Do you want to be a Teacher?

Teaching is arguably the most important profession in the world. Every person’s life has been affected by great teaching. And with openings in the industry, the fulfilling career of a teacher is becoming a very viable option for many.

Kindergarten through twelfth grade teachers impact students in some of the most impressionable phases of their lives. Teachers need to be patient and flexible—constantly willing to adapt with new technologies and new techniques that will help children succeed in the classroom.

Options in teaching are varied. Teachers are needed to teach a vast spectrum of classes from chemistry to photography. Generally, elementary teachers teach the full spectrum to their students, while middle school and high school teachers tend to specialize. However, there are several opportunities for even elementary school teachers to focus on one particular subject. Music teachers, for instance, teach all age groups music throughout the week.

State requirements for teachers vary dependent on individual standards. Usually, teachers receive a license after getting a bachelor’s degree in either education or in their chosen field of expertise. Added to the classes required to graduate, future teachers also take a certain amount of hours in education classes.

Many people are now crossing the bridge from professional field experience to the teaching realm. Online classes are a great option to make up the education credits needed to be licensed. Students just starting their own higher education can also find helps in finishing their degrees more quickly (or more slowly, depending on which pace works best) with online courses. Online courses are also an excellent option for teachers who are required to continue their training even after they have been hired.

The outlook for teachers is steady. According the U.S. Department of Labor, in the next ten years, administrators will be hiring to replace many teachers entering retirement. Some states have growing classrooms while others have shrinking numbers in students. Outlook for positions varies dependent on states, but society will always need teachers.

• Median annual earnings of K–12 teachers is $43,580¬–$48,690
• The lowest 10% earned less than $33,070
• The top 10% earned more than $67,490.