Education & community

Teacher

Teachers help students learn, plan instruction, assess progress, and communicate with families and colleagues. Grade levels, subjects, and school settings shape the work.

What the work can involve

On a typical day

  • Plan lessons and learning activities
  • Support students with different needs
  • Assess learning and communicate with families

Possible settings

  • — Public and private schools
  • — Early learning and community programs
  • — Online or specialized education settings

Skills to explore

Communication and patience · Planning and adaptability · Building supportive relationships

Preparation

There may be more than one route

Requirements depend on grade, subject, school type, and state. Public-school teaching commonly requires a bachelor's degree and state certification or licensure.

Four-year collegeWorkforce and employer trainingCertifications

Things to consider

  • Certification rules differ by state and school type.
  • Teaching includes planning and communication outside classroom hours.

Explore related education paths

These are options to investigate, not required matches or recommendations.

Four-year college

A bachelor's degree combines in-depth study in a subject with general education. It can be required for some roles and useful for others, but it is one option among many.

Explore

Certificates and certifications

A certificate is usually awarded after completing education or training. A certification typically verifies skills against an industry or professional standard. Definitions and value vary.

Explore

Workforce and employer training

Some people enter work after high school and learn through employer training, entry-level roles, or local workforce programs. Requirements vary by job.

Explore

Find official training directories

These national search tools can help you find programs by location. They are directories, not school recommendations.

Nationwide directory

Explore teacher-preparation reports

U.S. Department of Education · Title II

Explore federal Title II reports and state-reported information about teacher-preparation providers and programs.

How to use it: Choose a state or territory in the report tools and review the available program and provider information.

Confirm before applying or enrolling: Reports are based on information submitted by states and are published periodically; they are not real-time admissions listings. Confirm program approval and current requirements with the state agency and school.

Source checked Nov 2, 2026

Open official directory

Nationwide directory

Find state-approved teacher programs

National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification

Find links to jurisdictions' own lists of approved educator-preparation programs.

How to use it: Choose the state or jurisdiction where you plan to teach, then follow its link to the official program list and certification information.

Confirm before applying or enrolling: NASDTEC links to state and jurisdiction sources but does not approve programs itself. Approval and certification rules vary; confirm status directly with the relevant agency.

Source checked Nov 2, 2026

Open official directory
Explore college matchingCompare education paths

← Back to career directory