Thinking about becoming a teacher? Whether you’re a college student mapping out your future or a professional considering a career pivot, the teaching profession offers both challenges and extraordinary rewards. A recent video from Study Hall—“How to Become: A Teacher”—provides a practical, engaging overview of what it really means to be a teacher today, and how to become one. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways for anyone considering this noble path.
Teaching: More Than Just a Job
Let’s get one thing straight—teaching isn’t just about explaining math equations or grading essays. Teachers are also conflict mediators, emotional support providers, field trip organizers, and sometimes even janitors of glitter spills and lost lunchboxes.
As the video puts it:
“Teachers aren’t just teaching content—they’re helping those kids learn how to be people.”
So if you’re looking for a career that’s hands-on, people-centered, and unpredictably funny (yes, there’s a real example of a student cutting their own hair under a desk), teaching might be calling your name.
Where Can You Teach?
Teachers work in a variety of settings:
• Public schools – Funded by the government, serving the largest number of students.
• Private schools – Funded through tuition, often offering more curricular flexibility.
• Charter schools – Publicly funded, but independently operated with specific focuses like STEM or the arts.
• Parochial schools – Faith-based schools, often tied to religious institutions.
• Early childhood centers and special education programs – Serving younger children and students with specific learning needs.
Your role and responsibilities can vary depending on the grade level and setting. For example, elementary teachers often teach all subjects, while secondary teachers typically specialize in one.
The Coffee Mug and the Paycheck
Teachers do shape the future of society—but the compensation doesn’t always reflect that importance.
In 2022-2023, the average U.S. teacher salary hovered around $68,000—over 26% less than similarly educated professionals in other fields. And that’s the average. New teachers in private or religious schools might start at just $30,000 or less.
So yes, you’ll probably get more coffee mugs than raises, but many teachers say the real reward is the impact they make every single day. That joy you feel when a student finally “gets it”? Priceless.
How Do You Become a Teacher?
No matter where you want to teach, you’ll likely need a teaching license. Here are the main ways to get one:
1. Traditional Route (Undergraduate Program)
• Major in education during college.
• Complete coursework on pedagogy, assessment, and classroom management.
• Participate in student teaching.
2. Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Prep
• If you already have a degree, enroll in a one- or two-year certification program.
• Includes classroom learning + practical fieldwork.
3. Alternative Certification Programs
• Work as a full-time teacher while completing coursework.
• Examples: Teach for America, Teachers of Tomorrow
• Good for career-changers, but can feel like “trial by fire.”
4. Teacher Apprenticeships (The New Kid on the Block)
• A paid, hands-on approach that mirrors student teaching.
• You work alongside a mentor, earn a salary, and get help with your coursework.
• Growing fast—already in 34 states!
🔍 Getting That First Teaching Job
Your first teaching gig might not be a perfect match—and that’s okay.
• Start looking in winter or spring for jobs in the upcoming school year.
• Use school district websites, education job boards, or local networks.
• Don’t overlook substitute teaching or working in preschools/daycares as stepping stones.
The early years can be tough, but the right environment, supportive colleagues, and your own resilience can help you thrive.
💬 Final Thoughts: Is Teaching for You?
Becoming a teacher isn’t just a career move—it’s a life mission. While the road can be bumpy (and the salary may be more mug than money), the sense of purpose and the chance to influence young minds make this one of the most meaningful professions out there.
So if you’re passionate, patient, and ready to make a difference, there’s a path into teaching that can work for you.
“If you’re a good teacher who loves what you do, there is a place for you.” – Study Hall
Have questions about becoming a teacher or want to explore your options? Drop a comment below or reach out—I’d love to help you navigate your journey into education.
Inspired by the Study Hall video “How to Become: A Teacher.”
Originally published: October 26, 2023