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Chapter 2 Becoming a Teacher
teachers for their recommendations. Search online to find possible
schools and learn more about them. This will help you decide which
schools interest you most and might be a good fit for you.
When you narrow your list of potential colleges and universities, visit
their websites to learn about their entrance requirements and the courses
you would take. Try to visit the colleges or universities at the top of your
list during your junior year. Send applications for admission 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 financial aid.
Colleges and universities award scholarships on a basis of academic
excellence or other criteria. Some grants are available, usually for those
who show real economic need. Grant money does not require repayment.
Student loans are usually available at low interest rates with repayment
over a longer time period than normal loans. Your guidance counselor can
help you figure out options for financial 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
opportunities 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 experience 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.
Job shadowing has many benefits. It can give you valuable insight into
the person’s daily tasks, activities, and interactions with others. Seeing a
professional in action helps you identify the skills you need. You may also
have the opportunity to discuss the experience with the person you are
shadowing and ask questions.
Since job shadowing is only a short-term activity, you might try to
shadow a variety of people in careers of interest to you. You could, for
example, spend time with teachers at different grade levels or perhaps a
special education teacher or a reading specialist. In addition to what you
learn, each experience offers you a new professional contact. Sometimes
teachers and counselors arrange for job shadowing, but you can also
make arrangements to do so yourself.