Degrees and Credentials
This is the minimum college degree standard required to become a certified public school teacher in almost every state.
What is a Bachelor's Degree?
This administrator acts as the CEO of a school, managing its daily operations, building culture, and staff evaluations.
What is a Principal?
This school professional helps students choose classes, navigate college applications, and process emotional or personal crises.
What is a School Counselor?
If you want to become a high school History, Civics, or Economics teacher, you will typically major in this broad academic subject.
What is Social Studies (or History)?
Abbreviated as "CTE," these specialized high school teachers prepare students directly for trades like welding, culinary arts, or nursing.
What is Career and Technical Education?
This professional coordinates school athletic budgets, handles game schedules, and ensures student-athlete academic eligibility.
What is an Athletic Director?
This specialist works with students who struggle with pronunciation, stutters, or understanding spoken language in school.
What is a Speech-Language Pathologist?
Unlike high school teachers who specialize in one subject, teachers in this specific age bracket must major in a program that trains them to teach all core subjects (Math, Reading, Science, Social Studies).
Beyond a college diploma, public school teachers must apply for and maintain this state-issued credential to legally teach.
What is a Teaching License (or Certification)?
Hired by the school board, this executive-level professional oversees an entire school district, rather than just one school building.
What is a Superintendent?
This professional connects struggling families with community resources like food assistance, housing support, and mental health counseling.
What is a School Social Worker?
Students who major in Engineering, Computer Science, or Biology are highly sought after by schools to teach this integrated, high-demand acronym of subjects.
What is STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)?
Abbreviated as "IEP," this legally binding document outlines customized learning modifications for special education students.
What is an Individualized Education Program?
This advanced degree or doctorate is typically required to step into high-level school leadership roles like Principal or Superintendent.
What is a Master's or Doctorate in Educational Leadership (or Administration)?
Unlike teachers who focus on academics, these medical professionals evaluate students for learning disabilities and administer psychological tests.
What is a School Psychologist?
To become a Middle or High School teacher, many states require you to complete a "Double Major" or a major in your specific subject area plus a major or minor in this professional field.
This specific type of teacher works with students who are navigating school while learning English as a second language.
What is an ESL (English as a Second Language) or ELL teacher?
These leadership staff members do not evaluate teachers; instead, they act as mentors, observing classes and helping teachers design better lessons.
What are Instructional Coaches?
True or False: School Counselors, Social Workers, and Speech Pathologists generally must earn a Master’s Degree to practice.
What is true?
If you want to teach students how to play instruments, sing in a choir, or read sheet music, you must pass specialized performance auditions to earn this specific Bachelor's degree.
What is a Bachelor of Music Education (BME)?