How To Become a Teacher
What Is a Teacher?
A teacher instructs students at the preschool, kindergarten, elementary or secondary school level. They teach classes in specific subject areas, such as history, English, mathematics, art and science. Some teachers instruct students in a variety of different subjects, while others focus on one or two subject areas.
Teachers strive to not only teach concepts in an academic subject, but also to nurture their students’ character and personal development, as well as their critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills. A teacher can serve as a guide, mentor and source of inspiration for children. As children work to develop their self-identity and prepare for their future, teachers can empower students by nurturing their self-confidence and encouraging their interests.
According to 2023-24 IPEDS data, Grand Canyon University has awarded more education degrees than any other institution in Arizona.(See disclaimer 1)
What Does a Teacher Do?
Teachers may specialize in different grade levels and subject areas, but their core responsibilities generally remain the same. Their job is to instruct students in various academic concepts and applied skills, and in doing so, prepare students to ascend to the next grade level and pursue higher education, vocational training or careers after graduating from secondary school.
What is a teacher’s most important responsibility? A teacher’s top tasks include:(See disclaimer 2)
Planning
Developing lesson plans, creating assignments and planning class activities
Teaching
Delivering class lectures and facilitating class discussions, as well as working with students individually and in small groups
Assessing
Grading students’ assignments and assessing their progress in other areas, such as participation in classroom discussions
Managing
Managing student behavior, enforcing classroom rules and fostering a supportive, positive learning environment
Communicating
Reaching out to parents and guardians to share information about their student’s academic progress and behavior at school
Faculty development
Participating in faculty meetings and handling other administrative tasks, and working on professional development initiatives
What Degree Do You Need To Be a Teacher?
Learning how to become a teacher is your first step toward pursuing this career path. All teachers need deep subject area knowledge, as well as pedagogy competencies. However, the pathway for becoming a teacher can differ depending on state requirements. While there are common requirements from one state to the next, it’s important to research the career requirements for the state in which you plan to work.
High School Diploma
College Degree
Student Teaching Experience
Licensure
Endorsements
Graduate Degrees
Best Degrees for Teachers
Aspiring teachers should ideally earn a degree that teaches both subject area knowledge and pedagogy, including instructional methods. Future teachers should look for a degree program that aligns with their academic interests and career goals, whether those are special education, English language immersion, history or mathematics.
The best degrees for becoming a teacher cover the following competencies:(See disclaimer 7)
Learning theories
Child development
Curriculum and instruction design
Student assessment
Literacy and language development
Classroom management
GCU Recommends These Degree Programs for Teaching
14 Matching Degrees
What Skills Are Needed To Be a Teacher?
Teachers can benefit from a diverse range of soft and hard skills to connect with students, inspire them and encourage them to put forth more effort in the classroom. Teachers also draw upon their skill set when collaborating with fellow teachers and administrators, and when meeting with parents and guardians.
Some of the most important skills and qualities for teachers include:(See disclaimer 4,8)
Communication skills
Patience
Resourcefulness
Organization
Critical thinking
Creativity
Conflict resolution
Digital media literacy
Where Do Teachers Work?
Teachers are most often found in schools, although there are some other possible work settings where a teacher might pursue employment. Aside from educational settings, a teacher’s transferable skills may open the door to career opportunities in a variety of industries.
Some of the most common work settings for teachers include:(See disclaimer 10,11)
Elementary Schools
Teachers work in public and private elementary schools, working with children from kindergarten through the elementary grade levels. Elementary teachers teach a wide variety of subjects.
Secondary Schools
In public and private schools at the secondary level, teachers instruct middle and high school students in specific subjects, such as English and mathematics.
Nonprofit Youth Organizations
After-school and nonprofit youth organizations may hire professionals with a teaching degree to work with students after the school day ends.
Government Agencies
State and federal government agencies that focus on education may hire professionals with an education degree to fulfill managerial roles, some of which may influence education policies.
Median annual salary for high school teachers as of May 2024(See disclaimer 9)
Approximate number of job openings expected for high school teachers, each year, from 2024 through 2034(See disclaimer 12)
Advancement Opportunities Within Teaching
Teachers have multiple options for pursuing career advancement, as well as career transitions within the field. After gaining experience in the classroom, a teacher might serve as a mentor to new teachers and student teachers who are completing education degree programs.
Other options include becoming a school librarian, school counselor or instructional coordinator — jobs that may require additional education and certification. Some teachers decide to pursue degrees in education administration to work toward becoming principals or other administrators.(See disclaimer 4)
Explore More on Teachers
Before applying to an education degree program, you may wish to further explore various aspects of a teaching career. Learn how teachers can make a difference and which factors are essential for success in the classroom.
Discover why passion for education is an essential ingredient for success in the classroom. Learn how to inspire curiosity and make a difference in students’ lives.
Teachers can benefit from setting goals at the start of each new school year. Explore guidance for establishing professional goals and building a supportive learning environment.
What skills are needed to be a teacher? Explore some of the top soft skills and qualities that are helpful for connecting with students and teaching effectively.
Make an impact by inspiring the next generation to achieve their full potential. Earn a teaching degree at GCU.
- Based on 2023-24 Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) data retrieved from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Navigator in December 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). What Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers Do. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved February 2026.
- Ravenelle, A. (2019, Dec. 13). How to Become a Teacher: Steps to Take From High School. CollegeVine. Retrieved February 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). How to Become a High School Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved February 2026.
- Arizona Department of Education. (n.d.). Endorsement Requirements. Retrieved February 2026.
- Bouchrika, I. (2026, March 5). 2026 Teaching Master's Degree Licensure Requirements by State. Research.com. Retrieved March 2026.
- Sallie. (n.d.). Your Guide to Majoring in Education. Retrieved February 2026.
- Indeed Editorial Team. (2025, Dec. 15). Top 10 Skills To Include on Your Teacher Resume. Indeed. Retrieved February 2026.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), High School Teachers, as of May 2024, retrieved February 2026. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as high school teachers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- AllEducationSchools.com. (2026, Feb. 9). What Can I Do With a Teaching Degree (Besides Teach)? Retrieved February 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). High School Teachers: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved February 2026.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, High School Teachers, retrieved February 2026.