What do I need to do in order to become a teacher?

Question

Okay, right now I'm going into my freshmen year of high school and I have already decided that I want to be a teacher. So, do Elementary school teachers teach from K-8, but then what about Middle school teachers. I need advice on this and I'd preffer to hear from someone who is a teacher or is studying to become one.

Answer 1

Truly it depends on where you live.  In Ohio, (I teach 2nd grade, and am certified Preschool-3rd grade) we have Early childhood (PS-3), middle (4-9) and secondary (7-12).  All states are different so do a search for your states department of education.  Also, if you go to a college website that you are interested in, in your state, find that website and sometimes you can look up the department of education and look at the requirements/courses you'll need to take when you go.  It took me 4-5 years to get my degree, and in Ohio you have to get your master's degree (another 2 years) within your first 7 years of teaching.  It is costly and you will never earn enough to make up for the work you do, especially if you teach elementary.  Lots of work, lots of gratification/reward, no pay!  You have to love what you do.

Answer 2

In order to K-8 teach in California you need to get a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies and then get your multiple subject teaching credential which is an extra year after you get your B.A.  With a multiple subject credential you can teach Elementary or Core classes (English/Social Studies or Math/Science) in Middle school.  In order to teach high school or more focused classes in middle school you have to get a Bachelor's degree in the area you want to teach (i.e. English, Art, Math) and then get a single subject teaching credential which is another year as well.