How to Become a Teacher: Essential Duties, Skills, and Qualifications [2024]

A teacher is an individual who gives knowledge to the students. Teachers in public view is a person who performs a specific education in places, not necessarily in a formal educational institution, but also in places like mosques, at home, etc.

Becoming a teacher in India is not just a career choice; it’s a calling. Teachers are the backbone of society, shaping the minds and futures of the next generation. If you’re passionate about education and want to make a difference, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about becoming a great educator in India.

Duties of a Teacher.

Teachers are more than just educators; they are mentors, guides, and sometimes even friends to their students. Here are some of the primary duties:

They create lesson plans: A teacher must plan and design lessons that are engaging and effective for students of various learning abilities. These plans outline the objectives, activities, and resources needed to ensure that students understand the material and achieve their learning goals.
They deliver lectures and facilitate learning: Teachers are responsible for delivering knowledge in a way that’s easy to understand and encouraging questions. This involves presenting new ideas, encouraging questions, and facilitating discussions that deepen understanding.
They are responsible for evaluating student performance: They must regularly assess students’ progress through tests, assignments, and class participation. It also involves providing constructive feedback that helps students improve and grow.
They manage the classroom Environment: Ensuring discipline, maintaining an engaging learning environment, and fostering positive relationships among students are crucial responsibilities. This is essential for creating a positive learning environment.
They provide feedback and support: A teacher’s role includes offering feedback and additional support to students struggling academically or emotionally. This includes identifying students who need extra help, offering one-on-one support, and guiding them through challenges both academically and personally.

Steps to becoming a Teacher.

Decide on the level and subject: Determine whether you want to teach elementary, middle, or high school and which subjects interest you the most. Specializing in a subject area helps guide your career path.
Obtain a relevant degree: Earn a bachelor’s degree in education or in the subject you wish to teach. Some countries or states require a degree specifically in education, while others allow degrees in specific subjects with additional teaching certification.
Complete a teaching program: Enroll in a teacher preparation program that includes courses on educational theory, classroom management, and teaching methods. These programs often include a student teaching component where you gain hands-on experience.
Gain classroom experience: Complete your student teaching practicum. This is a supervised, practical experience where you work directly in a classroom setting, learning from experienced teachers.
Get certified or licensed: Pass any required exams to obtain your teaching license or certification. The requirements vary depending on your location, so one should check with the local education authority.
Apply for teaching jobs: Start applying for teaching positions at schools or educational institutions. Tailor your resume and cover letter to show your qualifications, experience, and passion for teaching.
Continue professional development: Once you become a teacher, continue learning by attending workshops, pursuing further education, and staying updated on new teaching methods and technologies.

Skills of a Teacher.

To be an effective teacher, certain skills are essential:

Communication skills: this is one of the basic skills needed for the academic success of students, and professional success of life. The teacher communicates instructions orally to students in the classroom. However, a teacher with poor communication skills may cause students to fail to learn and promote their academics. Students need to understand what is right, and what is wrong. A teacher is a leader who must be able to explain complex ideas in simple terms and actively listen to students. Communication skills are the most vital for interactions with students.
Patience and empathy: Patience can be defined as the ability to remain calm, composed, and understanding even when there are challenges, setbacks, and the diverse needs of our students. It is about maintaining a positive attitude and persevering through difficulties, without becoming frustrated or giving up. Understanding and accommodating different learning paces and styles is critical to helping all students succeed.
Creativity: Creativity always starts with imagination, it is valued in our music, entertainment, technology, and other aspects of our existence. Engaging students often requires creative teaching methods and materials, which teachers should provide. One can express creativity by transforming the classrooms into a vibrant environment that inspires learning.
Classroom management: this refers to the collection of several techniques that teachers use to encourage effective learning by minimizing distractions and disruptions. Organizing a classroom and managing different behaviors are fundamental skills an educator should possess.
Adaptability: Being flexible and open to new teaching methods and technologies is increasingly important in today’s evolving education landscape.

Qualifications of a Teacher.

To become a teacher in India, one must meet specific qualifications:

Primary school teachers: A Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) or a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) is usually required.
Secondary and higher secondary school teachers: A B.Ed degree along with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is essential.
College and university professors: A Master’s degree in a relevant subject and often a Ph.D. is required. Additionally, clearing the National Eligibility Test (NET) is mandatory for most positions.

Educational Background of a Teacher.

In addition to specific degrees, aspiring teachers in India must undergo certain training programs. These include

Bachelor of Education (B.Ed): A 2-year course that provides a deep knowledge of teaching methods and child psychology.
Diploma in Education (D.Ed) or Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed): These are shorter courses for those interested in teaching at the primary level.
Master of Education (M.Ed): A higher qualification for those looking to specialize in educational research, administration, or higher-level teaching.

Many states also require passing the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), such as CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test), or state-specific tests like UPTET, KTET, etc.

Average Salary of a Teacher in India 2024

According to the Salary Explorer, the salary of a teacher in India varies based on experience, education, and whether the job is in the public or private sector.

Private School Teachers: The average salary for a private school teacher typically ranges between ₹17,500 and ₹28,100 per month, depending on their level of education and experience. Teachers with more advanced degrees, such as a Master’s, generally earn more.
Government Teachers: For government teachers, the pay is higher. Primary government school teachers can earn a starting salary of around ₹36,000 to ₹38,000 per month. Upper primary and secondary school teachers may earn between ₹42,000 and ₹46,000 per month, with additional allowances like house rent, dearness allowance, and bonuses.
Top Salaries: Senior and experienced teachers can make up to ₹70,000 per month, especially in metro cities.

Reasons why one becomes a Teacher.

Many people choose teaching as a profession for various reasons:

Having a passion for teaching and education: this is a genuine interest in teaching and contributing to education is a strong motivator. Passion also means having a genuine love for the profession, a desire to make a positive impact, and a commitment to learn and grow in that field continuously.
Impacting lives positively: One of the reasons for becoming a teacher is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students. Teachers do more than just deliver lessons. They shape futures, build confidence, and inspire dreams. By providing knowledge, guidance, and support, teachers help students develop essential life skills.
Job stability: Education is a fundamental need, and several schools need qualified teachers to provide good education for students. Teaching generally offers a more secure career path because of the relatively steady demand across urban and rural areas.
Personal growth: Teachers constantly learn new things, making it a career that promotes personal development. Teaching is not just about imparting knowledge, it is a journey of continuous learning and self-improvement. Note that teachers are lifelong learners, constantly acquiring new knowledge, skills, and perspectives as they engage with different subjects, curricula, and groups of students.
Work-life balance: they often enjoy a structured schedule with relatively fixed working hours, typically aligning with school hours. This can allow for evenings and weekends to be spent on personal time, family, or other interests, which is a luxury in many other professions.

Responsibilities of a Teacher.

Teachers are responsible for creating a conducive learning environment, and continuously improving their teaching methods to ensure each student receives the necessary support to achieve their academic goals. Let’s now look at the other responsibilities:

Planning and preparing lessons: Educators prepare engaging and practical lessons by setting learning goals and choosing teaching materials that meet the learning objectives.
Encouraging student participation: Educators use several strategies such as group discussions, and debates, to allow students to contribute ideas, ask questions, and engage in the learning process.
Researching and developing new teaching materials: Educators continually engage in research to stay updated with the latest educational practices. Also, teachers explore new teaching materials and innovative teaching methods.
Marking student work and recording performance: Educators review and assess student assignments, tests, and projects. They provide constructive feedback to help students improve their performance and maintain accurate records of student progress, keeping track of grades and performance data.
Setting assessments and overseeing examinations: Educators design and administer assessments, projects, and tests to evaluate student learning outcomes.
Providing learners with one-to-one support: Educators give individualized support to students and offer extra help and guidance to those who may require it by providing additional explanations, tutoring, or creating learning plans to meet the needs of each student.

Career Development in the Field.

In India, there are many opportunities for career growth and development. Starting at entry-level positions, educators can advance to become department heads, coordinators, principals, or education administrators.

Educators can also expand their qualifications by pursuing higher education degrees or attending professional development workshops.

They can specialize in areas like school management, educational technology, or curriculum development, which can lead to consulting and leadership roles.

Challenges and Benefits of the Profession.

Educators face challenges such as;

Managing diverse classrooms.
Meeting curriculum standards.
Addressing the individual needs of students.
Limited resources and high student-to-teacher ratios can add to the complexity of their responsibilities.
Societal expectations also weigh heavily on educators, as they are often expected to perform multiple roles beyond teaching.

Despite the challenges, working in education offers numerous rewards. The impact on student’s lives and the opportunity to contribute to societal growth are significant motivators for many professionals in this field.

Job stability, especially in government schools.
Health insurance.
Pension schemes.
Paid vacations.
Seeing students grow, succeed, and become responsible citizens is often cited as one of the most rewarding aspects of this career.

Work environments vary widely across India. Urban schools tend to have modern technologies and resources, while rural schools may face challenges such as limited resources and larger class sizes.

Private institutions often have more advanced infrastructure and smaller class sizes, while government schools may provide job security and other benefits but with different resource challenges.

The Use of Technology in the Field.

Technology has become an integral part of modern education in India, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Educators are increasingly using tools such as smart boards, digital lesson plans, and online learning platforms. Integrating technology in the classroom has become an essential skill, and educators are expected to adapt to these changes to provide quality education.

To become a teacher in India is more than just earning a degree or passing an exam, it is about having the passion to educate, the dedication to continuously improve, and the empathy to understand students’ needs.

If you have a passion for education and a desire to inspire and mentor the next generation, teaching could be the perfect career for you. It is a noble profession that not only provides stability and growth but also allows you to make a lasting difference in the world. So, take the first step, embrace the journey, and get ready to change lives.

FAQs.

1. What qualifications do I need to become a teacher?

You typically need a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, along with a teaching certification.

2. How long does it take to become a certified teacher?

It usually takes four to five years to complete the education and certification process, depending on the country or region.

3. What are the primary duties of a teacher?

They are responsible for planning lessons, delivering instruction, assessing student progress, and creating a positive learning environment.

4. What skills are essential for becoming a successful teacher?

Key skills include communication, patience, organization, creativity, and adaptability.

5. Do I need a teaching degree to become a teacher?

In most cases, a teaching degree is required, but some alternative certification programs are available for those with degrees in other fields.

6. Can I become a teacher without a degree in education?

Yes, many countries offer alternative certification programs for individuals with degrees in other fields who want to transition into teaching.

7. What’s the difference between public and private school teaching requirements?

Public schools typically require state certification, while private schools may have more flexible requirements depending on the institution.

8. Is there a demand for teachers in certain subjects?

Yes, there is often a high demand for teachers in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, math), special education, and foreign languages.

9. How can I gain experience before becoming a teacher?

You can gain experience through internships, student teaching, tutoring, or volunteering at educational institutions.

10. What continuing education is required for teachers?

Many regions require teachers to engage in ongoing professional development, attend workshops, or pursue advanced degrees to maintain their certification.

11. What is the minimum qualification required to work in education?

A bachelor’s degree in education (B.Ed.) is generally the minimum requirement in India, although additional certifications and degrees may be required for specific roles.

12. Are there any entrance exams for entering this profession in India?

Yes, exams like the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) and state-specific TETs are required for many positions, particularly in government institutions.

13. Can I transition into education from another profession?

Yes, individuals with degrees in other fields can transition by obtaining a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) or other certifications.

14. What are the career advancement opportunities?

There are numerous opportunities for career growth, from administrative roles to specialized areas like curriculum development and educational technology.

15. Is technology an essential part of modern education in India?

Yes, with the rise of digital tools, educators are expected to integrate technology into their teaching to enhance student learning.

16. How much can one expect to earn in this field?

Salaries vary widely depending on factors such as location, institution type, and experience level. Government schools offer stable pay with benefits, while private institutions may provide higher salaries with varying conditions.