Steps to Becoming an English Teacher

Cory Olcott currently works as Director of Student Activities and Dean of the Sophomore Class at the Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School. Cory Olcott previously worked for a number of schools in various English-related positions, including as chair of the English department at Woodside Priory School in Portola Valley, California.

There are several steps individuals must take after they have decided that they would like to teach English as a profession. All states, and even some schools, maintain their own requirements for English teachers, though a bachelors degree in English from an accredited program is typically the first place a person needs to begin. Undergraduate courses in education are often necessary, as is a semester of student teaching. Those with an undergraduate degree in English can complete the necessary education courses to fulfill the requirements.

After all courses have been passed and the relevant classroom hours fulfilled, an individual can take the state licensing exam for teachers. The specifics of licensure will depend on what level a person wishes to teach. English teachers at the elementary school level, for example, are expected to complete additional training in areas of general elementary education. An English professor at the college level, on the other hand, must earn a masters degree and likely publish papers or creative work before obtaining a full-time position. Some states may require a masters degree regardless of what age group the teacher is educating.