Why do people ask...?

Question

"What do I have to do to become a teacher?" I mean...I figured it was obvious that one has to go to college and earn a teaching degree to become an educator. Yet, every day, I see several of those questions pop up under 'Teaching.' I dunno, it just drives me nuts. I mean, each state--heck, each university-- is different as far as what courses you will need to take. So, why do you figure people ask this question every day?

Answer 1

The cynic in me wonders if some people actually walk around thinking, "Work...hmmm...what can I do?  Hey, I know!  I was a student once...how hard can teaching be?"

I'm also starting to think a lot of people in other countries are asking these questions, too.  Like, "I have a degree in X [in my country], what do I have to do to become a teacher [in the U.S.]?"  Well, you have to do a lot more than have a college degree, that's for sure!  Many people are thinking of switching careers and assume their BS in Business (or Communications...or some other field that doesn't correlate to K-12 subject areas) will open the door for them.

I really don't think people are aware of education programs, pedagogical training, Praxis testing, etc., or that you need to be recommended for certification by some governing board, be it a university or whoever does it in alternate-route certification.  You don't just walk in and "become" a teacher!

And how about the guy who's complaining that he doesn't get paid for student teaching!

Answer 2

I agree with you that it is different depending on what state you are in and so on.  People really need to look into it themselves and not rely on yahoo answers.  But you oversimplify it yourself.  You do not need to get a "teaching degree".  Where I am from for example, I need any form of undergraduate degree, proof of subject competency, and a credential.