Even for teachers, it is a thing of immense pride and satisfaction when they see their own students growing up to adopt teaching as their profession. “The noble profession,” as teaching is often referred to, becomes even nobler. Education comes full circle; the values inculcated patiently by teachers in their pupils finally bear fruit. When students decide to be future teachers, it seems less of a choice and more of sweet destiny at work.
There are a number of stepping stones on the path of a student who is keen on becoming a teacher. These are challenging in the sense that they help the would-be teacher fully appreciate their role in society.
But formal teaching requires a series of steps to be completed. Parameters such as area(s) of specialisation and teaching aptitude are required to be fulfilled by a student who wants to become a teacher. Degrees from colleges and universities must be earned according to the criteria set by the institution in which one wishes to teach.
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed)
This degree is ideal and a prerequisite for students desiring to teach in schools. B.Ed incorporates the learning of many variegated aspects of teaching. Simply verbal communication with pupils and evaluation procedures in the form of written examinations are not enough. Aspiring teachers are taught how to be role models for their potential students, who are the future citizens of the world. The emphasis on value education is as high in any B.Ed curriculum as on theoretical knowledge.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Being a teacher in higher education institutes like colleges and varsities has different responsibilities than those undertaken by schoolteachers. The demands of students in higher education institutions deal with research possibilities, specialized knowledge, academic paper presentations, etc. They need highly educated supervisors in the form of professors to guide them in achieving their specific scholarly goals.
Only by acquiring such specialized knowledge in a branch of study can one become a university professor. Earning a PhD is no mean feat. It is proof that a student is fully prepared to be a teacher at the highest level. S/he is now ready and completely capable of teaching and guiding graduates, undergraduates and research enthusiasts. The latter can look forward to trainers who are absolute masters in their fields.