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how to become the best teacher
how do i become a teacher. what are the best schools. how long is the process. what kind of teacher is best and much needed rn.
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Larry Siegel
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Larry’s Answer
Roxy -- there are several steps you need to take to become a good teacher, but perhaps the most important quality is that you take a special interest in each of your students.
Teacher preparation these days requires the equivalent of a Masters degree. In other words, you need to undertake further study after you graduate from college. During your teacher education you will observe other teachers, and do some practice teaching of your own with guidance from a skilled teacher. So, there will be plenty of preparation before you step into a classroom to teach.
All that preparation doesn't make you a good teacher. What does is your interest and compassion for your students. If you think back to your own teachers, I'll bet the ones you respect the most are those who took an interest in you. If you never had that experience from a teacher, than you understand how nice it would have been to have that attention.
Teaching is a demanding job and at times a tiring one too. You will gain the most reward from teaching if you take an interest in each of your students, regardless of how smart or diligent they are.
Teacher preparation these days requires the equivalent of a Masters degree. In other words, you need to undertake further study after you graduate from college. During your teacher education you will observe other teachers, and do some practice teaching of your own with guidance from a skilled teacher. So, there will be plenty of preparation before you step into a classroom to teach.
All that preparation doesn't make you a good teacher. What does is your interest and compassion for your students. If you think back to your own teachers, I'll bet the ones you respect the most are those who took an interest in you. If you never had that experience from a teacher, than you understand how nice it would have been to have that attention.
Teaching is a demanding job and at times a tiring one too. You will gain the most reward from teaching if you take an interest in each of your students, regardless of how smart or diligent they are.
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Aaron’s Answer
The fact that you're posing this question is a fantastic indicator of your future success! The essence of becoming an exceptional teacher lies in being an engaged learner. It's less about the prestige of the institution and more about the quality of the educators. There are top-tier schools with less than stellar teachers, and lesser-known institutions with truly remarkable educators.
Ensure that your chosen school provides opportunities for hands-on experience in classrooms. As you embark on a course, observe the empathy and communication skills of your professors during the initial week. If you sense that you're not gaining a valuable experience from a specific professor, don't hesitate to withdraw from the class. Often, you can find the same course being taught by a different professor within the first few weeks. Trust your intuition and remember that in college, you have significant control over the trajectory of your education.
Ensure that your chosen school provides opportunities for hands-on experience in classrooms. As you embark on a course, observe the empathy and communication skills of your professors during the initial week. If you sense that you're not gaining a valuable experience from a specific professor, don't hesitate to withdraw from the class. Often, you can find the same course being taught by a different professor within the first few weeks. Trust your intuition and remember that in college, you have significant control over the trajectory of your education.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Roxy,
How to Become the Best Teacher
Becoming a teacher is a noble and rewarding profession that requires dedication, passion, and continuous learning. Here are the steps you can take to become the best teacher:
1. Education and Training:
Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree: Most teachers start by earning a bachelor’s degree in education or in the subject they wish to teach.
Complete a Teacher Preparation Program: This program includes coursework and student teaching experiences to prepare future teachers for the classroom.
Obtain Certification: To become a licensed teacher, you will need to meet your state’s certification requirements, which may include passing exams and background checks.
2. Specialization:
Choose Your Area of Specialization: Decide what subject or grade level you want to teach. Specializing in high-demand subjects like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) can increase your job prospects.
Pursue Advanced Degrees or Certifications: Consider obtaining a master’s degree or additional certifications to enhance your knowledge and skills in your chosen field.
3. Gain Experience:
Student Teaching: Participate in student teaching programs to gain hands-on experience working with students under the supervision of experienced teachers.
Professional Development: Engage in continuous professional development opportunities to stay current with educational trends and best practices.
4. Develop Key Skills:
Communication Skills: Effective communication with students, parents, and colleagues is essential for being a successful teacher.
Classroom Management: Learn strategies for managing classroom behavior and creating a positive learning environment.
Adaptability: Be flexible and able to adjust your teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of your students.
5. Stay Informed and Connected:
Join Professional Organizations: Membership in organizations like the National Education Association (NEA) or the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) can provide resources, networking opportunities, and support.
Attend Workshops and Conferences: Participate in workshops and conferences to learn from experts in the field and exchange ideas with other educators.
Best Schools for Teacher Education: The best schools for teacher education may vary depending on individual preferences, but some renowned institutions known for their education programs include Harvard University, Stanford University, Columbia University Teachers College, University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA), and University of Michigan.
Duration of Becoming a Teacher: The process of becoming a teacher typically takes around four years to complete a bachelor’s degree program, followed by additional time for completing certification requirements. The exact duration can vary based on individual circumstances and educational goals.
In-Demand Teaching Specializations: Currently, there is a high demand for teachers specializing in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), special education, English as a Second Language (ESL), and bilingual education due to increasing emphasis on these areas in education.
By following these steps, gaining relevant experience, continuously improving your skills, staying informed about educational trends, and choosing an area of specialization aligned with current demands can help you become the best teacher possible.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
National Education Association (NEA) - The NEA is one of the largest professional organizations representing teachers in the United States. It provides resources, advocacy support, professional development opportunities, and information on educational policies.
U.S. Department of Education - The U.S. Department of Education is a government agency responsible for overseeing federal education policies and programs. Their website offers valuable information on teacher certification requirements, educational standards, and resources for aspiring educators.
American Federation of Teachers (AFT) - The AFT is another prominent professional organization representing teachers nationwide. It offers support services for educators, advocates for educational issues at both local and national levels, and provides professional development opportunities for its members.
God Bless You,
JC.
How to Become the Best Teacher
Becoming a teacher is a noble and rewarding profession that requires dedication, passion, and continuous learning. Here are the steps you can take to become the best teacher:
1. Education and Training:
Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree: Most teachers start by earning a bachelor’s degree in education or in the subject they wish to teach.
Complete a Teacher Preparation Program: This program includes coursework and student teaching experiences to prepare future teachers for the classroom.
Obtain Certification: To become a licensed teacher, you will need to meet your state’s certification requirements, which may include passing exams and background checks.
2. Specialization:
Choose Your Area of Specialization: Decide what subject or grade level you want to teach. Specializing in high-demand subjects like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) can increase your job prospects.
Pursue Advanced Degrees or Certifications: Consider obtaining a master’s degree or additional certifications to enhance your knowledge and skills in your chosen field.
3. Gain Experience:
Student Teaching: Participate in student teaching programs to gain hands-on experience working with students under the supervision of experienced teachers.
Professional Development: Engage in continuous professional development opportunities to stay current with educational trends and best practices.
4. Develop Key Skills:
Communication Skills: Effective communication with students, parents, and colleagues is essential for being a successful teacher.
Classroom Management: Learn strategies for managing classroom behavior and creating a positive learning environment.
Adaptability: Be flexible and able to adjust your teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of your students.
5. Stay Informed and Connected:
Join Professional Organizations: Membership in organizations like the National Education Association (NEA) or the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) can provide resources, networking opportunities, and support.
Attend Workshops and Conferences: Participate in workshops and conferences to learn from experts in the field and exchange ideas with other educators.
Best Schools for Teacher Education: The best schools for teacher education may vary depending on individual preferences, but some renowned institutions known for their education programs include Harvard University, Stanford University, Columbia University Teachers College, University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA), and University of Michigan.
Duration of Becoming a Teacher: The process of becoming a teacher typically takes around four years to complete a bachelor’s degree program, followed by additional time for completing certification requirements. The exact duration can vary based on individual circumstances and educational goals.
In-Demand Teaching Specializations: Currently, there is a high demand for teachers specializing in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), special education, English as a Second Language (ESL), and bilingual education due to increasing emphasis on these areas in education.
By following these steps, gaining relevant experience, continuously improving your skills, staying informed about educational trends, and choosing an area of specialization aligned with current demands can help you become the best teacher possible.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
National Education Association (NEA) - The NEA is one of the largest professional organizations representing teachers in the United States. It provides resources, advocacy support, professional development opportunities, and information on educational policies.
U.S. Department of Education - The U.S. Department of Education is a government agency responsible for overseeing federal education policies and programs. Their website offers valuable information on teacher certification requirements, educational standards, and resources for aspiring educators.
American Federation of Teachers (AFT) - The AFT is another prominent professional organization representing teachers nationwide. It offers support services for educators, advocates for educational issues at both local and national levels, and provides professional development opportunities for its members.
God Bless You,
JC.
Updated
Melody’s Answer
Hello Roxy,
Embarking on a career in education is a noble pursuit, and there are numerous paths to achieve this goal. It seems like you're leaning towards the traditional route, and that's fantastic!
1. The first step is to gain admission into a bachelor’s degree program in education. This typically requires a high school diploma or GED, and often, a specific GPA in foundational college courses.
2. During your Bachelor’s degree, you'll delve into college coursework designed to equip you for the vibrant world of the classroom and your certification exams. Your college or university will assess your "test readiness" and provide the green light for certification exams once certain courses are completed.
3. It's important to note that all teachers must have a bachelor's degree to secure their educator certificate. The tried-and-true way to kick-start your teaching career is to complete a bachelor’s degree in Education at a reputable college or university. These 4-year courses encompass a broad range of topics, including pedagogy, professional teaching strategies, and specialized subject areas.
4. When it comes to student teaching, most degree plans necessitate that you register and pay for 6-12 hours of college coursework while spending your day learning from a certified teacher. This immersive experience usually takes place during the final semester of your degree plan and may be coupled with other reflective and supervisory courses.
5. The final hurdle is to pass the state-required exams to secure your teaching license.
Remember, there are always alternative paths into teaching, particularly given the demand for educators in specialized areas such as math and science. Embrace the journey, Roxy!
Embarking on a career in education is a noble pursuit, and there are numerous paths to achieve this goal. It seems like you're leaning towards the traditional route, and that's fantastic!
1. The first step is to gain admission into a bachelor’s degree program in education. This typically requires a high school diploma or GED, and often, a specific GPA in foundational college courses.
2. During your Bachelor’s degree, you'll delve into college coursework designed to equip you for the vibrant world of the classroom and your certification exams. Your college or university will assess your "test readiness" and provide the green light for certification exams once certain courses are completed.
3. It's important to note that all teachers must have a bachelor's degree to secure their educator certificate. The tried-and-true way to kick-start your teaching career is to complete a bachelor’s degree in Education at a reputable college or university. These 4-year courses encompass a broad range of topics, including pedagogy, professional teaching strategies, and specialized subject areas.
4. When it comes to student teaching, most degree plans necessitate that you register and pay for 6-12 hours of college coursework while spending your day learning from a certified teacher. This immersive experience usually takes place during the final semester of your degree plan and may be coupled with other reflective and supervisory courses.
5. The final hurdle is to pass the state-required exams to secure your teaching license.
Remember, there are always alternative paths into teaching, particularly given the demand for educators in specialized areas such as math and science. Embrace the journey, Roxy!