the first year: be a teacher

“I never say I'm going to work. I say I'm going to school. I don't see teaching as a job. It's way too much fun. I love what I do and I love my kids, even with the problems that I have to tackle everyday. I love being there - in the classroom.”
- Geneviève

“By teaching kindergarten, I can give the kids a good start.”
- Maurice

“I knew that I wanted to work with high school students from the outset. I needed to have kids that I could challenge intellectually.”
- Joy

“I'm an advocate for the kids who have been left outside of the system because the system doesn't know what to do with them.”
(on teaching Special Ed)
- Andrew (TEACH)

I want to teach.

A career in teaching requires passion, talent and commitment. At the beginning of the journey, an aspiring teacher must ask a few essential questions: What do I want to teach? Where do I want to teach? What can I bring to the classroom that is unique?

There are many options for aspiring teachers interested in public education - High School, Middle School, Elementary, Special Education, and English as a Second Language are a few of them. Think about what age group and subject matter interest you and then pursue that path.

We have outlined the broad steps to becoming a 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.

Visit resources to find links that will help you get inspired.