Best path to becoming a high school teacher?

Question

I'm 27, I have no college credits. I have been entertaining the idea of becoming a history teacher for some time now and I want to go for it once my wife finishes school in about four years. What advice would you give some one starting their career so late? What can I do in the meantime to prepare while my wife finishes school?

Answer 1

Cosmicmoons answer only works for the UK.

Im assuming you are in the US. You need a bachelors degree to begin. (4 years)

Once that is done, you need to enter and complete a teacher credential program. Since you do not have a BA - many universities combine their programs - you should find one that gives you your BA and does all the methods and curriculum courses for your credential (2 more years - often combines programs finish both up within 5 years) There are also a number of tests you need as well as student teaching - but once in a progrma theyll explain all this.

So something you can do now - since you need a bachelors - you can start working on units. online programs , community colleges surely have an option for you. The quicker you get started, the quicker you'll becoame a teacher.

Answer 2

If you have no college qualifications, you'll need to go on an Access to Teaching course and take it from there. This is what I'm doing anyway.

You must gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) by completing Initial Teacher Training (ITT). You can do this through several different routes, but for all of them you will need:

GCSEs (A-C) English and maths or equivalent qualifications – check with course providers for their requirements.

Passes in tests of numeracy, literacy and ITC (information and communications technology)

CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) clearance.

If you intend to teach in middle schools you will also need GCSEs (A-C) or an equivalent qualification in science. Experience of working with children (either paid or voluntary) in the relevant age group will be an advantage. This could be through volunteering at a local school, youth club or holiday scheme.

There are four types of ITT:

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

School-Centered Initial Teacher Training (SCITT)

Work-based.

The route you choose will depend on whether you already have higher education qualifications.

Undergraduate routes:

If you do not have a degree you can gain QTS by completing one of the following two options:

A degree in the subject you want to teach (or a closely-related subject) followed by a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE)

A BA (Hons) or BSc (Hons) with QTS (or a BEd degree at a few universities).

Good luck!