What degree do I need to be a teacher?

Teachers can have a huge impact in their students’ lives. Just look at the numbers: Recent data from the Center for Public Education shows that today’s children spend nearly 1,000 instructional hours in the classroom each school year. That means that many children spend more time with their teachers with their parents, and as a result, teachers aren’t just educators – they’re also mentors, role models and confidants.

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, teachers are generally required to hold at least a bachelor’s degree and that public school teachers are also required to obtain a state-issued teaching license. Though state licensure requirements can vary, the BLS stresses that teachers need to have a solid background in education and child psychology. Most education degree programs require hands-on field work in a classroom, usually performed under the direct supervision of a more experienced teacher. Some teachers also chose to earn subject-specialty degrees in content areas like math, language arts or science. Additionally, some school districts also require that teachers complete continuing education classes and credits after earning a bachelor’s degree to maintain their licenses. This ongoing training could lead to a master’s degree.

Not only is earning a degree important to future teachers, maintaining a solid grade point average might be a good focus, too. Some states do impose a minimum GPA for teacher certification candidates, according to the BLS.