Teaching

The Basics

Certification

Individuals interested in teaching need at minimum, a bachelor’s degree coupled with appropriate teaching certification, through a traditional education program or via alternative route certification program, in order to teach within a public school. For those who opt to teach in the private school, a teaching certification may not be needed. Each state in the U.S. may have different certification requirements, so it’s important to check ahead of time.  Learn about U.S. state-by-state teaching certification requirements.

Skills for the Profession

Individuals who are patient, innovative, and organized may be well-suited for this career field. Aside from being knowledgeable in a subject area or several subject areas, other valued attributes a teacher possesses are: the ability to communicate, be flexible, and embrace a collaborative spirit. Teachers appreciate working with youth, have great patience, enjoy public speaking, are clear and direct in communication, possess compassion, enjoy assisting someone to comprehend new concepts, make plans which they can follow through, serve as an authority figure, and thrive on making a difference every day. Additionally, teachers are adept at working with students, administrators, and parents.

Teaching Practice Resources

The Yale Education Studies Program provides robust guidance and resources on obtaining Teaching Practice, including volunteering through clubs and local organizations, obtaining a formal teaching internship or part-time job in New Haven, engaging in international summer teaching, and post-graduate pathways into the teaching.

Gain Experience

Consider volunteering as a tutor with an organization such as New Haven Reads, or serving as classroom assistant at a local school. Become a club advisor, team coach, or camp counselor. Attend local education-related conferences to learn about current trends and issues. Gain experience with the specific age group you wish to work with, join an education-related campus organization, or engage within the administrative offices of the local school district. Depending on the area of interest, engage in museum education programs, outdoor field programs, or health education.

Build Transferable Skills

Holding a leadership position within a student organization, serving on a committee, assisting peers as a student technology assistant, peer counseling, and assisting with courses are all great ways to develop the transferable skills needed in the teaching profession.

For more information on Teaching, we recommend you review the Video from Education Studies recent Program Pathways into Preschool-12 Teaching Program.