicants who have
shown community involvement. There are many ways you can gain expe-
rience in teaching and working with children.
• Job shadowing. In many high school teaching programs, students
have the opportunity to visit a classroom and job shadow a teacher.
In job shadowing, you follow a person on the job for a few hours, a
day, or even longer to experience what the person’s career typically
involves. This can give you valuable insight into the person’s daily
tasks, activities, and interactions with others. Seeing a professional in
action will help you identify the skills you will need. You may also
have the opportunity to discuss the experience with the person you
are shadowing and ask questions.