As the end of the year approaches, many seniors are adamant about what they are embarking on next after high school. Some students have decided to enter college with the want to teach the next generation. 

Deciding to be in the educational field is a great choice to make if students enjoy the academic environment and always learning more. When pursuing a job in education in Pennsylvania, students will need to obtain their bachelor’s degree, complete an approved teacher education program, pass the required exams, complete a background check, apply for certification and then complete the continued education tests needed to start teaching. 

Mrs. Bennett, one of Trinitys math teachers, says that it is also beneficial for students to substitute teach while they are in college so they can learn about the districts in the area and where they’d like to teach when the time comes. 

The most important part of preparing for this adventure is to have a passion for teaching and helpings others. As a profession, being a teacher is challenging and requires a lot of patience, hard work and dedication. It’s important for educators to have a genuine passion for teaching in order for the students to have teachers who want to be there for them.

Senior Nic Subrick decided to attend college for secondary education because, “I want to help students figure out not just school, but life. Students go through a lot during their educational years and sometimes they just need someone to listen.”

Another important factor when wanting to go the route of education is to have a growth mindset. Teaching is the type of profession that is a continuous learning cycle. Being open to feedback and a willingness to learn from mistakes is vital for professional growth. 

An additional factor to consider is a student’s communication skills. If entering the education field, prospective teachers will be communicating with students, parents and other teachers on a daily basis. Students will have to explain complicated and complex concepts that others may find difficult to understand. 

“I know many students think that being a teacher is a great and easy job (with summers off), but it does require a lot of patience, a hard work ethic and also passion to make a difference in students’ lives,” says Bennett, the Future Teachers of America teacher advisor. 

With all of these factors in mind, students wanting to go into education should prepare themselves. Students can reach out to Mrs. Bennett at lbennett@trinityhillers.net to join the Future Teachers of America club!