A BA/BS program will often allow you to start teaching upon graduation, but will require you to get a Masters with a few years in a specialty area (your school will often help you pay for the Masters courses). An MAT program is a more direct route.

In short, look for a college with a School of Education, and apply to their program, or attend a regular college that offers a Bachelors in Education. Often you can’t get into these programs directly — you have to start college and then take an entrance exam into the School of Ed.

All of this, of course, depends on the state in which you live.

If you’re looking to work in postsecondary (college) education, you’ll need an advanced degree in your field — usually an MA or PhD.