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Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Unit 1 You—The Teacher of Tomorrow
There are many opportunities for learning more about the field of
education through actual experience with children. Take advantage of
as many as possible to test your interests and boost your skills. Whom
would you be interested in job shadowing? What volunteer opportunities
exist in your community? Does your school have service-learning
projects? Perhaps you can find a part-time or summer job related to your
career goal. Whatever your choices, they will enhance your learning and
your life.
Step 2: College Preparation and Teacher
Training
To teach in kindergarten through high school, requires a bachelor’s
degree. This degree, or an undergraduate degree, generally takes
four years to complete. It is usually either a
bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of science
(BS), depending on your college major and
the course requirements you have met.
Colleges and universities have individual
requirements for admission to teacher
education programs. Some require students to
wait until their junior year of college to apply.
By this time, students have completed most
of their general education or core courses,
and the teacher education program can better
evaluate applicants.
Entrance requirements into teacher
education programs often include personal
interviews, prerequisite courses, a minimum
grade point average, and proficiency tests. A
prerequisite course is one that students must
complete before entering a program or prior
to taking a higher-level course. Proficiency
tests measure skill and knowledge in a subject
area. Teacher education candidates or majors
may be required to pass proficiency tests in
subjects such as reading, writing, and math. All
classes teachers teach require integration of
these skills. Many programs ask applicants to
list related experiences they have had working
with children.
Professional Tip
Responsibility in
Action
It is easy to see why dependable teachers
are so greatly valued. You have no doubt
witnessed many. Responsible teachers are
committed 100 percent of the time in all
situations, relationships, and actions. They
do not blame someone else when things do
not go exactly as planned. When working
on a team, responsibility means giving
their all even if one team member does
not do the same. They earn respect from
others, a reputation for accomplishment and
trustworthiness, and as a result, feel more in
control of their own destiny.
Analyze It!
How does added responsibility make
you feel more in control? When does it make
you feel less in control? What are some
opportunities in your home, school, or work
life where you can share responsibility today?