5 answers
Phoebe
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
1
Question
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What classes are needed/required for becoming a teacher? What skills are needed/required?
I'm a 9th grade student looking to become a 5th/6th grade teacher and I'm great at math but I do struggle with communication. I'm learning to work on my skills but I don't know what to work on.
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5 answers
Caitlin McCann
18
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Caitlin’s Answer
Hi Phoebe!
It depends on the university you attend. You will likely get a sheet of all the classes you are required to take when you enroll, and those are what you need to graduate. Some examples of these classes include core classes (math, english, science, history), introduction to education, educational methods classes, and content specific classes (for whatever subjects you will be teaching). There will likely be a class that requires speech in those, but I find that the best practice for communicating is just the field experiences with students.
In terms of skills, you likely will need organization, patience, flexibility, good communication with students and parents, creativity, and more. I would recommend seeing if you can shadow a teacher at one of these grade levels, this will be the best way to see what skills this career takes!
Good luck!
Caitlin
It depends on the university you attend. You will likely get a sheet of all the classes you are required to take when you enroll, and those are what you need to graduate. Some examples of these classes include core classes (math, english, science, history), introduction to education, educational methods classes, and content specific classes (for whatever subjects you will be teaching). There will likely be a class that requires speech in those, but I find that the best practice for communicating is just the field experiences with students.
In terms of skills, you likely will need organization, patience, flexibility, good communication with students and parents, creativity, and more. I would recommend seeing if you can shadow a teacher at one of these grade levels, this will be the best way to see what skills this career takes!
Good luck!
Caitlin
Kasey Edwards
Certified dental assistant
21
Answers
Dillon, South Carolina
Updated
Kasey’s Answer
Hello,
I would say many classes will contribute to becoming a teacher. I would also recommend volunteer after school hours to help a teacher with paper work or just any kind of help in general. Shadow a teacher or someone that works for the school in possible. Many high schools offer teacher cadet courses for students that may want to become a teacher. If you love math, go for it. Math is a great subject, and communication may be achieved once you master it. College will help prepare you with the communications portion of that career. If you enjoy math and are good at it, it can be a delightful career.
I wish you the best.
I would say many classes will contribute to becoming a teacher. I would also recommend volunteer after school hours to help a teacher with paper work or just any kind of help in general. Shadow a teacher or someone that works for the school in possible. Many high schools offer teacher cadet courses for students that may want to become a teacher. If you love math, go for it. Math is a great subject, and communication may be achieved once you master it. College will help prepare you with the communications portion of that career. If you enjoy math and are good at it, it can be a delightful career.
I wish you the best.
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
462
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
If you are in high school, then you need to finish high school (or get GED or whatever they call it now), and then get a bachelor's degree in primary education. At least, that is the traditional way.
The specific rules will vary by what state you live in or where you want to be certified. Plus, with the teacher shortage, there are more alternative ways than there used to be, but almost all are going to require some kind of degree.
I'd suggest talking to your school's college or career counselor. Their JOB is to help you understand what steps you should take to start your career.
Teaching is a lot of fun, but a lot of work. I enjoyed (some of) my time doing it.
Best of luck to you.
The specific rules will vary by what state you live in or where you want to be certified. Plus, with the teacher shortage, there are more alternative ways than there used to be, but almost all are going to require some kind of degree.
I'd suggest talking to your school's college or career counselor. Their JOB is to help you understand what steps you should take to start your career.
Teaching is a lot of fun, but a lot of work. I enjoyed (some of) my time doing it.
Best of luck to you.
Katherine L
45
Answers
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Hi! Becoming a 5th/6th grade teacher requires a foundation in education, starting with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Afterward, you will need to obtain state certification, which includes passing teacher certification exams and completing a student teaching internship. It's important to search and comply with your state's specific requirements, as they can vary.
In terms of skills, effective communication is essential for teaching, both verbally and in writing. Developing patience, adaptability, and strong organizational skills will help you manage the diverse needs of students and maintain a classroom. Empathy, perspective-taking, and creativity are also valuable qualities for promoting a supportive and engaging learning environment. Additionally, being tech-savvy and continually developing content knowledge, especially in subjects like mathematics, will enhance your teaching abilities. You have a lot of time to work on these skills and gain valuable experiences through mentoring, tutoring, and extracurricular activities. You may also seek guidance from teachers, counselors, and mentors who can provide valuable insights. All the best luck to you!
In terms of skills, effective communication is essential for teaching, both verbally and in writing. Developing patience, adaptability, and strong organizational skills will help you manage the diverse needs of students and maintain a classroom. Empathy, perspective-taking, and creativity are also valuable qualities for promoting a supportive and engaging learning environment. Additionally, being tech-savvy and continually developing content knowledge, especially in subjects like mathematics, will enhance your teaching abilities. You have a lot of time to work on these skills and gain valuable experiences through mentoring, tutoring, and extracurricular activities. You may also seek guidance from teachers, counselors, and mentors who can provide valuable insights. All the best luck to you!
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Woodstock, New York
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Hi, Phoebe. I taught a number of those classes. You'll need an Introduction to Education course of one kind or another. This will cover things like the history of public education, educational philosophies, the way the educational system works and other topics. You'll also need curriculum classes, one or more of which will concentrate on approaches to curriculum planning, what constitutes an appropriate lesson or activity, what the role of a teacher is in the learning process, classroom management, etc. Then there will be more specific curriculum classes, like (depending on the age group you're focused on) the teaching of reading, the teaching of math, etc. You'll also be taking psychology classes, including an Introduction to Psychology class, a Child Development class, and an "Exceptional Child" (special ed.-related) class. There will be other requirements as well, including student teaching later on.
As for working on your skills, that's exactly what you should be doing. If teachers are to be successful, meaning good role models and resources for their students, they should be striving for excellence, in writing, reading and math, as well as communication skills, social skills, organizational skills, time management skills and emotional health. It seems like you have that commitment, to yourself and your future students. Just take things one step at a time; it doesn't come all at once, and you do have the time.
As for working on your skills, that's exactly what you should be doing. If teachers are to be successful, meaning good role models and resources for their students, they should be striving for excellence, in writing, reading and math, as well as communication skills, social skills, organizational skills, time management skills and emotional health. It seems like you have that commitment, to yourself and your future students. Just take things one step at a time; it doesn't come all at once, and you do have the time.