So You Want to Be a Teacher?

Whether you're in high school, college, or working in another profession but considering making teaching your career, the following resources can help you determine the steps you need to take to become a teacher in your state.

• Teacher Recruitment Clearinghouse
  A one-stop online resource for prospective teachers seeking jobs and for schools, districts, and states seeking qualified teachers. This site includes access to online job banks and job listings across the country; information on preparing to become a teacher and financing teacher preparation; teacher shortages, salaries, and teaching credentials in each state; district incentives for new teachers; and proven strategies for finding and keeping teachers.
• State Departments of Education
  Links to state agencies and other organizations that may serve as resources in your search for certification and licensure requirements.

• National Clearinghouse on Careers and Professions Related to Early Intervention and Education for Children with Disabilities
  Information and materials regarding teaching careers, financial support while in teacher training, and teacher recruitment and retention.

• Troops to Teachers
  Referral assistance and placement services for service members and civilian employees of the Department of Defense interested in beginning a second career in public education as teachers or teacher's aides.

• Loan Forgiveness

A possibility to cancel or defer student loans for teachers serving in low-income or subject-matter shortage areas.
• Pell Grants

Awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned bachelors or professional degrees. Unlike federal loans, these grants do not have to be repaid.
• What to Expect Your First Year of Teaching
  A compilation of frank discussions by award-winning first year teachers.

• So You Want to Be a Teacher
  A short document, produced by the ERIC Clearinghouse on Teacher Education, that covers such issues as academic preparation and meeting state certification requirements.

• Survival Guide for New Teachers
  A collection of reflections by award-winning first-year teachers who talk candidly about their successes and setbacks, with a particular emphasis on the relationships they formed with their colleagues, university professors, and their students' parents. The publication also includes resources for first-year teachers.

Recruiting | So You Want To Be a Teacher? | Preparing New Teachers |
Raising New Standards for Teachers | Professional Development | Research and Dissemination |
Teachers Share Their Wisdom | Speeches and Studies | Classroom Resources | Funding

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