How to Become a Teacher

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.

At The Citadel’s Zucker 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.

Start by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education or your desired subject area. While there are many different paths to becoming a teacher, they all begin with a bachelor’s degree — but they don’t all end there.

What degree do you need?

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.

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 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.

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’s Teacher Education program, provide opportunities for internships and student teaching experiences.

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’s 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.

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.

At The Citadel, we provide comprehensive Praxis Resources 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.

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.

However, at a minimum, aspiring educators must complete the following steps to obtain licensure:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree.
• Graduate from an accredited teacher preparation program.
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Achieve satisfactory scores on standardized exams, such as the Praxis Core, Praxis Subject Assessments or the Praxis Knowledge for Teaching Test.

For those seeking South Carolina Educator Certification, the application process involves submission to the South Carolina Department of Education, ensuring compliance with all prerequisites and background checks.

Obtaining certification marks a pivotal milestone in your journey toward becoming a teacher. The Citadel’s Zucker School of Education offers comprehensive support and guidance throughout the certification process, ensuring fulfillment of all state requirements and readiness for success in the classroom.

Congratulations on achieving certification! Now it’s time to embark on the exciting journey of finding the perfect position. South Carolina offers a diverse array of opportunities in schools and districts across the state.

Explore Teaching Opportunities by researching schools and districts, networking and utilizing online job portals to discover available positions.

As a teacher, you’re destined to be a lifelong learner, continuously evolving and growing with each subject taught and lesson learned. Throughout your career, embrace new strategies, implement evolving regulations and stay updated on research to better reach your students. Collaborating with fellow teachers, sharing insights and engaging with students will shape you into the educator you aspire to be.

How long does it take to become a teacher?

In general, earning a bachelor’s degree takes at least four years. Your individual timeline to becoming a teacher might vary based on factors such as your course of study, certification exams and location. However, with dedication and perseverance, you’ll be well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in the lives of your future students.

South Carolina Teaching Salaries

Teacher salaries in South Carolina vary by region and school district, but they generally offer competitive compensation packages. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the mean annual wages for teachers in South Carolina:

• Kindergarten: $60,470
• Elementary: $57,450
• Middle: $61,040
• Secondary: $59,750
• Kindergarten and Elementary Special Education: $59,590
• Middle School Special Education: $61,880
• Secondary School Special Education: $61,270

These figures provide a glimpse into the earning potential for educators in South Carolina. While salaries may vary based on factors such as experience, education level and geographic location, teaching remains a rewarding profession both personally and financially.

Ready to Answer the Call?

Becoming a teacher isn’t merely about choosing a career; it’s about embracing a calling to inspire, lead, educate and empower the next generation. With the right education and training, you can embark on a fulfilling journey that leaves a lasting impact on countless lives.

Come study at one of the highest-ranked Teacher Education programs in the state of South Carolina! Explore the Zucker School of Education for additional Student Resources and start your journey toward becoming the teacher you’ve always aspired to be.