{"id":960,"date":"2024-04-24T16:15:58","date_gmt":"2024-04-24T20:15:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.citadel.edu\/education\/?page_id=960"},"modified":"2025-11-06T13:59:27","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T18:59:27","slug":"howtoteach","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.citadel.edu\/education\/howtoteach\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Teacher"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Discover Your Path to Teaching <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Are you drawn to the idea of shaping young minds and making a lasting impact on future generations? Perhaps you’ve been inspired by a dedicated teacher from your own past, sparking a desire to follow in their footsteps. If you’re contemplating a career in teaching and wondering where to begin, you’ve come to the right place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At The Citadel\u2019s Zucker Family School of Education, we’re dedicated to empowering the next generation of educators, providing them with the tools, knowledge and support they need to lead and thrive in the classroom. Join us on a journey of exploration as we delve into the essential steps and insights on how to become a teacher, empowering you to pursue your passion and embark on a fulfilling career in education.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Steps to Become a Teacher<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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1. Enroll in an Undergraduate Program<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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2<\/strong><\/strong>. Gain Student Teaching Experience<\/strong><\/strong><\/a> <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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3.<\/strong> Pass the Praxis Exams<\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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4<\/strong>. Obtain Teaching Certification or Licensure<\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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5<\/strong><\/strong>. Apply for Teaching Positions<\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Step 1. Enroll in an Undergraduate Degree Program<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Start by pursuing a bachelor\u2019s degree in education or your desired subject area. While there are many different paths to becoming a teacher, they all begin with a bachelor\u2019s degree \u2014 but they don\u2019t all end there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What degree do you need?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

While a bachelor’s degree in education is the minimum requirement, the Zucker Family School of Education offers you the flexibility to choose your desired subject area or specialization. In the area of secondary education, there is a path tailored to your interests. A degree in education not only prepares you for teaching but also opens doors to diverse career opportunities in administration, counseling, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At The Citadel, we prioritize both academic excellence and leadership development in our educational approach. Our undergraduate programs offer aspiring educators a unique opportunity to cultivate essential leadership qualities crucial for success in the field. Our Bachelor of Science in Education<\/a> program provides a comprehensive foundation in pedagogy, instructional methodologies and subject matter expertise. With a range of specializations available, including secondary education concentrations in social studies, biology, chemistry or physical education (grades K-12), students can tailor their education to align with their career goals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Step 2. Gai<\/strong>n Experience Through a Teacher Preparation Program<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Equally important as earning an undergraduate degree is gaining hands-on experience in the classroom. This experience is crucial for aspiring teachers and is typically obtained through a teacher preparation program. If you pursue a degree in a field other than education, gaining teaching experience may seem challenging, but it’s not impossible. Many preparation programs, including The Citadel\u2019s Teacher Education program<\/a>, provide opportunities for internships and student teaching experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At The Citadel, our Teacher Education program offers a comprehensive student teaching internship experience, serving as the culminating professional clinical opportunity for candidates in teacher education. This carefully mentored internship is designed to develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions essential for positively impacting student learning and development. Interns participate in a full-semester, full-time, full-day clinical component, working in a public school setting under the guidance of qualified supervisors from The Citadel\u2019s Zucker Family School of Education and cooperating schools. This immersive experience allows interns to assume significant teaching responsibilities, providing invaluable hands-on experience as they prepare for their careers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Step 3. Pass the Praxis Exams<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Passing the Praxis exams is a pivotal step in your journey toward becoming a certified teacher. These exams evaluate your subject knowledge and teaching skills, essential for classroom success. To prepare thoroughly, acquaint yourself with the exam content and utilize study materials, practice tests and effective test-taking strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At The Citadel, we provide comprehensive Praxis Resources<\/a> to support our teacher education candidates in their exam preparation journey. Be sure to also review important information on registering for the exams, deadlines, and any prerequisite qualifications required.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Step 4. Obtain Teaching Certification or Licensure<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Securing a teaching certification is typically a prerequisite for public school teaching roles, with private institutions often favoring fully licensed educators. While the process of obtaining licensure is generally straightforward, each state maintains its own distinct criteria for licensure. As a result, prospective teachers should carefully review the requirements specific to their state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, at a minimum, aspiring educators must complete the following steps to obtain licensure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n