Education · 1 of 5

The path

This is a second career for most people. You do the job first, then teach it.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Then go learn the field you will eventually teach.

2. 2

   Qualify in your trade or field

   2 to 5 years

   Journey-level certification, a nursing license, a commercial driver's license, an accounting credential. Whatever the industry standard is.

3. 3

   Work in it

   3 to 5 years

   Colleges typically want several years of real industry experience, and students can tell instantly whether you have it.

4. 4

   Add the academic credential

   Varies

   Often an associate or bachelor's degree, sometimes a master's for academic subjects. Some states also require a career and technical education teaching credential.

5. 5

   Teach a course, then apply for a full-time line

   1 to 4 years

   Nearly everyone starts as a part-time instructor teaching one class. Full-time openings usually go to people already teaching there.