About how long will it take for my to actually start teaching in schools?

Joy, this really depends on you! If you start applying for teaching positions early in your senior year of college, you can definitely have a job lined up for graduation. It is up to you (in many cases) to do the research in looking for teaching jobs. Sometimes programs, such as Teach for America, will help you with placement. I would recommend School Spring, which posts available teaching positions, as a resource to find a job.

I know friends who because of their willingness to work in a low income and or high need (rural) areas, who receive and accepted offers before a May graduation to start the following August.

If you were also wondering about teaching generally once you start an education program you will have 'practicums" almost immediately. They will give you diverse very short, supervised teaching experiences to help you decide what discipline or grade level best suits you.