Become an Educator
Are you passionate about making a difference and supporting your community? A career in education can be one of the most rewarding paths you pursue — and ETSU is here to help you take that first step.
Become an educator and join a profession where you inspire, guide, and empower the next generation through learning and connection. As a teacher, your impact echoes beyond the classroom, shaping lives and communities for years to come.
Education is a professional career that offers salaries often with scheduled compensation growth and comprehensive benefits. With job stability, retirement plans, and ongoing opportunities for advancement, teaching supports your future as much as you support your students'.
How to Become an Educator
The resources below can help you discover which path aligns with your interests and how to get started to become an educator. No matter where you are in your journey, ETSU is ready to help you go beyond.
Becoming an Educator
As a teacher, you'll have the opportunity to inspire and guide students across a variety of grade spans and specialized areas. Each grade span represents different ages of students and requires specific licensure to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to serve children and adolescents and excel in your chosen field.
1. Choose your grade span of education.
Determine what grade span you are interested in teaching, from Pre-K through Adult Education.
- Pre-K
- Early Childhood (PK-3)
- Elementary (K-5)
- Middle Grades (6-8)
- High School/Secondary (9-12)
- Across multiple grade levels (PK-12)
- CTE (Career/Technical Education)
2. Choose your subject.
Beyond grade spans, there are opportunities to specialize in a specific subject area to share your passion and expertise with students. These roles require content-specific knowledge and licensure.
- Art (K-12)
- Biology (6-12)
- Chemistry (6-12)
- Earth Science (6-12)
- Economics (6-12)
- English as a Second Language (PK-12)
- English/Language Arts (6-12)
- Geography (6-12)
- Government (6-12)
- History (6-12)
- Mathematics (6-12)
- Music (K-12)
- Physical Education (K-12)
- Physics (6-12)
- Reading (PK-12)
- Special Education (PK-12)
- Theatre (K-12)
- World Languages (German, Spanish) (6-12)
- Middle Grades Pairings
- Science/Social Studies
- Science/ELA
- Science/Math
- Math/ELA
- Math/Social Studies
Other Types of Educators
There are a variety of roles both within schools and in other business and agencies that are play a critical role in holistic student success.
Roles Within Schools
- Principal/School Administrator (PK-12)
- School Counselor (K-12)
- School Librarian (K-12)
- School Speech Language Pathologist (PK-12)
- School Social Worker (K-12)
- Academic Coach
- Reading Specialist
- Instructional Assistant
- Diagnostician
- Response to Intervention Specialist
Roles Outside of Schools
- Early Interventionist
- Educator in Child Care Settings
- Public Library Employee
- Museum Educator
- Academic Enrichment Programs (After School/Summer School)
- Disability Services Specialist
- Fitness Coach
FAQs About Becoming an Educator
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Can I teach in more than one subject?
Yes, many educators earn endorsements in multiple content areas. Our team can help you explore your options. -
I work full-time. What can I do to be a teacher?
ETSU offers a variety of pathways at the undergraduate and graduate levels that can enable you to maintain employment during your preparation program especially if you are employed in a school setting. Our team can help you identify the pathway that best meets your needs.
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I work in the school system already. How do I become a teacher?
If you are already in a school role, ETSU has a variety of licensure pathways to support your teacher preparation programming at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
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I already have a license as a teacher, but I want to add a license/teach a different age or subject.
We can help you pursue an add-on endorsement (additional licensure area) through graduate coursework or professional development. -
Do I have to take the ACT or other tests to be a teacher? What assistance is provided?
Testing requirements depend on your program, but ETSU offers support to help you prepare for required exams, including workshops and guidance from faculty advisors.
View ETSU's Education Programs
Explore Careers in Education
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is a great resource to learn about careers in education.
Through this tool, you can explore important information such as:
- Pay rates
- Job outlook
- Education requirements, licenses, certificates, and/or registrations
- Typical job duties
Why Choose ETSU for a Career in Education?
From flexible programs for working adults to fast-track licensure options and traditional undergraduate pathways, the Clemmer College of Education and Human Development at ETSU provides a wide range of opportunities to fit your lifestyle and goals. You'll benefit from personalized guidance, field experience, and a supportive faculty dedicated to your success.
Hands-on Learning Opportunities
You'll gain valuable on-the-job experiences while applying your knowledge and skills.
Service learning opportunities, field experiences, and internships will prepare you to make an impact as an educator.
Scholarly Research
The college is home to four centers focusing on applied scholarly research that supports our communities.
Whatever your research interests, you'll have the resources to perform it.
Mentoring and Advising
Every student is guided through their program by a professional advisor or faculty mentor.
Your advisor will help guide you from enrollment to graduation and beyond.
“Teaching is the profession that makes all other professions possible.”
- Missy Testerman, ETSU Education Alumna and 2024 National Teacher of the Year