K–12 Teacher

5 stops · self-paced · a common path, not the only one

1. 📍

   You are here

   Today — wherever you're starting from

2. 🎓
   EducationNext stop →

   Earn a bachelor's degree in Education or a subject you want to teach

   You can major in Education, or major in a subject (math, English) and add a teaching credential — the subject route can pay more and gives you a backup career.

   ⏱ ~4 years · 💵 varies — community college first is cheapest

3. 🤝
   Get experience

   Complete a student teaching placement (usually the final semester of your program)

   Student teaching is a full unpaid semester in a real classroom under a mentor. It's exhausting and the best preview you'll get — and your mentor often writes your first reference.

   ⏱ ongoing · 💵 often unpaid or entry pay

4. 📜
   Get certified

   Pass your state's teaching certification exams (Praxis is common in the US)

   Praxis (or your state's version) tests subject knowledge and teaching basics. Requirements vary a lot by state — check yours early so nothing surprises you.

   ⏱ weeks–months of prep · 💵 exam & license fees

5. 💼
   Break in

   Apply for positions — substitute teaching first is a great way to get your foot in the door

   Subbing gets you into buildings, known by principals, and paid while you job-hunt. Many full-time offers start as 'we already know this sub.'

   ⏱ self-paced · 💵 free–low cost

6. 💡
   Good to know

   Many states offer loan forgiveness for teachers who work in high-need schools

   Teacher Loan Forgiveness and PSLF can wipe out federal loans for working in high-need schools. Start the paperwork early and keep records every year.

7. 🏁

   K–12 Teacher

   Your destination