Education & Career Resources for Future Teachers

Financial Aid & Scholarship Resources

Depending On Where You Teach, It Could Take 5 To 12 Years To Repay Your Debts

Student loans are a necessary resource for a majority of teaching students around the country. As they near the time for repayment, it's important for aspiring teachers to know the most effective and efficient repayment methods. This guide explores loan repayment trends from state to state, as well as how interest rates can impact student loan balances.

Guide to State and Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Programs

For many aspiring teachers across America, college would not be an option without student loans; but for most students this means graduating with over $32,000 of student debt. Luckily, there are options available fort teacher available for teachers seeking student loan forgiveness. This guide will discuss these student loan forgiveness programs in much more detail and provides some helpful tips for applying for student loan forgiveness for educators.

TeacherCertification.com Student Scholarships

Earning a degree can come with a heavy financial burden, so TeacherCertification.com aims to lighten the load by offering two $1,000 scholarships to students in pursuit of a degree in education. These scholarships have application deadlines of June 1.

Guide to Scholarships for Future Teachers

Studying to become a teacher is already stressful as it is, whether you are stepping into the classroom as a student teacher for the first time or preparing for a certification exam. Having to stress about being able to pay for your education can be incredibly stressful, and our Guide to Scholarships contains numerous resources for future teachers to help relieve the financial burden of higher education.

Guide to Financial Assistance for Future Teachers

The education required to become a teacher can be very costly, which can at times deter a student from continuing to pursue their dream of becoming a teacher. To help remedy this, this guide for future teachers provides several resources that can help alleviate some of those financial concerns and help future teachers afford their education and certification materials.

Resources for Earning a Certification

K-3 Certifications That Can Boost an Early Childhood Education Career

Teachers that are interested in obtaining additional certifications to improve their professional development will find that they have many options available to them. With this guide, teachers and prospective teachers will be able to consider certifications such as First Aid, CPR, and AED Certifications, a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification, or even a Montessori teacher certification to boost their resume and open the doors to new possibilities.

Graduate School Guide for Teachers: How to Apply for Your Master's, EdD, or PhD and How it Will Help Your Career

Teachers that feel ready to take the next step in their careers may want to consider going back to school to gain an advanced degree and additional training. Benefits to achieving a graduate degree include increased pay, opportunities for advancement, and can allow teachers to specialize in a particular field. This guide will outline the differences in degree options as well as the process for applying to graduate school.

Bachelor's vs. Master's Teaching Degree - Comparison Guide

For students studying to become teachers, knowing the education requirements is a crucial part of becoming a certified teacher. Requirements can vary from state to state, and often depend on the intended area of specialization. This article provides aspiring teachers with a broad comparison of teaching with a bachelor's degree vs. a master's degree and provides them with the guidance they need on topics like career opportunities, salary expectations, and job responsibilities and outlook.

Effective Study Tips to Prepare for Teacher Certification Tests

To effectively prepare for teacher certification exams, aspiring teachers have a plethora of resources to choose from. Practice tests, study guides, and studying with a study group can be wonderful learning aids. Teacher certifications can vary from state to state, so students must be aware of their state's requirements. This guide will present an overview for future teachers on the contents of the exam as well as its structure, which can make a big difference in test-takers' success.

Everything You Need to Know Before Taking Your Teacher Certification Exams

Before entering their own classroom, aspiring teachers must take and pass their required teacher certification exams. Preparing fore these exams takes a lot of time and effort, and the process for earning certification varies greatly by state. This guide provides information for future teachers on in-stave vs. out-of-state programs, teacher certification requirements, and the exams that prospective teachers may be required to pass.

Alternative Pathways to a California Teaching Credential

For prospective teachers in California, some certification requirements have changed from those in recent years. While the state of California no longer requires the passing of the CBEST or CSET exams, there are several requirements that future teaching students still have to abide by. Continue reading for more insight into these alternative pathways to becoming a teacher in California.

Resources for Diversity and Inclusion in the Classroom

ECE Teacher's Guide to the Importance of Inclusion in Early Childhood Education

For people of all ages, a sense of belonging has a great impact on how they live their lives, and it is especially important during early childhood. Teachers can create such an environment by incorporating inclusive practices in the classroom. By doing so, students will experience positive and lasting feelings of happiness, enhanced social enrichment, and will do better academically. Continue reading to learn more about the effects of inclusion in early childhood education.

Guide to Gender, Non-Binary, & LGBTQ+ Pronouns for Teachers

For teachers wanting to respect the identity of their students and be an ally to their LGBTQ+ students, the first step is learning about and using a student's preferred gender pronouns. This guide walks readers through the complexity of gender and identity, explaining why using proper pronouns is important in supporting students and creating an inclusive classroom. Teachers can find examples of pronouns as well.

Practicing Culturally Responsive Teaching Strategies in the Classroom

The pedagogical theory of incorporating culturally responsive teaching into the classroom is more simple to implement than it seems. This inclusive theory broadens the mindset of students and teachers in a way that improves critical thinking, collaboration, and empathy for others. This guide provides a broad overview of culturally responsive teaching and offers advice for how teachers can bring this effective pedagogy into their classrooms.

Guide to Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for Teachers

Individual Education Plans, also known as IEPs, are learning plans that allow students to stay on track with their peers while learning in the most effective manner. This guide contains a broad overview of individualized education plans, types of students that may need them, and the steps to creating an IEP that will help students succeed.

Teacher's Guide to Multicultural Education & Diversity in the Classroom

Classrooms that lean into diversity and multiculturalism end up being more open, engaging, and welcoming to students of all different backgrounds. For teachers, there are several ways they can create a multicultural classroom experience for students. This guide presents several strategies that center on bringing multicultural education into the classroom through lesson planning, assignments, and classroom culture.

Classroom Strategies for Teachers of Students with Disruptive Behavior Disorders

Classroom management is one of the most important skills an educator can learn, and one part of ensuring a functional and welcoming classroom is being aware of different behavioral disorders. In this article, educators can learn about the signs of symptoms of Disruptive Behavior Disorders (DBD) and emotional behavioral disorder (EBD) and how these disorders might manifest within a classroom setting. There are also suggestions for effective classroom strategies teachers can use to help create supportive and calm classrooms.

Calming & Effective Strategies for Teaching Students with Multiple Disabilities

Classrooms are filled with diverse students, some of whom may have multiple disabilities that make learning challenging. For teachers, developing skills and teaching methods that work to address the needs of these students is vital. Our article presents examples of mental, physical, and learning disabilities, and how they might intersect as well as specific teaching strategies that can be implemented to meet the needs of these students.

An Inclusion Guide to Teaching Students with Autism

Students with autism often have difficulties adjusting to and thriving in a traditional classroom environment. Yet, there are numerous ways and methods teachers can create inclusive environments for students with autism that allow them to succeed. In this guide, teachers can find information about how autism can present differently in students as well as advice for implementing effective teaching strategies that include accessibility and meeting students' interests.

An Inclusion Guide to Teaching Students with ODD

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a mental and behavioral disorder that is related to emotional and relational difficulties, such as anger, hostility, defiance, and argumentativeness. Because of the symptoms of this disorder, students with ODD face challenges in typical classroom environments, and teachers working with these students might also struggle to meet the learning needs of students with ODD. However, this guide presents teaching strategies and methods that can help teachers successfully work with students with ODD.

The Importance and Benefits of Bilingual Education in Schools

Bilingual education can include students taking courses in a foreign language and immersion classes where they are taught exclusively in the second language they are learning. Learning a second language is incredibly beneficial to students, as they gain valuable skills and learn about other cultures. This takes a look at some other benefits of bilingual education, why it's important, and the types of programs schools can implement to help bilingual students.

Tips and Strategies for Supporting Students with Reading Disabilities

In order for teachers to best support their students with reading disabilities, they need to be aware of the specific challenges students face and the methods available to accommodate them. If students cannot access the appropriate diagnosis and accommodations, they can get stuck on the learning material and fall behind. This guide aims to educate teachers on reading disabilities and share ways to implement differentiated instruction to teach their students effectively.

An Inclusion Guide for LGBTQ+ Students in the Classroom

The LGBTQ+ community continues to face challenges when it comes to acceptance, tolerance, and inclusion, and that's why it is so important for teachers to work to ensure LGBTQ+ students find acceptance and support in the classroom. In this guide, teachers, students, and educators can find information about LGBTQ+ student rights and how inclusion matters. There are also strategies for how to create safe, inclusive classrooms by supporting students' identities, respecting students' privacy, and engaging in outreach.

Why is Teacher Diversity Important in Schools?

It is crucial to have diverse teachers in any school district, as having teachers from many backgrounds allows for students to receive a well-rounded education that is comprised of many different perspectives and experiences - and it also is incredibly beneficial for academic and social-emotional development. This article discusses the many reasons it is important to have teacher diversity in schools and how teachers can help to improve educator diversity.

Online Teaching Strategies for Students With Learning Disabilities

For students with learning disabilities, online learning can have its pros and cons. While some students may excel in an online learning environment, other students can find the technology to be distracting, and it is the duty of teachers to bridge the gap and ensure that all students can learn efficiently. This guide outlines common learning disabilities as well as accomodations teachers can make for students with disabilities.

How to Teach Students with a Disability in an Inclusive Classroom

Teaching students with a disability requires the use of an inclusive classroom. This is a place where students' different needs are assessed and met with the provision of accommodations. In this guide, we address what qualifies as a disability, what inclusive teaching is, the benefits of inclusive teaching, and the best strategies to use for effective inclusive teaching.

Accommodations & Teaching Strategies for Students with Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is a learning disability that impacts an individual's ability to write fluently - and it can be very challenging and discouraging for a student as they try to learn. Dysgraphia and similar writing deficits are more common than you'd think - and it's crucial for teachers to know how to support a student with the disability and help them succeed in school. This resource defines dysgraphia and other related writing deficits, contains accommodations for students with dysgraphia, and teaching strategies to best support those students.

Strategies for Teaching Students for Students with Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia is a learning disability that causes individuals to have difficulty learning and practicing mathematical skills & concepts - and naturally makes it difficult for students to grasp new mathematical concepts and solve their math problems. With the proper support of teachers, family members, and resources included in this guide - students with dyscalculia can thrive in a school environment.

Instructional Strategies for Dyslexia in the Inclusive Classroom

Because students with learning disabilities such as dysgraphia, ADHD, ADD, or dyslexia have different educational needs than other students, creating an inclusive classroom that effectively teaches all students can be challenging. For students with dyslexia, reading is made difficult because their brain have a hard time recognizing speech sounds. This guide aims to help teachers notice the signs of dyslexia and adopt strategies and resources that can help their students with dyslexia succeed in the classroom.

Early Intervention Programs by State

Early intervention programs are state-run initiatives that help to ensure that young children meet their appropriate developmental milestones and can help children access resources like speech or physical therapy that will help them catch up with their peers. Eligibility requirements vary from state-to-state, but this article outlines the requirements for these programs all throughout the United States to help provide support and resources for children who may need it.

Reasons Differentiated Instruction Can Make All the Difference in a Child's Education

Differentiated instruction is crucial for ensuring that all students in a classroom have the best chance they can to retain the course material and thrive. It can be challenging for teachers to meet all the needs of a diverse group of students who have various preferred learning styles, learning disabilities, English proficiencies, and background knowledge - but differentiated instruction can be incredibly beneficial for bridging any gaps.

Guide for Teachers with ADHD

Adults with learning disabilities may find that their disability has positive and negative impacts their working lives. For teachers with ADHD in particular, their high energy and enthusiasm, bouts of of hyperfocus, and difficulty managing time can aid or hinder their workday. This guide offers helpful information for teachers with ADHD on how use their disability to their advantage to teach students effectively and how to teach students who have ADHD.

Professional Development Resources

Playfulness and Other Skills You Need to Be an Early Childhood Education Teacher

To successfully engage and teach their very young students, early childhood teachers must develop a unique teaching skill set that includes everything from playfulness to patience. This article takes a look at the skills needed to be an early education teacher, what the job responsibilities are, and how students can pursue this career. Readers can also find information about the best practices for early childhood education.

Early Childhood Education & Development Careers Outside the Classroom

While teaching in the classroom may be the perfect fit for some, there are other careers in the field of early childhood education that are not classroom based. In addition to presenting non-teaching career paths including child psychology, educational consulting, child librarian, and more, this guide will outline the certification requirements, job outlook, and salary of each title.

Comprehensive Guide to Scaffolded Teaching

Scaffolded teaching is an instructional strategy and pedagogical theory created by Jerome Bruner that dates back to the 1960s. This method is most successful when each lesson builds on the learning blocks previously mastered. Continue reading to learn the benefits of scaffolded teaching and how to implement this active learning style in the classroom.

How to Utilize Artificial Intelligence Tools in Your Classroom

Many educators fear that incorporating emerging technology into the classroom has the potential to distract students. But, with a strategy in place, teachers can turn the use of artificial intelligence into an asset that bolsters student learning. In this guide, teachers will receive a broad overview of the latest AI tools, including their pros and cons, and will learn strategies for establishing rules around these innovative learning aids.

Teacher Guide to the Benefits of Project Based Learning

Project-based learning is a learning style where students master learning materials by working on projects. To implement this active learning style, teachers should understand the components of a project-based learning framework and the steps for incorporating it into the classroom. This guide shares a broad overview of PBL, how this learning style works to benefit students, and offers a look at how project-based learning and problem-based learning compare.

How to Be a Better Teacher: Professional Development Guide for Educators

Teachers that seek ways to improve their processes and teaching strategies without a clear path may find it challenging. With a professional development plan, teachers can set clear professional goals for themselves and obtain the skills to reach them. Teachers will gain insight into what a professional development plan looks like, why goal setting is important, and tips to work towards those goals effectively to become better teachers in this guide.

Teacher Guide to Problem-Based Learning

Problem-based learning, not to be confused with project-based learning, is a pedagogical theory that focuses on group problem-solving. Students are presented with a problem and given time to work through that problem collaboratively. Problem-based learning improves student communication, time management, and critical thinking skills. In this guide, find a robust overview of PBL, including how to implement it in the classroom, as well as the pros and cons of this teaching strategy.

How to Make the Most of Your Experience as a Substitute Teacher

Substitute teachers play a crucial and important role, ensuring that students keep learning and schools keep functioning. For those interested in becoming a substitute, either to gain teaching experience or as a career in and of itself, we created this guide that offers advice about what the educational and professional requirements to begin applying for substitute teacher opportunities. The guide also offers tips about how one can become an effective substitute teacher.

Everything You Need to Know to Become a Teaching Assistant

Teaching assistants, or teacher aides, play an integral part in the classroom to the benefit of students and the head teachers they are working with. These educators to everything from helping with lesson planning to managing classroom behavior. In this guide, those interested in pursuing this career can find information about the specific job duties of teaching assistants as well as educational and professional requirements.

Teacher Guide to Title 1 Schools

Title 1 schools have a goal to prove students with the resources they need to succeed. The Title 1 program includes six major sections including "Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies" and "Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who are Neglected, and Delinquent, or At-Risk" that help teachers and their students. This article will provide a broad overview of the Title 1 program, the benefits and drawback to educators working in these schools, and outlines the Title 1 student loan forgiveness program.

What is Universal Design for Learning? A Guide for Teachers

The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Theory was created with the intention to replace systemic barriers in education with a more accessible and inclusive learning environment. This guide provides a brief overview of a few of the systemic barriers students face, explores the idea of Universal Design for Learning, and outlines the ways teachers can incorporate this learning theory effectively in the classroom.

Teacher Guide to Restorative Justice in Schools

As restorative justice gains popularity in schools it becomes increasingly important for educators to understand how to implement this model effectively. Restorative justice focuses on providing students the opportunity to take responsibility for their actions, work collaboratively to make amends, and grow and move forward from the experience. This guide aims to provide educators with the tools they need to understand restorative justice and establish the practice of prevention, intervention, and reintegration in the classroom.

Benefits of Multi-Subject vs. Single-Subject Teaching

Deciding which grade or academic subject to teach can be a difficult decision for many teachers. Teachers may consider which subject aligns best with their interests as well as their education level to make their decision. This guide will express the benefits that come with working as a multi-subject teacher vs. a single subject teacher.

The Ultimate Guide to Teaching GATE Students

Students who show promise in one or more areas of school curriculum may be considered for the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program. This guide will provide a broad overview of the GATE program, how to effectively teach students in the program, and how differentiated instruction can make all the difference in their education.

Developing Effective Pedagogical Skills, Strategies & Innovations in the Classroom

Pedagogy studies how children learn best. Researchers and theorists examine how children learn, the effects of different teaching methods, and how classroom and school environment impact students. For prospective and current teachers, learning a pedagogy-based teaching method can help them teach students more efficiently by focusing on how students learn and develop. This guide explores the role of pedagogy in teacher training, Benjamin Bloom's framework for teaching, and practical pedagogical strategies that can be used in the classroom.

What to Know Before Becoming a Substitute Teacher

For those looking to gain valuable teaching experience or for former or retired teachers wanting to get back into the classroom, becoming a substitute teacher might be the right position for them to pursue. This guide outlines the duties and qualifications of a substitute teacher to help future subs understand what will be expected of them and how they can procure a position. Also provided are tips and advice for completing a successful day in the classroom.

Managing School-Life Balance for Student Teachers

Developing a healthy balance between school, work, and personal life can make all the difference for job satisfaction in student teachers. When teachers lack a good work-life balance, students might receive a lesser-quality education and educators will find that their own mental and physical health might suffer. Continue reading to discover the importance of work-school-life balance, how to manage student teaching and life events, and tips for achieving this balance effectively.

Everything New Teachers Should Know Before Their First Parent Teacher Conferences

Navigating parent-teacher conferences can be challenging, especially for new teachers but, equipped with the right tools, it can be less intimidating. Find information on how to prepare for a teacher-parent conference, what teachers and parents can expect at a parent-teacher conference, and common questions that parents may ask during the meeting.

Resource for Teacher Depression, Anxiety & Other Mental Health Issues

Teaching can often be a stressful profession, especially as teachers are responsible for their students' learning and well-being, put in a great deal of work outside of the classroom, and must deal with school politics, and because of those stressors, it is common for teachers to experience burnout. This guide offers tips and advice for teachers about how to increase their well-being and improve their mental health.

Critical Soft Skills Every Teacher Needs (and Other Important Competencies)

Along with hard skills, such as pedagogical knowledge, classroom management, and teaching pedagogy, teachers also need soft skills, which are related to the areas of creativity, communication, and social intelligence. To help teachers develop these valuable soft skills, we created this guide, which presents an overview of some of the most important soft skills teachers should develop. From patience and empathy to teamwork and conflict resolution, soft skills can enhance a teacher's experience with managing a classroom and teaching students.

How to Become a Special Education Teacher

Future teachers who are interested in teaching specialized classes may have a different set of education requirements than other teachers. Continue reading to understand the guidelines for becoming a special education teacher. Additionally, this guide will cover the salary expectations, skills that a special educations teacher should possess, and a look at the expected growth of the field in this guide.

Student Teaching Survival Guide

No one becomes an amazing teacher the moment they step into a classroom; it takes years of practice, and that journey starts with your student teaching experience. To help all new student teachers, we've created this resource to provide tips and tricks for making the most of your student teaching experience and optimize your classroom, lessons, and teaching style - all backed up by firsthand teaching experience and research.

Transitioning to a Second Career as a Teacher

Career outlook, higher pay, and job dissatisfaction are just a few of the reasons a person may consider a new career path. This guide provides guidance on the advantages and challenges of choosing to become a teacher and education and certification requirements, for professional working towards a career transition to become a teacher. Additionally, this guide offers advice from experts on common questions regarding teacher certification.

How to Become a Private School Teacher

The process of becoming a teacher requires the completion of a bachelors degree, certification according to state standards, and student teaching hours. In this guide, aspiring teachers will gain insight on the particular requirement for obtaining a private school teaching position. Additionally, this guide covers salary expectations, career outlook, the responsibilities and duties of a private school teacher, and how teaching at a private school compares to teaching at a public school.

How to Become a Certified ESL Teacher

In a country as diverse as the United States, English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers are in high demand. They allow students and families the opportunity to thrive by teaching English. This guide walks through the process of becoming a ESL teacher including the education and certification requirements, salary expectations, career outlook, and the job requirements.

Guide to Careers in Education

The field of education includes many more career options than solely being a teacher. This guide will highlight education careers such as special education teacher, administrator, or counselor, and provides future teachers with detailed information on the education & licensing requirements, typical responsibilities, salary expectations, and career outlooks.

The Ultimate Guide for Teaching Mental Health in the Classroom

Unfortunately, many students will experience some type of mental health issue, and teachers are in the unique position to support students who might be struggling with anxiety or depression. Of course, first, teachers need to learn about some common signs of mental health conditions, which this guide provides, as well as strategies for how they can help. So, here, teachers are also given advice for teaching about mental health and self-care and resources for student mental health.

Tips & Advice for First Year Teachers

First-year teachers face a variety of challenges and stressors as they enter the classroom. However, there are ways first-year teachers can ease into their careers and ensure they set themselves up for long-term success.

This guide shares tips for first-year teachers about how to stay organized, build relationships, achieve work-life balance, and more, as well as offers advice from veteran teachers.

How To Create an A+ Teaching Resume

Creating a teaching resume that highlights experience, educations, objectives, and achievements in the best way can be challenging. This guide provides guidance on which information to include, insight on tailoring your resume to the desired position, and describes the do's and don'ts of crafting the perfect resume.

The Top 5 Things Teachers Say Would Alleviate Burnout

In recent years the feeling of burnout has intensified for many professionals, and teachers are at the forefront. The 2022 National Education Association survey found that more than half of all educators they surveyed are are likely to leave the field earlier than expected. Based on that survey, this guide compiles the following actions that educators said would alleviate teacher burnout.

Teacher's Guide to Common Core State Standards

Meeting state standards is a requirement for K-12 educators in public schools across the country. Depending on the state these academic standards may vary, but typically these standards are language arts and mathematics guidelines that students must meet before advancing to the next grade level. This guide outlines the Common Core State Standards and shares its history and the pros and cons of the standards.

Guide to Becoming a Great Teacher

There are many qualities that define a great teacher, and it takes a lot of work to become one. This resource is designed to provide current and prospective teachers with helpful information on how to refine their teaching styles, adapt their style, and the most common characteristics of great teachers.

Preventing Bullying in Schools: Teacher Guide

Bullying can have long-lasting negative effects on school performance, mental health, and one of the most important jobs of a teacher is creating a safe and comfortable environment for your students to learn within. This resource provides current and prospective teachers with resources for preventing bullying in the classroom and for teaching anti-bullying.

Guide to Nailing Any Teacher Interview

After receiving teacher certification, prospective teachers also want to feel properly prepared for their teaching interviews. This guide includes information on how to make sure you get an interview for the teaching position you want, how to prepare for the interview, the type of questions you'll be asked, and the questions that you should ask your interviewer.

Improving Early Childhood Learning in Virtual Preschool

Throughout the last few years of distance or hybrid learning, students and teachers alike have had to adapt and learn how to effectively learn through virtual courses. Virtual preschool is a form of early childhood education that is still in its developmental phase, as in-person interaction and feedback is very beneficial for young children. This resource outlines how virtual preschool can be improved and provides tips for both educators and parents to ensure that virtual preschool can be effective and provide the child with a high-quality education.

National Turnover Rate in Early Education

Teacher turnover rates are a growing problem - from increased administrative responsibilities and budgetary cuts to staffing shortages and burnout - school districts across the country face an impossible cycle. When more teachers leave the profession, the teaching conditions become more challenging. This resource provides information on why the turnover rate in Early Education is so high, and also provides solutions to this nationwide problem.

Teacher Certification Test Suite Information & Resources

Praxis Exam

The Praxis exams aim to verify individuals' academic knowledge and teaching abilities. In certain instances, those who intend to teach a specific subject area may also be required to pass one or more subject-specific Praxis exams (or a Praxis Subject Assessment) to demonstrate their expertise within their discipline. Our Praxis Exam resources include study guides, practice tests, information about the Praxis registration, and more for all three main groupings of the Praxis Exams.

CBEST Exam

The CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test) exam is used to gauge the aptitude of those looking to teach in California and is taken to fulfill the basic skills requirement for teaching credentials and permits in the state. The exam focuses on Reading, Mathematics, and Writing - and our resource contains CBEST practice tests, study guides, as well as deadlines for CBEST registration and other relevant information.

FTCE Test

The Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) are designed to measure the content mastery and teaching ability of aspiring teachers in the state of Florida, and the test is a series of computer-based exams that test different areas of knowledge. Our FTCE resources contain information on each section of the test, practice questions, study guides, information about the FTCE test cost, test application, and FTCE registration.

MTEL Exam

The MTEL (Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure) measures prospective educators' competence in many areas; from communicating with students, caregivers, and other teachers to competence in MTEL subject areas of their choosing. Our MTEL resources include comprehensive test-prep materials, information about the MTEL registration, MTEL test dates and frequently asked questions.

NYSTCE Exams

The New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) are designed to test the knowledge and skills required for educators by New York Education Law and Commissioner's Regulation. The tests in the NYSTCE are objective-based tests to measure the candidate's knowledge against standards. TeacherCertification.com offers a wide range of prep materials as well as free study guides, NYSTCE test sites, and helpful info about the NYSTCE registration.

TExES Exams

The TExES Exam (Texas Examination of Educator Standards) is a series of exams that are offered by the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program, and the purpose of the exams are to ensure that aspiring teachers are knowledgeable in the subject areas they want to teach, and ensure they have the skills to teach that grade level. Our TExES resources include comprehensive test-prep materials such as TExES study guides and practice tests, as well as helpful information about exam dates, testing sites, and TExES exam registration.

Featured Insights

As more public schools offer prekindergarten, a teacher shortage is slowing progress

Universal pre-K has been shown to have lasting benefits on children, while also helping to reduce childcare costs for parents. However, barriers to pre-K still exist with a shortage of qualified pre-K teachers and staff being one of the most challenging to overcome. In this article, we examine recent data about the federal Head Start program teacher vacancies and where pre-K is inaccessible to families.

After the homeschooling spike post-pandemic, where is the fastest-growing form of education headed?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many families decided that homeschooling their children was the best option, leading to a spike in the number of homeschool students. To better understand where we are now, TeacherCertification.com examined new data about homeschool to uncover how popular homsechooling still is, where it is more common, and which poulations have a higher number of homeschool students.

Expert Answers to Common Questions about education & career resources for future teachers

  • How can student teachers get the most value of their teaching experiences in terms of determining which age groups, subjects, and types of school would be a fit for them?
  • How do you help your students best prepare to pass their teacher certification exams?
  • In what ways can new teachers find support during their first year of teaching?
  • What classroom management or instructional strategies may be helpful for prospective and new teachers to learn more about?
  • What guidance can you give prospective teachers on determining what age group, subject, and type of school would be a fit for them?
  • What is one piece of advice you wish you had when you were working to become a teacher?
  • Which classroom management strategies may be the most helpful for prospective and new teachers to learn more about?

You can read their biographies and answers below:

  • Expert contributor image

    Cathy Kim

    Assistant Professor

    Cathleen (Cathy) Kim is an educator and assistant professor at Pacific Lutheran University. Her expertise lies in understanding educational systems and teacher development across all stages of the career-long teacher professional growth continuum. This includes undergrad and graduate pre-service, alternative routes, and residency preparation; induction years; and professional certification through National Boards. She combines 29 years of teaching and leading in Washington State (in-person classroom, online, homeschooling, and informal settings) grades K-10 all core content areas and higher education with years of designing and facilitating university and K-12 traditional and hybrid professional development programs. She is passionate about technology integration, designing for what she calls in-process learning, and elevating student sense-making across content areas. She holds a Ph.D. from University of Washington-Seattle and her National Board Certification since 2002.

    • In what ways can new teachers find support during their first year of teaching?

      Often one can find this information before accepting a position. Ask district recruiters, human resources, building administrators, etc. Opportunities vary from required teacher-mentor academies pairing first year teachers with master teachers in the same building to more informal connections. If these are not planned for you as a beginning teacher, do not fret! Reach out to the colleagues in your building and district. Teachers are some of the most generous people I know and even if they don't automatically approach you, they are often willing to share ideas, lesson plans, management strategies, etc. Ask! Ask! Ask! We all begin somewhere, and we all continue to learn along the way!

    • What classroom management or instructional strategies may be helpful for prospective and new teachers to learn more about?

      There are numerous research-based practices, and instructors/professors often have their go-to's. What I think is helpful initially (rather than listing out stand-alone strategies) is grounding oneself in learning theory. One can certainly go out and even purchase a book espousing the best practices, but it is also imperative to understand and connect the what (practice) with the why (theory). Theory isn't disconnected but drives what we believe which in turn directs the practices we choose to enact. If you're looking for a book, go check out How People Learn, National Research Council; John D. Bransford, recently departed, was a mentor and friend, and this book can give you a place to start. In terms of explicit practices, I focus on intentional moves and instructional design that open up active spaces for student agency and sense-making. I want students to formulate and confront their own ideas in the process of learning because I believe it's far better to help someone learn to think rather than tell them what to think. Almost always, students remember best what they have figured out themselves (structured by an expert teacher-facilitator).

    • What guidance can you give prospective teachers on determining what age group, subject, and type of school would be a fit for them?

      Go wide. Observe and participate at all levels and in varied environments and be open to the broad experiences and the potential value in each. This will not only help you identify where you feel most comfortable and able to support, but can provide a good starting foundation for engaging in educational conversations and advocating for the needs of your future students, families, and colleagues.

    • What is one piece of advice you wish you had when you were working to become a teacher?

      As one works with and observes cooperating teachers, mentors, advisors - always ask for the why and the how. What is seen and heard are not just practices one might hope to emulate (or not) but what goes on inside the head of the practitioner, the rationale for each instructional move or decision or the set-up and back-end work! that lead to the classroom interactions you see. You don't have to agree as you develop your own philosophy and practice, but it is essential in interpreting and understanding the larger and often complex systems at play.

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    Deanna Valdez

    Assistant Professor of Counseling

    I am currently working as a counselor educator but I started my career in education as a high school English teacher. My B.A. is in Secondary Education with a minor in English. I taught 9th, 10th and 11th grade English and Communication Skills for ten years at a high school in Albuquerque, New Mexico where I live. After ten years I completed a Masters degree in counseling both school counseling and clinical counseling. I then transitioned from teaching to school counseling. I worked as a school counselor for 15 years and after completing my Ph.D. in counseling in 2019 I came back to teaching. I currently teach adults at the graduate level but my high school teaching experiences highly inform my current teaching. I use many of the same instructional strategies which are rooted in the same student-centered teaching philosophy I started out with in my career.

    • How can student teachers get the most value of their teaching experiences in terms of determining which age groups, subjects, and types of school would be a fit for them?

      I suggest to my counselors-in-training that during their field experiences (i.e. practicum and internship) they should, if possible, try to do them at different school levels. I did not do that, and I wish I had. I think this would be helpful for student teachers as well. I did all my student teaching at one level (high school) and at one school. This did not allow me to experience different ages, schools, student populations, etc.

      In relation, I also advise students to try different teaching styles, approaches, assignments, instructional strategies, etc. During field experience, students have the most support they are ever going to have in their career. They have their university instructors, field supervisors (coordinating teachers), peers and fellow interns so if they find something challenging or have difficulties, they, have support, can process about it and get feedback.

    • How do you help your students best prepare to pass their teacher certification exams?

      Because I am a counselor educator, I help students prepare for counseling exams but I think the same would still apply to teaching certification exams. I encourage students to begin preparing early - not to cram at the last minute. I also encourage them to do practice tests. That was the most helpful for me as it not only helps to learn and 'study' content but to learn, manage practice the test taking process. (I also suggest what my advisor suggested to me - don't study the day or night before the test and on the morning of the test eat a pound of shrimp! :0))

    • What is one piece of advice you wish you had when you were working to become a teacher?

      Advice I wish I had during my teacher preparation: First, building respectful relationships with students is key. It will help you as a teacher in all areas. Students will be more successful in your class and you will be more successful as a teacher Second, effective classroom management is important. Effective classroom management will make your initial teaching experiences easier and in the long-term will allow you to focus on content rather than spending class time managing behavior. If your teaching preparation program doesn't emphasize or teach about either of these (building relationships or classroom management), do some independent learning in these areas. It may be more time spent outside of class on your end but it will be worth it later on. And connected to that, overall advice is remember to always put students first and that school really isn't always about the content or even about academics.

    • Which classroom management strategies may be the most helpful for prospective and new teachers to learn more about?

      As mentioned in the first prompt, I believe effective classroom management is essential for a providing a positive learning experience for students in the way of content.

      Here are a few I believe are key:

      Consistency/stability/structure - Consistency with classroom management and instructional strategies is key to classroom management. Unfortunately, many of our students come from home environments that are disorganized, chaotic or dysfunctional. Thus, they come to school dysregulated and therefore their behavior reflects that. If we, as teachers, can provide a learning space that is consistent, stable and structured (to students that equals safety and security), that will help the student to regulate and behavior will be better.

      How do we do that? See the following strategies:

      1. Being prepared/organized - The more organized and prepared I was, the better class I had for that period. This is dating me, but when I was teaching lesson plans weren't required. I did them because I knew it would be better for me and my students!

      2. Journaling/free writing - Part of helping to get students regulated was journaling or free writing at the beginning of class for about 10 minutes. Journaling was new at the time I was teaching (again dating myself) and a trend but I jumped on that trend and it is one that was worth it. There is a ton of research on the benefits of journaling or free writing for individuals but for a class and learning environment there is as well. It helped with getting students regulated.

      I had journal time for 10 minutes. I provided two prompts each time for students. One that was more of a personal nature because some students like to share about themselves and share about their life experience but I would also have a more objective or controversial issue type prompt because some students don't like to share about their personal life. And some like both and some don't like either. For those who don't prefer either, I also let them draw.

      3. DON'T 'teach bell to bell' - When the assistant principal who had done an observation for one of my first teaching evaluations gave me feedback, she said that she noticed that about five minutes before the bell rang to end class, I had the students 'closeup' - clean up their areas, put textbooks away, turn in assignments and sit at their desks ready to leave. She cautioned that because we don't have a lot of instructional time as it is, it is important to use all the class time. I can still hear the words, 'Teach bell to bell, Deanna, bell to bell.' Heeding her words, the next class, we kept working up until the bell at end of class. Never again!

      Books were left at the desks or thrown in the bookcase, students quickly handed in assignments if at all, belongings were accidentally left behind. It was a mess. I am a rule follower by nature and 'do what I am told,' but that is one time I did not follow as my evaluator instructed. I find value in 'closing up' about five minutes before class ends so students can calmly and in an organized fashion, put away books, get assignments in, ask questions, etc. It also gives me time to talk informally with the class as we sit waiting for the bell to ring. This helps build rapport and connection with the students.

      4. Cooperative learning assignment - Try to have a groupwork assignment that culminates with a group presentation at the end of each semester or end of the school year. There are many benefits, of course of cooperative learning, but I like to use it as well so that we can have group work time if there is a change in schedule or if there is extra time at the end of a period or if we have a guest speaker or presentation and time is left after. I don't have to introduce new content or begin something new or we aren't left with extra time for students to get 'antsy' - instead I can give students in- class time to work on their assignment which they appreciate so they don't have to meet outside of class as much.

      5. Transitions - Just as transitions are important in a piece of writing so that the text flows smoothly, they are important in classroom management for the class to flow smoothly. If you as the teacher can manage smooth transitions from activity to activity, behavior and class flow will be positive and more efficient.

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    Erin Gravelle

    Undergraduate Chair

    Dr. Gravelle started teaching in the School of Education at SOU in the fall of 2009. She loves her role as Undergraduate Chair as it allows her to work closely with education students, schools, district administrators, faculty, and licensing agencies. She also teaches literacy courses in the undergraduate and graduate programs and is able to build on her previous work as a preschool, kindergarten, and first-grade public school teacher helping future teachers learn the stages of reading and writing development and taking that information to consider how to create classrooms that will motivate their future students to become lifelong readers and writers. She also teaches the capstone/practicum courses to the undergraduate senior education students. She feels its a fascinating course because it enables her to take what she learned through her years teaching in elementary schools and also her study of leadership and apply it to her with work with SOU students. She really enjoys digging into topics with her students that focus on self-growth, ones role in society, poverty, diversity, assessment, and differentiation in instruction

    • How can student teachers get the most value of their teaching experiences in terms of determining which age groups, subjects, and types of school would be a fit for them?

      Student teachers greatly benefit from being placed in different practicums and student teaching settings so that they are able to see a variety of schools, become familiar with different grade levels, and observe many teaching styles. All of these experiences become a part of students as they develop into teachers.

    • How do you help your students best prepare to pass their teacher certification exams?

      What is needed to pass the exams is an understanding of effective pedagogy and content knowledge. Students in our programs learn about and practice becoming exemplary teachers. We also make sure our candidates have the strong content knowledge needed to pass the exams. If they don't have strong content knowledge we have courses they can take to become content experts.

    • What is one piece of advice you wish you had when you were working to become a teacher?

      That we teach from who we are and we all have different experiences that are valuable that bring us to teaching and help us to become wonderful teachers in our own unique ways.

    • Which classroom management strategies may be the most helpful for prospective and new teachers to learn more about?

      The importance of building relationships with students so that you are able to design and teach in ways that meet their academic and social emotional needs so that they are engaged in the classroom. Lack of student engagement is usually the biggest contributor to classroom management issues for teachers.

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    Nicole Baker

    Professor of Education

    Dr. Nicole Baker has been in education for over 24 years. She has taught students age two all the way up to 75. Currently Nicole serves as a Dissertation Chair, Academic Coordinator, and Professor of Education, teaching future teachers how to teach. Nicole lives in Dyer, Indiana with her husband and four kids.

    • How can student teachers get the most value of their teaching experiences in terms of determining which age groups, subjects, and types of school would be a fit for them?

      It is best if you can complete your observation and experience hours in a variety of different classrooms. I highly recommend looking into getting your substitute teaching license while you are in the program and subbing on the days you do not have class. It is a great way to see many different classrooms, many different teaching styles, many grade levels, and many organization routines. You will learn what you like and don't like and you will pick up many new ideas. It's a great place to try things and to experiment since you're typically only there one day at a time. If the lesson flops, that's okay! You will learn from your mistakes and become a better teacher for it.

    • How do you help your students best prepare to pass their teacher certification exams?

      In order to prepare for your certification exams, I recommend dedicating time on your calendar to prepare. Schedule it in as if it was your job or another class you are taking. Plan to study a few nights a week. Buy a study booklet and take several practice exams. Be sure to analyze your results so that you know where to improve.

    • What is one piece of advice you wish you had when you were working to become a teacher?

      I knew the job of being a teacher was an important one that held great responsibility. I started teaching in my own class at the age of 21, well before I had kids of my own. It wasn't until I became a mom that I realized the depth of how much my students were loved by their parents/guardians and how each one of those students deserved all of what I could give them. I was a much better teacher once I realized that each one of those students was someone's number one.

    • Which classroom management strategies may be the most helpful for prospective and new teachers to learn more about?

      My biggest tip is practicing good wait time. It is such a simple technique, yet one that is highly effective. When I am doing school visits this is something that veteran teachers do all the time, but new teachers struggle. When you ask something of your students, wait. Wait for your students to all complete the task you asked them to do. Whether it be "take out your math workbook," or "quiet down," wait, and then wait some more until 100% of the class is with you. So many times new teachers give a direction, but then they do not wait to make sure students followed through before they move onto the next task. Wait, wait, and then wait some more.