All you need to know about the teaching profession

Teaching is one of the most underappreciated professions in the US. Although teachers have the one-of-a-kind opportunity and responsibility to shape the future of the country and make an impact on young learners, their compensation for doing so might not be in tandem with this massive undertaking. The United States pays its school teachers an average of $50,000 a year, the sum might vary depending on the grade. This does not fare well against compensations given out by countries like Finland which pays its teachers an average of $70,000 per year which is more than what many doctors make in the US. Not only that, the profession receives much-needed appreciation and respect. Different types of teachers manage to top the chart on surveys measuring the most meaningful careers, so much of a person’s characteristics are determined during their early years which is when they are in the hands of an educator. Amid the chaos caused by the massive teacher shortage throughout the country, we look at some transformative teacher roles that you and I can undertake. 

Elementary School Teacher

Elementary School teachers play a role of utmost importance because they are part of a child’s life from kindergarten to fifth grade. During this time students make dramatic learning gains which are most likely to pave the path for their future academic endeavors, establishing a foundation of learning. It is considered a career of lasting impact. They teach a range of subjects to their students within a single classroom and even undertake developmental activities. Elementary school teachers tend to have a more hands-on approach to teaching, eg: they might teach their students about photosynthesis with a plant growing activity. This is because young learners tend to grasp bigger concepts more effectively with hands-on activities. According to the latest data, elementary school teachers in the US makes a median salary of $60,827. 

Seems interesting? Now let’s look at what you need to do to become one.

We have to keep in mind that the qualifications and requirements may vary dispensing on the state, however, for public schools, all states require a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and some states might ask for additional subject-based qualifications. Generally, it's the same for private schools as well. An advanced degree is not a requirement but you can pursue one for professional development. Refer to the US Department of Education site to know more about the elementary school teaching requirement in your state. 

Middle School Teachers

Middle school teachers come in at another highly critical period in a student's life. They typically handle classes six to eight and set the foundation for high school education. According to studies, this is the period of time when a student starts to disengage from school putting them at risk of dropping out, hence middle school teachers play a key role in engaging and challenging students as they build on concepts learned at the elementary level. Such teachers come up with comprehensive lesson plans and conduct interactions with parents, however, unlike elementary school teachers who teach a range of subjects, middle school teachers focus on one specific subject. As a result of this, they come in close contact with many more students than elementary school teachers as they filter through classrooms. As of April 26, 2022, middle school teachers make $58,895 on average in the US.

To become a middle school teacher you need to :

• Complete a bachelor's degree with an acceptable GPA with specialization in subjects you wish to teach.

• Undergo a teacher preparation program and supervised experience in teaching which is typically an internship to teach in a middle school classroom.

• Pass your state’s required test for educators

• Apply for a state teaching license, which involves passing a general teaching certification test, as well as a test that demonstrates your knowledge in the subject you will teach.

• Pass a background check

High School Teacher

High school teachers have to primarily deal with teenagers, their aim is to prepare students for life after high school and basically the outside world. Due to the sensitive nature of students in their assigned age group, these teachers have to come up with different ways to connect with the student in order to steer them in the right direction. This can be done by assuming the role of a mentor, friend, etc. Similar to their middle school counterparts, high school teachers also specialize in a subject or two and teach it to either one grade or multiple grades. Their key areas of focus include assessing the students through assignments and activities and even preparing them for state tests. High school teachers sometimes give personal mentoring sessions to students who might be lagging. High school teachers have the opportunity to coach athletics or advise other student groups after school. High School teachers make $63,501 per year on average.

High School Teacher qualification:

• Earn a bachelor's degree in secondary education or a major in the subject you wish to teach while completing your school’s teacher preparation program. 

• Complete a student teaching internship in the subject(s) you wish to teach.

• Take the teaching and subject area tests required for teacher licensure in your state.

• Apply for a teaching license.

• Begin applying to open positions

Special Education Teachers

Special Education teachers work with students of all ages who have some form of learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities. They collaborate with general education teachers, counselors, and administrations to come up with a curriculum that caters to the individual needs of the student. They also work with social workers and psychologists to come up with teaching methods that would accommodate the needs of students with disabilities. Special Education teachers lead classes on a variety of subjects, working with an entire classroom or a small group of students or even individual students at a time. Their main role is to support and advocate for the needs of students with disabilities that general education teachers may not be trained to do. Special Education teachers get paid $59,154 on average per annum in the US.

To become a special education teacher you need to:

• Earn a state-approved bachelor's or master's degree in special education, the need for both will be determined by your employer. 

• Complete a student teaching internship in a special education classroom

• Take your state’s required test for special education teachers

• Apply for a teaching license

• Begin applying to open positions

English as a Second Language Teacher (ESL)

English as a Second Language teacher mainly caters to the growing population of English Language Learners (ELL) within US schools. According to recent data, the ELL population will soon comprise a quarter of all US students. ESL teachers work in elementary, middle, and high schools thus catering to students of all age groups. They either have their own classrooms for ELL students and/or provide support to an ELL student within an immersive class taught by other teachers. They work to help their students acquire fluency in the English language in order to speak confidently and write effectively. ESL teachers and ELL students do not share a common language therefore such teachers use visual techniques and demonstrations to teach. They also act as a cultural bridge for ELL students. The majority of ESL teachers make $45,984 per annum. 

ESL teacher requirements are as follows:

• A bachelor’s degree in ESL or TESOL or related subjects such as linguistics. 

• Complete a student teaching internship in an ESL setting as part of your program

• Take your state’s test for teacher licensure with an endorsement in ESL

• Apply for a teaching license 

• Begin applying for ESL positions

The teacher shortage is currently one of the major concerns of public and private institutions throughout the country, therefore it is important for us to shed light on the profession by encouraging more people to take it up. 

Sources:

• Css.edu

• Teachercertificationdegrees.com

• University of South Carolina