The Journey to Becoming a Teacher in the United States: A Comprehensive Guide
The process of becoming a teacher in the United States can vary significantly depending on the state you wish to teach in. This guide aims to provide an overview of the requirements and steps involved in becoming a teacher, focusing specifically on California, which is the author's experience.
Education and Qualifications
To become a teacher in the United States, aspiring educators must first complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. Unlike the author, who could choose any field, other states might have specific majors in mind for certain subjects. However, once the undergraduate degree is completed, the aspiring teacher must then enroll in a five-year teacher preparation program.
The Fifth Year Program
The fifth year of the program includes approximately 1.5 years of credits, or roughly a full year, dedicated to practical teaching experience. This is often completed through a teaching internship, where the candidate gains hands-on experience in the classroom. However, it should be noted that these internships are unpaid. Therefore, candidates must prepare for a year without earnings, as the author of this guide did, by working part-time jobs such as managing Starbucks' weekend shifts.
Praxis and Alternative Tests
During the fifth year program, aspiring teachers must also prepare for standardized tests. In California, students have to take the Praxis tests. The author mentions that her state used to have an alternative test called the CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers), which assesses competency in several subjects. These tests are designed to evaluate basic knowledge in various subjects needed for teaching.
Special Requirements and Credentials
The requirements for obtaining a teaching credential vary based on the candidate's undergraduate major and the level of education they wish to teach (elementary vs. secondary). For those without a background in the specific subject they wish to teach, additional subject-specific tests may be required. The author had to take three CSET subject tests in math, which she found challenging, especially the calculus test.
In addition to subject-specific tests, teachers might also be required to take tests in areas like American History or American Government, especially if their transcripts lack relevant coursework. These tests are typically conducted in longhand with no reference materials or electronic devices allowed. For instance, the author successfully completed a test on the U.S. Constitution, scoring a 98.
State and County Requirements
After completing the fifth year program and passing the requisite tests, candidates must submit their credentials to both the state and the county for review. Despite being in an electronic age, many state and county offices still require physical validation, such as verifying diplomas, transcripts, and applications. The author's county office of education was mentioned to be a beautiful place with indoor and outdoor gardens, flowing water, and new equipment, in contrast to the minimalistic and inadequate conditions of her first classroom.
Provisional Status and Mentorship
Upon obtaining the teaching credential, educators enter a two-year provisional status. During this period, they can be fired or let go at the end of the year with no specific reason. To achieve permanent tenure, candidates must teach for two full years at one school. During their first year of teaching, new educators are assigned a mentor teacher. This is supposed to provide guidance and support, but the author found the mentoring support to be demeaning, condescending, and even infuriating. It is essential for new teachers to complete a new teacher training program, which is mandatory and not compensated.
Conclusion
Becoming a teacher in the United States requires dedication, effort, and patience. The journey from obtaining a degree to obtaining a teaching credential involves rigorous testing, practical teaching experience, and a mandatory training period. Despite the challenges, the journey offers a rewarding career path for those passionate about education.