Teach English
As an English teacher, you are responsible for introducing students to the magic of literature. Your career in education will allow you to teach students how to read and write, how to think critically, how to approach comprehension and critique method. You'll be able, every day, to share your passion for language, literature, journalism, poetry and vocabulary.
A solid foundation in English, including language and literacy skills, will give students the skills to succeed in all of their other classes. As an English teacher, the opportunities you’ll find for positively impacting the lives of children is immeasurable. You will likely be able to introduce students from a broad range of backgrounds to the delights of a variety of literary genres, including classic literature, creative nonfiction, contemporary fiction, and incorporating web-based and mixed media. You will also most likely be required to plan lessons according to curriculum standards, preread and review texts, develop activities, supporting materials and assignments, grade essays, reports and test, give instructive feedback individually, and meet with students and parents to report on progress and issues.
If you can teach English, you may find work in public or private schools, in elementary schools, secondary schools (middle or junior high) , high schools, schools, such as middle and high schools , in private or public colleges or universities, or as a one-on-one tutor.
An English teacher needs a bachelor's degree, at least. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2006, which requires teachers to be "highly qualified," has prompted many educators to also pursue a master’s degree; they also report that having a master’s degree led to greater career opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that full-time English teachers, as of 2009, earned an average annual salary of just over $65,000, while English teachers with experience and a graduate degree, such as a master’s in education, earned considerably more.
If you choose to work in a public school, you’ll be required to be licensed (licensing varies for private schools). To get your teaching license, you'll have to pass a competency test, usually the Praxis, which encompasses reading, writing and teaching. While teacher certification requirements vary from state to state, you’ll be required to have an undergraduate (bachelor's) degree. It is likely you’ll also be required to take continuing education courses once or twice a year to maintain your teaching certification.