Preparing to Teach Pre-K through 12th Grade
If you are an Arts and Sciences student interested in teaching in the areas of integrated social sciences, mathematics, science, world languages, or integrated language arts in the areas of early childhood (age 3 to grade 3), middle childhood (grades 4-9), or adolescence (grades 7-12), you should first earn a baccalaureate degree. You may then complete a master’s degree to become a licensed teacher in most programs. Keep in mind that graduate school is very competitive. In addition to a strong academic background, you should also pursue student teaching, tutoring, and other opportunities that give you hands-on experience in school settings. Students admitted to teaching programs at Ohio State typically have had many of these types of experiences.
It is highly advisable that you speak with your Arts and Sciences honors advisor as soon as possible in your college career if you are considering a career in teaching. Your honors advisor can help you to schedule the courses needed for your intended program of study. While an honors advisor is able to give you basic information on how to begin the process for becoming a licensed teacher, for specific information, you should contact the College of Education and Human Ecology’s Department of Teaching and Learning at (614) 292-2332. The College of Education and Human Ecology has advisors available to help you, and they also conduct workshops throughout the year to address questions and concerns of those students wishing to pursue teaching as a career.
Events and Opportunities
OSU First Education Experience Program
The First Education Experience Program (FEEP) through the College of Education and Human Ecology provides opportunities for undergraduate students to explore education as a possible career path via a combination of field and seminar requirements. Students are placed in local, public PreK-12 school-based settings, and have opportunities to interact with professionals (e.g., teachers, school psychologists, school advisors, librarians) and students. Seminar sessions offer time to discuss connections between field-based experiences and academic concepts and issues. FEEP opportunities are available during both Autumn and Spring semesters. See the FEEP web site for more information about the program and the application process.