Teachers are called by many names; lecturers, tutors, and professors, to mention a few.
All of these people have something in common.
It is the fact that they are committed to educating and transferring knowledge to the future of tomorrow. Hence, these scholars are expected to have attained a certain level of education before they can be qualified for this job.
In the aspect of qualification, it is important to know that this varies from one country to the other.
So, we’ll be exploring the least degree that you should own in case you are aspiring to thread this career path. Let’s jump in!
Different Academic Levels and the Required Amount of Education for a Teacher
The amount of education required for a teacher depends on the specific teaching roles that interest him/her.
A kindergarten teacher does not necessarily need the same qualifications for a university lecturer role. In this case, the higher the age range of students, the higher the qualification should be.
Let’s take a look at some of the typical requirements for different teaching roles.
1. Kindergarten & Nursery
While some call it kindergarten, others know it as preschool. This is early childhood education and the foundation and beginning of school life for these youngsters. Therefore, they need someone experienced and qualified enough to understand them and cater to their emotional and educational needs.
If you are vying for an assistant teacher position, then a secondary school certificate or equivalent should suffice. However, you need more to be the main teacher. A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field can fit this role
2. Primary & Secondary Education
To teach this level, a bachelor’s degree in education (B.Ed) or in a particular subject area is important. This coupled with a teaching certificate or license is usually required.
Some countries may ask for a master’s degree for certification or career advancement in the process. However, the first two certifications can’t be compromised.
3. University
This is an advanced class and it requires equivalent qualification. At this point, a teacher needs to step up since this job requires something bigger.
A master’s degree in the subject or area being taught is enough to bring you in. However, this is not the end. You need advanced qualifications to climb up the ladder of hierarchy in the university.
Note that while a master’s degree is cool, a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) can get you the job faster. Most universities prefer this for university-level teaching.
4. Special Education
To be qualified for this, you don’t need just any certification. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in special education can get you the job faster.
This way, your employer is convinced that you are up to the task and have been well-prepared for what is to come.
These degrees in related fields are not a bad idea. As long as your certifications fit into what they want, you are a step closer to achieving your goal.
5. Professional Development
Day after day, we hear of groundbreaking innovations and additions to different industries and sectors. This is why you need to consistently develop yourself.
In this field, continuing education is paramount. You need to pursue professional development even after getting the job with your initial certification. Continuing education courses help you to maintain the licensure and enhance your teaching skills.
In a nutshell, pursuing professional development helps you keep the job.
Conclusion
Besides being qualified in the aspect of formal education (bagging certifications and degrees), experience is important too.
Aspiring teachers need to go through a thorough and supervised teaching experience as student teachers. Then, after this, they can write and pass the licensure exams. Many schools in different regions inculcate this in their syllabus to provide the necessary experience for these aspiring teachers.
If you are interested in this career path, you ought to research the specific requirements and qualifications for your dream teaching job.
Click here to find out about 8 effective ways to deal with high flyers as a teacher.
