An Education Degree:

An education degree is the standard education for students who want to pursue a career teaching in public school. Early childhood education teachers often get an associate's degree, while elementary teachers normally graduate with a bachelor's degree in education before getting their first teaching job. However, many secondary teachers major in their subject area as an undergraduate (in math, English, physics, a foreign language, etc.) and then get an education degree, such as a master's degree in education.

What to Expect from Your Education Degree Program

Most education degrees take four years to complete. A bachelor's degree in education will provide you with a broad liberal arts education, as well as a firm foundation in the art of teaching (pedagogy) and the necessary classroom skills. During your undergraduate education degree, you will take many of the same prerequisites as other students in your first two years. You will take more advanced education classes in your junior and senior years. Education degrees stress both subject content (in your core area/s) and pedagogy:

• Subject Content: Gaining the knowledge in specific subjects that you need to be a successful teacher.
• Pedagogy: Learning how to teach, from understanding child psychology to practicing time–tested and cutting-edge teaching techniques.

Teacher Requirements: First, Get an Education Degree

Getting your bachelor's degree in education is the surest way to prepare for your teaching career. Accredited colleges and universities offer bachelor's in education that meet state teacher–certification requirements. With an education degree, you are on the fast track to becoming a teacher. Teacher certification requirements vary from state to state, but nearly all states require a bachelor's degree, whether on-campus or online. Before becoming a teacher, you will normally also be required to do student teaching under the mentorship of a master teacher.

If you major in education, your minor can easily become your primary endorsement—the subject you are certified to teach. For instance, you might pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a minor in math, if you anticipate becoming a high school math teacher. After receiving your bachelor's degree and passing state or national certification requirements and a teaching exam, you can be certified to teach your endorsement subject. You can pursue additional endorsements to teach new subjects during your undergraduate degree or once you've completed your education degree.

Post-Bachelor's Certificate

If you are interested in entering the teaching profession and you already have a non-teaching degree, a post-bachelor's certificate program is the best track for you. These programs let you complete the required coursework for your state's teaching credential. They take anywhere from ten months to two years, depending on your previous degree and your state's teaching requirements. Students must also pass a state or national teaching exam such as the Praxis™ to become fully licensed.

Post-Professional Certificate

If you are an experienced teacher and are seeking professional development, salary advancement or renewal of your teaching license, a post-professional certificate may be the best route for you. Post-professional certificate programs range from 8 credits to 30 credits; some can be completed in one weekend while others may take a year to complete. Program prerequisites vary, but all offer opportunities to advance your teaching knowledge and skills. These classes do not generally lead to a master's degree in teaching. However, you should be aware of your college's accreditation in case you want to use classes you've taken toward an advanced degree in the future.

Also, keep in mind that some states expect teachers to eventually earn a master's degree in education, but this is not always required to begin teaching. Contact your state Department of Education for specific information.

While an education degree is only the first step, it is an important one for people, like you, who want to become teachers. Once you get your degree and start teaching, the learning is just beginning. For your students—as well as for you.