Teacher preparation: What you need to know
You’re probably here because you’re considering becoming a teacher and are wondering what the steps are to get there.
As a career path, teaching offers personal fulfillment, the chance to do important work each day, and the possibility of making a real impact (plus the advantages of a teacher’s schedule and having the summer months to yourself!).
However, teaching isn’t just another job; it’s an opportunity to shape lives, challenge minds, and contribute to something larger than yourself. To be fully prepared for life in the classroom, you must first complete your own training and education requirements, which will vary based on your unique situation.
Even if you didn’t major in education during college, you can still become a teacher by enrolling in a specialized teacher preparation program (TPP). These programs guide prospective teachers through the foundations of K-12 education while also providing practice for certification exams such as the Praxis Core. Learn more about what to expect from the process as you work toward your teaching goals.
What are teacher preparation programs?
All paths may not look the same, but they all lead here. Here’s what we mean by that.
Teacher preparation programs are generally divided into two categories: traditional and alternative. The traditional path to teaching certification includes earning a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field and passing certification exams. For those planning a career change into teaching, those who majored in a different subject, or those who simply want additional training, many individuals enroll in a separate teacher preparation program to take the next step. These programs combine coursework, project-based learning, and in-class instruction for comprehensive preparation.
By completing one of these tracks, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Receive hands-on classroom training as an early-career educator
- Prepare effectively for the Praxis Core exam and other teaching certification assessments
Every educator prep program and path is different, especially since teaching requirements vary by state. Be sure to check your state's specific process before enrolling in a program to ensure you meet all prerequisites.
Importance of teacher preparation
Teacher preparation programs bridge the gap between theory and practice. It gives future teachers the ability to get classroom skills before managing a class of their own. It benefits both those who have studied education in undergrad, people who have majored in a totally different field or in the field they plan to teach, and people who want to make a complete career switch.
Types of teacher training programs
As we said, traditional pathways to teaching generally involve earning a degree in education and obtaining teaching licensure immediately following college. These programs are designed to provide future educators with core classroom skills and foundational knowledge. Teachers on this path can enter general education right away or specialize by passing subject- and grade-specific Praxis II exams. Many teaching candidates double-major in education and their intended area of instruction, whether that be physics, English literature, or a social science.
Conversely, an alternative TPP offers a non-traditional route into the profession, often for those whose initial career plans did not include teaching. Many participants in these programs hold undergraduate degrees in other subjects and may even have professional experience from different industries before deciding to transition into education. There are two main types of alternative TPPs: bridge programs delivered at institutions of higher education (IHEs) or non-IHE initiatives run by independent organizations. Teach For America is an example of a program that places teaching candidates directly in the classroom for fellowship-style learning, providing aspiring instructors with practical, in-classroom exposure regardless of their previous background.
Below, we’ve illustrated TPPs by enrollment using data from the National Council on Teacher Quality. Though participation in traditional educator training paths had experienced a noticeable decline in the previous decade, enrollment numbers for all three forms of TPPs listed began to tick upwards in the early 2020s:
Like with Teach for America, some TPPs prioritize practical exposure over additional coursework, and some even allow you the chance to get paid while you’re doing your training. For example, numerous state apprenticeship programs train teachers nationwide, with over 45 states now hosting partnerships with the Department of Labor to support these initiatives.
For candidates seeking a more pedagogical approach, university-run programs provide a traditional classroom feel, while accredited online teacher preparation programs are increasingly available for greater flexibility. Most programs will require some form of practical, student-teaching training as part of the curriculum, allowing you to gain experience working with students before hosting your own classes. If you’re unsure if a program meets the requirements for certification in your area, you can always check your state’s department of education: many have a list of approved programs listed on their site.
Whether you choose a traditional teacher preparation pathway or enroll in an alternative teacher preparation program, the structured training of both can equip you with the tools and experience needed for a successful teaching career.
Key components of teacher preparation programs
Teacher preparation programs share many essential characteristics:
- Improved student outcomes: Well-structured teacher preparation programs equip educators with the skills and knowledge to positively impact student achievement.
- Classroom readiness: These programs, including alternative teacher preparation programs, effectively connect educational theory with real-world classroom practice by offering hands-on teaching experiences.
- Reduced attrition: Participating in an educator preparation program helps teachers build competence and confidence in effective classroom management. This support is crucial for reducing teacher attrition rates.
- Equitable education: High-quality teacher preparation programs ensure that all students, including those in underserved communities, receive equitable, high-quality instruction from well-trained educators.
- Skill development: Comprehensive educator preparation programs equip educators with evidence-based teaching methods, strengthen content knowledge, and advance instructional strategies to support diverse and inclusive classrooms.
- Professionalism: Every strong teacher preparation program, whether traditional, alternative, or online, fosters the expertise, professional ethics, and lifelong commitment necessary for effective educators throughout their careers.
The benefits of teacher prep extend far beyond preparing instructors: the effects ripple through each lesson, improving student learning and well-being.
Evaluating the best teacher prep program for you
The biggest factors to think about when choosing a teacher preparation program path are:
- For those considering traditional paths: Whether you wish to complete your education requirements as a student through a traditional degree program.
- For those considering alternative programs: Whether it fulfills the licensure requirements for your specific state, ensuring you are eligible to teach after passing the Praxis exam.
- Whether the degree or alternate program is affordable and fits your budget as you work toward your certification.
- Whether you can potentially earn a salary or other benefits while completing your training.
Selecting a program that prepares you for your state’s licensure process is critical, as passing the Praxis exam is often a core requirement for becoming a certified teacher. Make sure you are familiar with your state’s specific Praxis exam and certification requirements to make the best decision for your teaching career.
Are teacher prep programs always required?
In rare cases, some school districts may hire teachers for high-need subjects before their training is completed. However, for the most part, completing teacher training is absolutely required before stepping into a classroom as a fully-fledged teacher. As mentioned, these programs are the stepping stones to passing the three Praxis Core exams: Reading, Mathematics, and Writing, or the baseline tests needed for educators in most U.S. states.
Closing thoughts
For most teachers, completing a state-approved teacher preparation program is a required step. The good news is that these programs are designed to be both informative and engaging, giving aspiring educators the chance to apply what they learn in real classroom settings early in their training. They also offer flexibility, with options tailored to individuals from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, including those following nonlinear career paths. No matter your previous experience, enrolling in a teacher preparation program sets you on a clear path toward gaining the skills needed to pass certification exams and thrive in your teaching career.
Cheers to taking the first step toward shaping the future!
