Teachers can have great impact on the social, personal, and intellectual development of individuals. Their influence stems from a love of learning, a talent for awakening students to new modes of thinking, an understanding of the human development process, and professional skills.
Teachers can be found in almost every sector of society, and they instruct a wide range of topics. While specific course requirements vary among disciplines, most teachers will fulfill the academic requirements of a major in a chosen field; be literate in the history, philosophy, psychology, sociology and methodology of education; and have developed initial teaching skills through supervised clinical experiences. Although certification is required for public school teachers (K-12) in all 50 states, some states offer alternative teacher certification programs to attract otherwise qualified persons into the field. Aspiring teachers who need certification may also enter programs that grant a master’s degree in education, as well as certification.
