Education · 1 of 4

The path

You do the job first, then you teach it. There is no straight line from high school.

1. 1

   High school

   Grade 12

   Get into the field you eventually want to teach. Nothing about teaching yet.

2. 2

   Credential in your field

   2 to 4 years

   A college diploma, a degree, or a licensed trade certificate. Colleges usually want a credential one level above the program you would teach.

3. 3

   Work in the field

   5 years or more

   This is the real requirement. Five years or more of current, hands-on experience is a common posting minimum.

4. 4

   Teach part time

   1 to 3 years

   Pick up a night course or a single section. This is how almost everyone gets in the door and finds out if they like it.

5. 5

   Full-time posting

   Varies

   Apply, interview, teach a demo lesson. Many colleges then ask you to finish a short teaching certificate in your first year or two.