What does a Teacher do?
Published 4 min read
A teacher is someone who helps others learn. They can be found in classrooms, leading discussions and giving lectures. They might also be found working one-on-one with students, helping them to understand a difficult concept. In addition to teaching, teachers may also be responsible for grading papers and creating lesson plans.
Teacher job duties include:
- Prepare lesson plans and deliver lectures to students
- Encourage student participation in class discussions and activities
- Evaluate students’ progress and provide feedback
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts
- Keep abreast of developments in their field by reading current literature, attending conferences, and participating in professional organizations
- Select and use different instructional methods and strategies to meet students’ varying needs
- Use technology to enhance instruction, such as using computers to present lectures or create multimedia instructional materials
- Collaborate with other teachers and administrators to develop educational programs and policies
- Perform administrative duties, such as maintaining student records and preparing reports on students’ progress
Teacher Job Requirements
Most teaching jobs will require at least a Bachelor's degree in education or a related field, as well as a teaching certification. Some states may also require teachers to pass a state-specific exam. In addition to formal education and certification, most schools will also prefer to hire teachers with some prior experience working with students in a classroom setting.
Teacher Skills
- Classroom management
- Communication
- Creativity
- Differentiation
- Engagement
- Flexibility
- Growth mindset
- High expectations
- Inquiry-based learning
- Love of learning
- Passion for teaching
- Reflective practice
Related: Top Teacher Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Teacher
There are many reasons why someone might want to become a teacher. Maybe you enjoy working with children, or you have a passion for a particular subject area that you would like to share with others. Whatever your reasons may be, there are a few things you will need to do in order to become a teacher.
First, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from an accredited college or university. This will give you the necessary knowledge and skills to work with students of all ages in a variety of settings.
Once you have your degree, you will need to obtain a teaching license from your state’s department of education. Each state has different requirements for obtaining a teaching license, but most states require that you pass a background check and complete a certain number of hours of professional development courses.
Once you have your teaching license, you can begin applying for jobs at schools in your area. Many teachers start their careers working in elementary or middle schools, but there are also opportunities to teach at high schools and even colleges and universities.
Teaching can be a very rewarding career, both personally and professionally. If you have a passion for helping others learn, then becoming a teacher may be the perfect career choice for you.
Related: Teacher Resume Example