If you have a passion for teaching, but do not have a degree in education, you are probably wondering what steps are necessary in becoming a teacher. Regardless of your background, teachers have to obtain a state teaching license in order to teach in K-12 schools. While most educators do start off by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in education that allow them to immediately get licensed and obtain teaching positions, you can do the same through alternative pathways. Here is an overview of what you need to do to become a teacher if you have a MBA. No worries, you can definitely put your MBA to use as you transition to becoming a teacher.
Research your state requirements
There is no clear cut path to become a teacher as this will highly depend on the state in which you live. For any person looking to become a teacher through an alternative route, every state has their own set of rules of regulations that govern how people become teachers without having a bachelor’s education such as those with MBAs. Most state education agencies set their own requirements with the guidance from the US Department of Education, so it is imperative to know what your state requires for alternative path teachers. Consult with the local public school system or the state education board to see what your options are.
Related resource: Top 10 Best Online Master of Arts in Teaching Degree Programs
Will I need to go back to school?
Possibly. In fact, most alternative teaching pathways in different states require that prospective teachers go back and get a master’s degree in education or teaching. These programs are specifically designed for those who do not have bachelor’s degree in education. They typically are anywhere between one to two years long and can be completed online or during the evening. Most master’s in education programs will require students take basic entrance exams such as the PRAXIS to be admitted. You will then specialize in a particular area in the program such as mathematics instruction, reading instruction or science instruction. You will also need to complete the respect state-specified standardized tests in these areas to teach those subjects.
What are the salaries like for teachers with an MBA?
Typically, teachers with no prior experience but with graduate degrees will make more money than just an entry-level teacher with no prior experience who has a bachelor’s degree. According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salaries for teachers in 2015 is around $57,200 per year. Teaching positions are expected to grow over six percent over the next decade. Obviously salaries will vary by geography, size of the school district, experience and education credentials. Typically, the more education you have, the more money you will make as a teacher.
If you are definitely considering a career and education and don’t know where to start, your best bet is to contact a reputable alternative teaching pathway organization like the New Teacher Project or Teach for America. These organizations have already partnered with many school districts to find and train teachers who come from non-traditional backgrounds. When it comes to getting your master’s degree in education, just make sure you do your due diligence and find a program that will make becoming a teacher easy to navigate.
