Becoming a certified secondary teacher is a rewarding career choice that offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on young people's lives. Secondary education teachers typically work with middle and high school students, shaping their academic journeys and preparing them for their futures. However, becoming a certified teacher can seem overwhelming, especially with the various pathways available and the requirements involved.
To earn your secondary teacher certification efficiently, it's essential to understand the necessary steps, from meeting educational prerequisites to passing certification exams and fulfilling student-teaching requirements. With the proper preparation and guidance, you can navigate the process smoothly and launch a fulfilling career in education.
Meet Educational Requirements
The first step in earning your secondary teacher certification is meeting the educational requirements set by your state or country. Generally, this involves obtaining a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field. In the U.S., each state has its specific requirements, so it's essential to research the standards for the state in which you plan to teach.
- Bachelor’s Degree: In most cases, you’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree in education with a focus on secondary education. Alternatively, you may earn a degree in a specific subject area (such as mathematics, science, or English) and then pursue a teaching certification program to gain the pedagogical training necessary for teaching in a classroom setting.
- Content Area Knowledge: Secondary teachers are expected to teach specific subject areas. For example, if you want to teach high school math, you must have a strong foundation in mathematics. Your degree program should provide subject-specific coursework and general education courses, such as child development and educational psychology.
- Teacher Preparation Program: Most states require you to complete a teacher preparation program, which is often part of your bachelor’s degree program. This program typically includes coursework in classroom management, lesson planning, assessment techniques, and other essential teaching skills. You may also be required to complete fieldwork or student teaching for your program.
- Choose a Certification Pathway
Once you have completed your education, you must choose the pathway that aligns with your career goals and the state’s certification requirements. The process varies by state, but generally, there are two main options for earning certification:
- Traditional Route: The traditional route involves completing a teacher preparation program during or after earning your undergraduate degree. This is the most common pathway for individuals starting their teaching careers. It typically requires coursework, field experience, and a student-teaching assignment.
- Alternative Certification: For individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a subject area but not in education, an alternative certification program can provide a streamlined route into the teaching profession. Alternative certification programs are often designed for career changers or those who want to teach in a subject area with a high demand for teachers, such as science or mathematics. These programs usually involve intensive training and exams but may not require the completion of a traditional education degree.
- Master’s Degree: Some individuals may pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or a Master of Education (M.Ed) program. These advanced degrees can be sought after earning a bachelor’s degree and provide a combination of subject area knowledge and pedagogical training. In some cases, a master’s degree may qualify you for certification, especially in states that have specific pathways for individuals with graduate degrees in education.
- Pass Certification Exams
Most states require prospective secondary teachers to pass one or more certification exams before earning their teaching credentials. These exams assess your subject knowledge and ability to apply teaching principles in the classroom.
- Content Knowledge Exams: To ensure that teachers have a deep understanding of the subjects they will teach, states typically require content area exams in subjects like English, math, science, history, or foreign languages. These exams evaluate your proficiency in the subject matter and your ability to teach it effectively to students. For example, if you want to teach high school biology, you must pass a biology content exam.
- Pedagogical Exams: Some states also require teachers to pass exams that assess their understanding of educational theories and practices. These exams test your knowledge of classroom management, lesson planning, and assessment strategies. Examples of pedagogical exams include the Praxis series or the edTPA.
- State-Specific Exams: Some states have additional or state-specific exams required for certification. Research your state’s requirements and ensure you are fully prepared for the necessary tests. Many states also allow you to take exams online or at designated testing centres.
- Complete Student Teaching or Internship
One of the most crucial steps in earning your secondary teacher certification is gaining hands-on experience in the classroom. This is typically done through a student-teaching assignment or internship as part of your teacher preparation program.
- Student Teaching: During your student-teaching experience, you will work closely with an experienced mentor teacher to learn how to manage a classroom, design lessons, assess student work, and implement teaching strategies. Student teaching usually occurs during the final year of your teacher preparation program and may last anywhere from a few months to an entire semester. It provides an invaluable opportunity to apply the theories and skills you’ve learned in a classroom setting.
- Alternative Internship Programs: If you are pursuing alternative certification, you may complete an internship rather than a traditional student-teaching program. During this period, you will work as a full-time teacher while being mentored by an experienced educator. The internship often lasts one to two years, depending on your state’s requirements, and may include additional training and evaluations.
Student-teaching is essential for gaining practical experience and receiving feedback on your teaching abilities. It also allows you to network with educators and administrators, which can help you secure your first teaching job.
Submit Your Application and Begin Your Career
Earning your secondary teacher certification requires commitment, preparation, and dedication, but it is a fulfilling and impactful career path. By following the steps outlined above—from meeting educational requirements and choosing the right certification pathway to passing exams and completing student teaching—you can efficiently navigate the certification process and prepare yourself for a successful teaching career. With the proper planning and persistence, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a practical and inspiring secondary educator.
