Teachers are always in high demand, no matter where you live. Teaching is a rewarding job but can be difficult if you don't have the knack for it. If you're considering becoming an AP calculus teacher, you will not only educate young adults but you'll have the chance to do good in many students' lives and encourage them to go to college.
Instructions
1. Obtain your bachelor's degree from a good school. If you know you want to teach AP Calculus, you might want to consider majoring in math. Or if the school you choose has a good bachelor's program for education, you could major in Education and minor in Math to show your interest in teaching math.
2. Apply for a single-subject teacher program in math to get your credential. There aren't any specifics needed to teach AP calculus than other math classes. All secondary math credentialed teachers can teach any math. This program is usually a year after your bachelor's, depending on the school. If the college you went to has a credential program, you can continue your study there. Otherwise, apply to a few programs at colleges near your area. You'll find the application on each college's website.
3. Complete your student teaching requirement during your teacher program. You'll be observed by the teacher and evaluated for your skills. It's often up to you to find an appropriate school to do your student teaching at, so start looking early. It would be great if you could find a calculus class to student teach in too.
4. Pass the teacher competency examinations required by your state. These are different for each state, so check with your specific program or local state department. This exam may come in the middle of your credential program or after. You may have to pass this exam before you can student teach, so make sure you're prepared and pass.
5. Apply for teaching jobs once you have your teaching credential and have passed all examinations. Tell the school board you have interest in teaching AP calculus, but be prepared to be given a lower level math class at first. Most of the time, the experienced teachers get the higher math classes. As long as you're in the school, make it known that you'd like to move up to AP calculus at some point.
Tags: credential program, interest teaching, math classes, student teach, student teaching, teacher program