One thing that you must have for a teaching job is an education. Teachers are required to have a four year college degree. Most teachers actually choose to major in education in college. This is generally a good way to go because you will get classes that are dedicated to teaching you the theory and technique behind how to teach. A teaching job is not just about reciting knowledge. Instead it is about imparting that knowledge in a way that fosters creativity, inspires problem solving, and that develops a life long thirst for knowledge. Additionally, there is the practical side of jobs in teaching which encompasses classroom management, creating lesson plans, and handling discipline. Your college education will help you learn all of this.
However, if you do have a degree, but do not have a degree in education that does not mean that you cannot get a teaching job. It simply means that you need to go through the process of getting certified which is something that all teachers must do. Jobs in teaching require up to date teacher certification. This means that your local board must recognize that you have enough education and professional development credits to be considered an adequate educator to be hired for a teaching job. Generally you have to renew your certification every so often which means that you typically have to keep up with the changing requirements of the field.
Once you are certified you can start to go look for jobs in teaching. There are a variety of different resources that you can use to try to find a teaching job. Your local newspaper can be a resource as well as the websites of your local school districts and your state's Department of Education. Be sure to also check out some of the job fairs that districts tend to hold during the spring and summer months. Those can be great networking opportunities for those focused on finding a teaching job and should not be missed.
Be aware that once you receive a teaching job offer your work is not done. Generally schools require a copy of your college transcripts and your certification to ensure that you are as qualified as you say you are. Additionally, you will constantly need to work to better yourself as a professional. Teaching jobs generally require that you complete a certain amount of professional development each year. This means that you may need to attend trainings, seminars, or even take college classes to meet your training requirement. This is not just to make your life difficult, but it is actually to help foster you as a professional so that you continue to grow stronger in your chosen field. It is also not uncommon for teachers to be encouraged or even required to pursue further education on their own. For many teaching jobs there is an incentive to pursue a Master's degree. Often master's degree teachers are paid at a higher scale which can be appealing. Additionally, master's level classes may be part of the arrangement for certain teaching jobs.
A teaching job is a wonderful thing, but it will take work to get one. You must be committed to get the necessary education and to pass the necessary qualification tests. However, if you are willing to do that you may be embarking on a career that can be so rewarding on a variety of different levels, and teaching jobs are a way to touch the lives of students in more ways than you could ever realize.
