Which subjects did you have good grades in? What subjects did you have memorable projects in? Do you remember your most inspiring teachers? What did they teach?
Do you build or fix things for fun? Think about science or something similar. Do you read about history or visit historical sites around your community? Consider being a history or social studies teacher. Do you read fiction and other types of literature? You might consider a career as an English teacher. [1] X Research source
If you are a natural writer, you might teach language arts. If intrigued by the historical perspective on social issues, you might teach history or social studies. If you enjoy working with numbers and problem solving, think about math or science.
A science teacher might enlighten you on the challenges and joys of teaching the subject. A language arts teacher in a college can share the struggles of adults in a remedial language arts class and strategies used to accelerate learning. An experienced middle school social studies teacher might direct you toward teaching high school or college depending on your interests. You might gain valuable contacts for later in your teaching career. [2] X Research source
You might find that you possess the enthusiasm and energy of preschool teachers or thrive on the difficult questions asked by high-achieving college students. You might also find that you enjoy one subject better than another. You might learn that being a middle school social studies teacher is drastically different than you originally thought.
Prospective science teachers need to consider whether they want to teach general science or a subfields like chemistry, physics, or astronomy. These subfields are usually reserved for high school and college. Prospective math teachers need to consider whether they want to teach basic arithmetic or a subfield like algebra, geometry, or calculus. These subfields are usually reserved for middle school and above. Prospective English teachers need to consider whether they want to focus on basic principles like grammar or if they’d prefer to focus on literature. In many districts, teachers won’t really be able to focus on literature until at least middle school, and will have to wear many hats as an English teacher. So make sure to do your homework before deciding.
Working with elementary students often requires teaching numerous subjects, so depending on age level, you may not be able to focus on just one subject area. If you enjoy working with young children and are equally knowledgeable about the fundamentals of math, reading and writing, grade school teaching may be for you. If you are interested in focusing on basic concepts, elementary teaching might be right for you. If you are interested in being part of a more nurturing environment and helping students transition to a new environment, elementary teaching might be right for you. [4] X Research source
As a middle school teacher, you’ll be able to focus much more on a specific subject area, but you’ll still also be dealing with a lot of nurturing and behavior supervision. Your students might be a little more unpredictable than high school students, as many will begin going through puberty. Students will begin to seem more like adults, but will still need more individualized attention like elementary students. [5] X Research source
You’ll be able to teach much more complex concepts. Behavior issues could offer more challenges, as students are almost adults. Students will need less individualized attention, but will still demand a high level of supervision. Although your students will be older, you will still need parent involvement from time to time.
You’ll focus on complex subject concepts. You’ll seldom have to worry about behavior problems. You’ll have little to no interaction with parents or guardians. [6] X Research source
Some districts provide money for their teachers toward training in critically-needed areas. Some districts and states will assist you in paying off your students loans if you’re in a critically-needed subject area. There are some programs, like Teach for America, that will help train and place you in areas where teachers are needed in certain subject areas. [7] X Research source [8] X Research source
Complete a particular type of degree, based on the subject or age level you might teach. Gain teaching experience. Take specific subject area exams to become certified in your topic of choice. Requirements vary greatly depending on your state. [9] X Research source
Elementary teachers need a bachelor’s in education from an accredited teacher preparation program. Middle school teachers might need a bachelor’s in education from an accredited teacher preparation program. High school teachers might not need an education degree, but are often required to have a minor in education and have been enrolled in a teacher preparation program. College professors need at least a master’s degree, and depending on the subject, might need a doctorate to be competitive. Read the list of courses you must take to satisfy the degree, along with the course descriptions, to be sure that the topics hold your interest. [10] X Research source [11] X Research source
Take a look at school district websites to see what subject areas are in demand and if there are any incentives for teachers in certain subject areas. Browse internet job websites to see if private schools are hiring certain subject areas more than others. Consider contacting independent school placement firms to see if they can give you an idea about what schools are looking for in terms of subject area teachers at any given time. [12] X Research source
