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Teacher: A person who helps students to acquire knowledge, competence or virtue. The duties this job entails are the creation of lesson plans to teach students all subjects. Teaching students how to interact with others while also observing their abilities, strengths and weaknesses. Grading, and also instructing. During the school year teachers typically work 8-9 hours a day at their schools including prep and instruction time in the classroom.

https://www.edelements.com/blog/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-teacher-all-the-things-teachers-do

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A Day in the Life of a Teacher: All The Things Teachers Do

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Teachers do so many things in and out of the classroom. In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week 2023, a teacher shares the common teacher experience.

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The environment I want to be responsible for working in is a homey classroom so each student feels held accountable for. In a typical week I would work around 40 hours per week saving Sundays, if needed, for lesson prep time. I would most likely work with another teacher in the classroom early in my career, however in general all the teachers in schools are a team and work together. As a teacher I am active and it can be emotionally draining during stressful days.

https://apps.illinoisworknet.com/cis/clusters/OccupationDetails/100096?parentId=110500&section=conditions&sectionTitle=Working%20Conditions#:~:text=Often%20work%20indoors.,often%20within%20a%20few%20feet.

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$47,910- up to $98,300 is the expected salary as an elementary teacher in PA. As a teacher you are paid at a yearly salary. Benefits that are common include healthcare, FSA, health care, and retirement.

https://drexel.edu/soe/resources/career-path/why-become-a-teacher/

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Why Become a Teacher?

Drexel University School of Education

Becoming a schoolteacher is a journey that leads to a rewarding and fulfilling career. If you think for a minute, you can probably remember a teacher who had a positive impact on your life. That is what teacher's do. They help children learn lessons that follow them for the rest of their lives. It is a profession unlike any other. In this article, we will explain why becoming a schoolteacher is important, the many benefits, and how you can get started in this unique and rewarding profession.

Why are Teachers so Important to Society?

If you are wondering, "why become a teacher," here's why. Teachers make a tremendous difference in the development of children. Students not only gain knowledge, but also develop behavior and social skills that teach them how to interact with others, adopt creativity, and ultimately grow up to become happy, successful adults that may share some of the same wisdom they obtained from their teachers with their children. In this way, teachers are role models for their students and can inspire future generations to go into the teaching profession and serve as mentors to their students long after they leave their class.

At Drexel University's School of Education, we offer multiple pathways to help you become a teacher. You can major in Elementary Education to teach children in preschool through grade 4, Middle Level to teach grades 4-8, and Secondary Education to teach students in grades 7-12. Drexel offers full and part-time bachelor's degree programs, as well as master's degree and post-bachelor's certification programs for students who already have a bachelor's degree. Drexel also offers focused concentration areas such as special education and STEM subjects for students who want to teach a specific subject. If you would like to learn more about our programs, you can request more information.

Drexel's renowned Field Placement Office also supports students with enriching and educational student teaching experiences to ensure teaching candidates not only earn the hours required for state certification but are paired with experienced teachers who can mentor and guide beginner teachers. The Field Placement Office has relationships with school districts all across the country and can identify schools in close proximity to the student's home.

Benefits of Being a Teacher

There are countless reasons to becoming a teacher. Whether you want to pursue a career that can help develop the minds of future generations, or are excited to teach individuals about a unique subject, there are many reasons why individuals think being a teacher is a good career choice. Here are a few benefits to consider if you are interested in pursuing a career in education:

1) No Two Days are the Same

If you dread a work environment where you do the same thing over and over again, you should consider teaching. Teachers develop lesson plans that are delivered to children in their classrooms. How children interpret and learn vary greatly, giving teachers the opportunity to adjust their teaching style and tactics to fit their students.

2) Chance to Make an Impact on a Community

Teachers play a critical role in the lives of their students and in their community because they can interact with parents and school leadership. Schools often serve as community hubs where people from all backgrounds come together and meet to discuss issues and needs in their neighborhoods. Teachers have a unique perspective of not only working in schools but communicating directly with the adults who send their kids to their schools.

3) Job Security

There is always a need for great teachers. As populations increase, the need for teachers to educate children grows. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the profession is expected to grow by 7% from 2021-2031 and create more than 900,000 jobs in teaching subjects. On average, the median annual wage for individuals in Education, Training & Library occupations is $57,220. While the paycheck may not reflect the impact they have on society, schools may offer teachers generous benefits packages that can include health insurance, vision & dental insurance, retirement packages, continuing education and more.

4) A Chance to be Creative

Being a teacher gives you an outlet for creativity. Teachers design their classrooms and lesson plans for their students. In turn, students provide unique perspectives and challenges, which engages a teacher's creative juices. There are plenty of possibilities to try something new to enhance learning.

5) Unlimited Impact

Becoming a teacher will enable you to have a positive influence on the students who come through your classroom door every day. Some lessons may be forgotten but others may last forever. Teachers are in a unique position to impart knowledge on the next generation of adults who will become leaders in their homes, their jobs, and communities.

6) Flexible Work Schedules

A teacher's work schedule allows them more time to spend with their family and friends. Teachers receive paid time off for holidays, seasonal breaks in the winter and spring, and time off in the summer. Of course, teacher's work hard year-round preparing their lesson plans and grading their student's work, but there is flexibility in how they approach their work that allows for self-care and personal growth.

7) Lifelong Learning

Teachers can spend their careers broadening their knowledge and skills in education. Certified teachers can add on additional credentials to help them better teach different types of students and make themselves more attractive to potential employers. For example, a teacher may choose to take additional courses to become certified in special education, or as an instructional technology specialist, or better understand students impacted by trauma through a certificate in social, emotional, and behavioral wellness. Additional certification and college credits can also have an impact on a teacher's salary depending on their contract agreement with their school district. Additionally, the skills that teachers bring to their job like communication, planning, empathy, and others can translate to other professions.

8) Opportunity to Travel

Another of the great reasons to become a teacher is that certified teachers can work almost anywhere. Many states, including Pennsylvania, have reciprocation agreements that allow teacher to transfer their teaching license to another state. In some cases, a teacher may be able to teach oversees. Teachers are unique in that they are always in demand and can find work anywhere they choose to live.

How to Become a Teacher with Drexel University's School of Education

There are many different options available to help you become a teacher. Drexel offers bachelor's, master's, and post-bachelor's teacher certification (for those who already have a degree) programs to help you earn certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Teacher certifications are also available in elementary (grades preK-4), middle level (grades 4-8), and secondary (grades 7-12). Subject areas including math, English, science, and more are available in middle and secondary certification programs. Drexel also offers special education and additional add-on certifications that fit student interest and meet the needs of school districts across the state and nation. You can get started today by requesting more information about our programs, or, if you think you are ready, starting an application.

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Why become a teacher? 8 Benefits to Consider - School of Education

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Becoming a teacher is a rewarding & important career that can help shape the minds of younger generations. Learn more about the benefits of becoming a teacher.

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1.9 million elementary school teachers hold jobs in this field. However there is a shortage of teachers everywhere and schools are desperate to employ more teachers. You will most likely find teaching jobs everywhere in highly densely populated areas/ neighborhoods scattered throughout PA. States with most public schools include California, Texas, and New York so you will find more opportunities.

https://www.teachersoftomorrow.org/blog/insights/teacher-shortages-in-the-us/

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Teacher shortages have become a critical issue across the United States. According to a 2022 report by the U.S. Department of Education, 41 states and D.C. are facing shortages in at least one subject area or grade level. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the teacher shortage situation-necessitating immediate action to address the growing crisis in the education sector.

The U.S. Department of Education defines teacher shortage in 3 ways:

Unfilled positions

Positions filled by under-qualified teachers

Positions filled by teachers in a different subject than their certification

place the current teacher shortage at 55,000 vacant positions and an additional 270,000 teaching posts currently filled by underqualified teachers.

Nationwide Challenges

Some states have clear teacher vacancy data. E.g., at the time of the study, states with the highest vacancies include Florida (3,911), Illinois (1,703), and Arizona (1,699). The states with lower vacancies included Utah (37), Missouri (38) and Nebraska (42). Other states like Georgia and Alabama had unclear data, while some states like Massachusetts, Oregon, and Washington lacked actual data on vacancy numbers. This made it difficult for the study to determine the national scope of the teacher shortage problem.

The shortage is particularly acute in STEM fields and foreign languages.

Here are different innovative solutions different states are employing to deal with teacher shortages:

Florida- Leading the Nation in Teacher Demand

Florida is at the forefront of the teacher shortage in 2024, with over 5,000 vacancies-the highest demand in the nation.

"Florida is dealing with, if not the worst, one of the worst teacher shortage situations in the nation." Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association, 2023.

Despite this, the state does not have the highest number of vacancies per 10,000 students; that distinction goes to West Virginia, with 59 vacancies per 10,000 students, compared to Florida's nearly 19. The core issues behind the shortage in Florida include low pay, long hours, and political interference in education.

"Teachers are not encouraging other people to become teachers because they know how bad it is," said Chris Pagel, President of the Nassau Teachers Association.

Texas- Addressing the Shortage with Innovative Solutions

The program, spearheaded by District 2 City Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, aims to provide down payment assistance or a forgivable loan to first-time homebuyer teachers in exchange for a commitment to work in a public school district for a certain period.

The program aims to assist first-time homebuyers who happen to be teachers who purchase a home to understand the issue and develop specific solutions fully.

Kentucky is Facing Critical Proportions

Kentucky's teacher shortage has reached critical proportions, impacting children's ability to learn every single day. For example, shortages result in reduced individualized attention and instructional disruptions. Some students also miss learning opportunities through curriculum gaps.

The average starting salary for teachers in the state is $38,010, significantly lower than that of neighboring states like Indiana and Ohio, where average salaries are $60,000 and $77,000, respectively.

Teachers are left with the choice of crossing state lines to earn better or remain in Kentucky and struggle financially. Most of them have crossed to other states, leading to a critical teacher shortage.

Other states bordering Kentucky are also increasing teacher pay. For instance, Arkansas and South Carolina have a starting pay of $50,000 while New Mexico has a starting pay of $52,000.

Ohio- A Need for Accurate Data

Ohio State lacks data on teacher demand, making it challenging to craft effective solutions. The state needs to collect data on teacher demand and vacancies to understand the full scope of the problem and develop targeted solutions.

One way to solve the Ohio shortage is through alternative teacher certification programs. These programs are designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree in a subject area, even outside of education, to transition into teaching .

Teachers of Tomorrow is now offering an alternative teacher certification in Ohio . Qualified individuals enter the classroom quicker, while still meeting state certification requirements. We offer all the support necessary to ensure new educators are successful in their new roles.

Solutions and Initiatives to Address the Teacher Shortage

The teacher shortage in the U.S. is a complex challenge that requires multifaceted solutions.

States need to address underlying issues such as low pay, long hours, and political interference in education. We also need better collaboration between states and cities to create targeted initiatives, gather accurate data, and provide competitive salaries to attract and retain educators.

Equally important is ensuring teachers are equipped with the proper training and qualifications. Many states are filling vacancies with uncertified teachers, which can affect student outcomes and increasing one element of teacher shortage.

Programs like alternative certification by Teachers of Tomorrow offer affordable and flexible options for aspiring educators to obtain certification. With these programs, departments of education across the country can be guaranteed that new teachers are adequately prepared to provide instruction and support students' success.

Only then can we ensure a high-quality education for all students and a promising future for the teaching profession.

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Teacher Shortages in the U.S: Challenges, Solutions & Initiatives in 2024 | Teachers of Tomorrow

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Teacher shortages have become a critical issue across the United States. According to a 2022 report by the U.S. Department of Education, 41 states and D.C.

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Many different degrees can lead to an elementary school teaching career but the most direct would be a bachelors degree in elementary education. As for high school courses of extracurricular the activities that would be most valued is child development, teaching assistant, and babysitting. Personality traits that elementary school teachers tend to have is very social individuals, creative, patient, and kind.

https://drexel.edu/soe/resources/career-path/how-to-teacher-in-pa/

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Drexel University School of Education

Home to more than five hundred school districts, Pennsylvania provides aspiring teachers with no shortage of opportunities for career growth and advancement. Rising statewide demand for qualified educators makes teaching in PA an excellent way to start a teaching career. Below you can learn about how to get a teaching certificate in PA and the kinds of requirements you'll need to complete.

Teachers with better qualifications are better prepared to help students; take a moment to request information about opportunities to become a teacher in Pennsylvania through the School of Education at Drexel University.

What Degree Do You Need to Be a Teacher in Pennsylvania?

Figuring out what degree you need to be a teacher will depend on your state. Like most states, becoming a teacher in PA requires candidates to possess at least a Bachelor's degree. The most direct route is with Undergraduate Education Degrees, which can help you complete various requirements, like requirements for student teaching.

In addition to a bachelor's degree, you'll also need to complete a teacher education program that has both regional accreditation and accreditation by the Department of Education. For Pennsylvania, that means accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Student Teaching Through Drexel's School of Education

Having hands-on classroom experience is required to become a teacher in Pennsylvania. The student teaching experience allows future educators the opportunity to apply the pedagogical theory to classroom practice, while under the supervision of a teacher mentor. Student teaching lasts a minimum of 13 weeks and allows pre-service teachers to gain practical experience teaching specific grade-levels and subjects.

Not all student teaching programs are alike. For instance, the Drexel University School of Education provides students with a range of options to specialize the student teaching experience, like the Undergraduate Co-Op program.

Combining hands-on experience with classroom work, the co-op program provides immersive and flexible approach to student teaching. For instance, students seeking a biology certification might co-op with a bioscience firm. With placements based on the major of the student and their areas of interest, these programs can help you go above and beyond PA student teaching requirements.

Required Certifications for Pennsylvania School Teachers

Apart from earning a bachelor's degree, a teacher education program, and student teaching experience, there are a few more requirements to become a teacher in the state of Pennsylvania. Completing PA teaching certification requirements will require completing a variety of pedagogical, general skills, and subject-specific exams.

That includes the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA), Praxis Core exams, and any relevant Praxis subject exams. For example, someone aspiring to become a middle school math teacher would need to complete the subject exam for middle school mathematics.

While Undergraduate Teacher Certification Requirements vary state by state, most states have requirements which are similar to Pennsylvania. It's also possible to above and beyond meeting the bare minimum Pennsylvania teaching requirements with Postgraduate Education Certifications.

Required Clearances for Pennsylvania School Teachers

What clearances do you need to teach in PA? Pennsylvania law requires teachers and teacher candidates to complete a federal background check, a Pennsylvania state criminal records check, and a Pennsylvania child abuse history clearance. Check out our clearances and student teaching forms page for additional information.

In addition to being fingerprinted, there are a number of small fees associated with completing these clearances. The total cost is around $55. It's also important to allow time for documents to be processed, and you should complete your clearances at least eight weeks before starting student teaching.

Additional Certifications for Teachers in Pennsylvania

Certification could be considered the bare minimum requirement for becoming a teacher. There are also a variety of add-on teaching certifications that can improve your qualifications. Drexel offers certification in a variety of areas including Teaching English as a Second Language, Reading Specialist, Special Education, Principal certification and more. Check out our certifications page to learn more.

Graduate Education Certificate Programs

Drexel University's School of Education offers 14 graduate certificates as an outgrowth of the master's program. That includes Graduate Education Certificate Programs in areas including:

Certificate in Instructional Design

Certificate in K-12 Virtual School Leadership

Certificate in Dyslexia Specialist (Wilson Language® certification)

Certificate in STEM Education

Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis

Certificates are essentially a letter of recommendation from the issuing institution which says the recipient has a particular type of expertise, and they're ready to apply it to practice. Possessing a certificate can help improve an educator's ability to serve students, and it can create new opportunities for career advancement.

Average Teacher Salaries in Pennsylvania

Teacher salaries in Pennsylvania will vary based on several factors including grade level, subject, type of school (public, private, parochial, etc.), and years of experience. According to Indeed, as of November 29, 2021, the average hourly pay for teachers in Pennsylvania is $14.22/hour, while WHYY reports a yearly average salary of $67,535.

Average Elementary School Teacher Salary in Pennsylvania

According to salary.com, as of October 29, 2021, salaries for an elementary school teacher range from $39,435/year to $81,672/year, with an average salary of $60,252/year.

Average Middle School Teacher Salary in Pennsylvania

According to the salary.com, the average salary for a middle school teacher is $58,329.

Average High School Teacher Salary in Pennsylvania

According to the Career Explorer, the average base salary in the United States for a high school teacher is $59,043.

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How to Become a Teacher in Pennsylvania - School of Education

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Are you interested in becoming a teacher in pennsylvania? Learn more about state requirements and qualifications today with the Drexel School of Education.

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1. Swarthmore College

2. Penn State University

3. Kutztown University

4. Temple University

5. Drexel University

https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-education/

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Western Washington University

Very great school with diverse students. Classes and class schedule is usually very easy to work around. The advisors are there to help you! They want the students to succeed. Many of the teachers are friendly and have good office hours. Campus life is fun and it is very close to the heart of downtown, about a 10-15 minute walk.One thing I really like about this campus is that lots of students gather in Red Square to promote political issues, clubs and activities, concerts, speeches, etc. and have the freedom to do so. Lots of art exhibits and displays from professional artists and student artists alike.The info fair at the beginning of the year lasts 2 days and showcases a variety of activities and clubs to partake in on campus and around Bellingham. This is very much a college town, but not so overbearing. The rest of the city's population are easy to get along with and very open-minded. There are many hang out spots. The campus also does a good job with emergencies on campus. Niche User:

Read 2,149 Reviews

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Ranking of best colleges for teachers and educators. Compare the top 100 colleges for education majors in the U.S.

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Benefits: Job Security and reasonable hours

Downside: Lots of lesson preparation and little time to do it

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/pros-and-cons-of-being-teacher