Starting Teacher Salary: $33,000
How Much Do Teachers Make?
Teachers make an average salary of $55,910; however, this can vary significantly depending on where you teach. In fact, some states pay their teachers more than others. For example, Texas has one of the highest average annual salaries for teachers at $57,280.
Average Teacher Salary by State:
Alabama – $47,100
Alaska – $54,700
Arizona – $50,500
Arkansas – $45,800
California – $71,600
Colorado – $50,900
Connecticut – $68,700
Delaware – $53,400
Georgia – $48,100
Hawaii – $57
what is a teacher?
A teacher is someone who educates a group of students about a specific subject or teaches age-appropriate concepts to a group of students. They may work with young children, teenagers or adults. School teachers are typically responsible for using curriculum guidelines to develop age-appropriate lesson plans for their students. They teach the class and use tests and assignments to assess the progress of their students. Teachers in elementary schools normally teach a number of subjects to students in one grade, while teachers in middle school, high school and college normally specialize in a specific subject area that they teach. Elementary, middle and high school teachers need a bachelor’s degree and their teaching license. Some states may require high school teachers to have a master’s degree in their subject area. Postsecondary teachers typically need a master’s or doctoral degree.
Becoming a teacher
Studying right to teach right
In order to be able to pursue the further education required to qualify to be a teacher, you would need to have a GED/high school degree to be able to pursue this further education. You might even need to have a certain minimum grade to qualify. Then you need to get your degree in education. Find the degree requirements in your state or the state you will be practicing in and work accordingly. And always remember what you would be saying to the kids after you become a teacher, applied to you as well – The better your grades, the better are your chances.
Earn your certification
You will need to clear a series of tests in addition to the degree you have earned, only after which you would be allowed to become a teacher. These tests would get you that essential certification. Based on your state’s requirements, fulfil the necessary requirements. If a background check and fingerprinting is required, get it done and clear it.
Fall in love with kids
Get some experience in handling kids. Volunteer for classes or get a job at day care centres. A lot of schools will not consider employing you if you don’t have experience working with kids. So prepare in advance and get the required experience.
Decide where you would want to teach
You need to decide where you would want to teach – at a public school, at an at-risk school, private school, college, online school or just be a private tutor. A public school would be state-funded and would require the most training and effort but would lead to more secure employment as well as attractive benefits. At-risk schools are low income where students often fall into a life of drugs or crime or dropping out and teaching at them is rewarding while also being challenging and dangerous. It might also help you get your student debt forgiven. Private schools would be run by companies or churches, and they pay better while also having better behaving students.
You could choose to teach at a college but it would require at least a Master’s, may be even a PhD. They pay would be better, but your resources would be much fewer. Teaching at an online school is a good option but it would not be a very secure job, with no benefits and not very lucrative either. And if it is flexibility and one-on-one contact you desire, that being a private tutor at a tutor centre or working on your own would work the best for you.
What Does a Teacher Do?
Teachers work in public or private childcare centers, elementary and high schools, and postsecondary schools. Some teachers also work online from their home office or find employment in corporate training. Many teachers work a portion of the year, enjoying an extended break during summers. Most school systems also provide extended breaks around holidays.
During the school year, teachers typically work Monday-Friday in the classroom. However, many teachers spend nights and weekends grading papers and developing lesson plans for the coming week. Summers may also include continuing education or professional development.
Duties include developing lesson plans that align with established academic standards and delivering instruction to students. Teachers develop hands-on activities and assignments that allow students to practice what they have learned and build mastery of skills. They incorporate a variety of materials into their instruction, such as textbooks, supplemental reading, videos, and online presentations. They also develop assessments to measure how well students have learned the material so they can adjust instructional methods or refer students for tutoring.
Teachers below the college level communicate with parents about a child’s progress and share information about how parents can support learning at home. They also share information about disciplinary actions and may refer students to assessment for special education services. Teachers serve as part of a team to help students succeed, so they communicate closely with counselors, administrators, and other teachers. However, teachers must also protect student information and avoid sharing it with unauthorized individuals.
Teachers work with other teachers to develop new learning resources or provide training on new technology. Experienced teachers pair with new teachers to serve as mentors, providing coaching and support during their first years. Other teachers serve in leadership positions in their school, identifying areas for improvement, coordinating faculty groups, or implementing new school initiatives. Some teachers take on extracurricular responsibilities, such as coaching or advising clubs. These activities can enhance the student’s academic experience, but the teachers usually find their workday extended.
Teachers may work with young children, kindergarten and elementary students, secondary students, postsecondary students, or adult learners. Many teachers also specialize in subject areas, such as English, math, or art. Special education teachers undergo specialized training to work with students with special needs, such as cognitive delays, physical disabilities, or learning disorders. Some educators find their way to the profession after working in an occupational or vocational career, helping bring new professionals to the field and offering their expertise.
