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Becoming a Teacher

Teaching is one of the most in-demand careers in the country, and there are more ways in than ever. Plain-English guides to the whole path — the degree, certification and licensure, alternative routes for career-changers, preparation programs, and what the career itself is really like.

Whether you’re a student planning an education major or a professional changing careers, these guides map the path to the classroom — from degree and certification to alternative routes, prep programs, and the realities of teaching as a career. New guides are added in batches.

The Path to the Classroom

How to get certified and licensed
How to Become a Teacher→

The full roadmap — degree, prep, student teaching, exams & license.

Certification & Licensure→

What a license is, how requirements work, moving between states & renewal.

Alternative Routes→

Faster, flexible paths for career-changers and non-education majors.

Programs & the Career

Where to train, and what teaching is really like
Teacher Preparation Programs→

Traditional vs alternative, residencies, and choosing a quality program.

Teaching as a Career→

Demand, the shortage & incentives, high-need specialties, and the rewards.

Salary, Benefits & the Profession

What teachers earn — and what the career really looks like
How Much Do Teachers Make?→

The national average, starting pay & how states vary.

How Teacher Pay Works→

Step-and-lane salary schedules, explained.

Teacher Salary by State→

Highest- & lowest-paying states, and why.

Teacher Benefits & Pensions→

Pensions, health, time off & the Social Security wrinkle.

The Teacher Pay Gap & Outlook→

The pay gap, shortages & job outlook — neutrally.

Planning your education degree? See our Education majors and the Praxis exam guide. Explore Education majors →