Generally, you need a BA/BS in a teaching subject area. It is important to know what majors are accepted by your state (for example, in CA, a degree in Geography was NOT considered an accepted subject area for a secondary credential).

Teacher certification programs are typically 5 years due to the requirement of practice teaching. And there may be other tests required before you are fully qualified to teach for pay in the classroom.

Considering the fact that secondary education is characterized as a single teacher teaching a single subject in the classroom, you increase you chances of “success” (i.e. getting and keeping a teaching job) by expanding yourself beyond a single subject area. So having a minor can be good (but again check with your State regulations), but other factors such as bi-lingual ability, ESL or ability to teach remedial classes, and other additional “qualifications” may make you more attractive and provide additional pay.

In some states, severe teacher shortages created “emergency” or conditional credentialing programs where you could be approved to start teaching early, but then must work AND attend classes to complete the credentialing requirements within a specific time frame. But again, check with your State regulations. (some possible sources for this information: 1) the general national job outlook at http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm; 2) job outlooks in specific states / local areas at http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco20024.htm, 3) http://www.nea.org/student-program/about/state.html#statisticsforsurvival

Keep in mind that if you anticipate teaching in a different state, your credential doesn’t “automatically” transfer. The key word to look for is “reciprocity”, but this usually doesn’t mean full acceptance. Be prepared to take tests and possibly to do some additional coursework to be fully credentialed in another state. But again, here is where emergency / conditional credentialing might enable you to move and start teaching for pay.

Hope this helps. Best wishes.

If you do decide to teach, start a idea resource file while in college. You’ll draw from it during your first (most intense and demanding) years of teaching.

You may also want to invest in a bullet-proof vest….