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HOME the STORY the TEACHERS be a TEACHER RESOURCES FORUM OUTREACH PRODUCTION
be a teacher (title graphic)

“If you want to get inspired, spend time with a child.”
- Nate

“Mrs. Kaye. 2nd Grade. I loved her class. She made me look forward to every day I was in the classroom. Later I realized that I enjoyed helping people learn. I felt that I could be of value to someone through teaching.”
- Joy

“I want to share my love of learning with my students.”
- Maurice

“Every kid has a story. There are 30 stories every year. Every year I have 30 opportunities to improve at least one person's life.”
- Nate

Get Inspired Get Experience Get Certified Get Hired
How do I become a teacher?

Becoming a teacher is a personal journey. It begins with inspiration - many want to become teachers from a very early age, some decide before they enter college, others make the decision at mid-career.

Most teachers have had a classroom experience that was inspirational, a realization of a love of learning, a joy in striving for excellence. They have become teachers to pass on that experience.

We have outlined the broad steps to becoming a public school teacher to help you navigate through the process. We have also identified useful resources that will help you during that journey.

The process can be frustrating, confusing and difficult. Yet the problems you may face at the district office, at your school and in your classroom can be minimized if you know what lies ahead. Along with our outline, teachers from the film; George, Joy, Maurice, Nate, Andrew and Geneviève, share their insights about the steps leading into your first classroom as a teacher.
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George on finding what she's meant to do


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Nate on the challenge of teaching

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home the story the teachers be a teacher resources forum outreach production

© 2001 Teachers Documentary Project, Inc.