State Teaching Requirements

• States have different teacher certification requirements.united states of america image by Vladislav Gajic from Fotolia.com
  
  Each state has its own criteria for teacher certification, which is further determined by the subject and the age of students. To learn about teacher certification, visit the University of Kentucky College of Education's Certification Map and click a state. Additionally, every state has a Department of Education website with up-to-date information. A nationally certified teacher is recognized in all states and is usually paid better.Teachers from other countries need a provisional teaching certificate and to fulfill the required coursework to become a certified teacher in the United States.
  
  

General Requirements

• Nationally certified teachers may be able to carry their license from one state to another. (*See Reference 3*)teacher image by PD-Images.com from Fotolia.com
  
  All states require that you have a bachelor's degree in order to teach. Some states also require a post-baccalaureate or master's degree. To be an elementary teacher, for example, you usually need a major or minor in education or a master's in education. For secondary subjects, a specific degree in the area of study or completition of an accredited education program is necessary. Teacher's education programs include curricula, fieldwork, and possibly an internship. You must pass a state teaching exam or a Praxis exam, which tests basic math, reading and writing skills. For practice questions and to receive basic help in advance of the exam, visit Praxis Prep Information.
  
  

Alternative Certification

• Areas with a shortgage of teachers are more likely to provide avenues for alternative certification.The Lost Road image by Dmitry Naumov from Fotolia.com
  
  There are alternative certifications for those whose bachelor's is not in education and have not completed a traditional teaching certificate. This also applies to those who do not have a four-year degree and seek an alternative way to obtain a teaching certificate. This route is appropriate for individuals with special skills or knowledge. Alternative certification is also available in areas of the U.S. that have a shortage of teachers.
  
  

Salaries and Benefits

• Teachers get more vacation time than most U.S. workers.vacation image by hannahfelicity from Fotolia.com
  
  A teacher's pay varies according to her education and location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, teachers work 40 hours weekly, including class time, preparation and correction. They are also required to attend parent and teacher conferences and extra-curricular activities. They enjoy an average total of 15 vacation weeks a year.
  
  According to the Certification Map, the average elementary school teacher's salary in the state of California as of 2010 was $58,850. The national average salary of a kindergarten, elementary, middle and secondary school teacher ranged from $50,380 to $55,150 in 2009, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest paid teachers averaged $75,210 to $82,000. (*See Resource 2*)