Teaching is an incredibly rewarding career path for those who want to help others reach their potential. However, education barriers are a large issue when it comes to starting out in the sector, and many would-be teachers find it difficult to obtain the qualifications and experience that they need to succeed. You do not always need a Bachelor’s degree in education to become a teacher, though, and here are some of the alternative pathways into the education sector.
1. Take an Online Degree
Taking an online degree is the perfect route into teaching for those who have other commitments that leave them unable to move away from home to complete a Bachelor’s degree. Online degrees help you to work towards deadlines on your own schedule from anywhere in the country. This means that you can combine studying with finding the teaching experience that you need to succeed. An online Masters in Curriculum and Instruction is an excellent alternative qualification as it allows you to apply for job opportunities that do not require formal licensing or certification.
2. Teach English in a Foreign Country
If you want to enjoy a slightly different teaching experience, why not consider teaching English in a foreign country? All you need to do is complete a TEFL certification online or at your local community college; this qualification will allow you to teach in many locations around the world. You can get a broader cultural insight into teaching and improve your skills so that you can teach within the US once you return. You can also teach English to non-native speakers within the US.
3. Alternative Licensing and Certification Programs
Teachers must be adequately state-licensed and certified in order to apply for teaching positions in public schools. If you do not have the right qualifications to become state-licensed, you can opt for an alternative program. For those that already hold a Bachelor’s degree, for instance, it is possible to apply for a state-approved Teacher Preparation Program, which can help you to build on your Bachelor’s degree. You can also opt to follow a Transition to Teaching course or a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification, which can help you to work towards eventual state licensure.
4. Consider Private or Not-for-Profit Schools
Although you will need to obtain the proper qualifications and state license in order to work in a public school, if you are struggling to achieve this, you should look for other potential settings to teach in. For instance, many private and not-for-profit schools allow those without a teaching degree or license to apply for potential vacancies.
5. Think About Other Career Pathways
If you cannot become a teacher, this does not mean that you are unable to pursue a career in education. In fact, there are many alternative career pathways that are able to provide you with a fulfilling experience. For instance, you could consider becoming a substitute teacher or teaching assistant in order to gain classroom experience, and there are also learning support and admin positions. You should also consider applying for job openings in private tutoring and e-learning, in addition to other support roles that will enable you to enjoy a meaningful career.