Expert: James J. Kovalcin - 11/10/2005

Question
Hello. I am a 24 year old college student. I have wasted alot of time trying to "pick" a career. I have always wanted to be a teacher, but decided against it due to the salaries. Now I am realizing this is the only profession that will satisfy me. The advisors at my local college are not helpful. Students are rushed through your appointments and no questions are really answered. I need to know what is required to become a teacher. I am considering being an art teacher,or an elemetary teacher. But I am not sure if art requires more specialized traing/degrees? Also is it a possibility to teach while still earning your degree? Because I don't even have an associates yet. Thank you so much for any help you may be able to offer. Also, I am in North Carolina.

Thanks,
Courtney


Answer
With barely an assocoates degree you really have quite a way to go! Many states requre teachers to eventually acquire a masters degree. As for what you can do with art check out http://www.worldwidelearn.com/online-education-guide/arts-humanities/art-major.h... and for teaching credentials check out http://www.uky.edu/Education/TEP/usacert.html which has links to all 50 states teaching requirements.
Some schools may offer the opportunity to teach while seeking an advanced degree, but almost all localitites now require at least a bachelors degree due to the requirements of the "No Child Left Behind" law.