Why would you want to teach in a private school? I asked that question of a distinguished teacher. Read Brian Horgan's response. When you have done that I will guide you through the process of fulfilling your dream of becoming a private school teacher.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 3 to 6 years
Here's How:
- Be passionate about your subject. After all, your passion for physics or music or whatever it is you propose to teach, is something which will exude from every aspect of your personality and being. Headmasters want to have teachers who are passionate about their subject. You have to love what you are doing.
- Have an overwhelming urge to impart your subject to others. The ability to share your passion and enthusiasm is critical. We all have known people who were passionate about a subject who were also too introverted or impatient with others to be able to impart their knowledge effectively.
- Obtain a degree in your subject and/or related fields. Certification gives you credibility. It gives you some authority and command of the subject.
- Take education courses so that you understand teaching methodologies. Translating your knowledge into lesson plans and effective teaching strategies is critical. You have to understand and appreciate different learning styles and ways to teach.
- Earn certification to teach your speciality. Teacher certification is pretty much required in most private schools. It also ensures your continued marketability over time. Teacher certification is like any licensing process. It is necessary and inevitable.
- Convince a school to hire you so that you can get 3-5 years experience teaching.
- Identify a trusted mentor to whom you can turn for advice and support as you pursue your teaching career.
Tips:
- You know that you are born to teach if you love being around people and enjoy interacting with them.
- You don't have to be college age to become a teacher! Most schools today look for teachers with other professional and life experiences besides teaching.
