Why Being A Teacher Is Still A Crucial & Respected Job

Stop a random person on the street and ask them about a beloved teacher they've had. Virtually anyone you question will quickly and excitedly tell you about an educator who made a real difference in their life. While perhaps not as glamorous as some careers, teaching offers a unique opportunity to leave a lasting impact on young minds. It's part of why so many people have opted to pursue degrees in education. With a few years of college, a passing score on the PRAXIS exam and several months of student teaching, you too can join the ranks of these inspiring educators.

Contrary to public perception, the career path of educators is incredibly noble and well-respected. Along with firefighters, military service members and healthcare workers, teachers are among the most beloved professionals around. While there are real challenges to face in teaching, there are also real rewards. Teachers change lives, and that's something former students never forget.

Making a Difference

The opportunity to impact the lives of students is perhaps the most common motivator for teachers. After years of college coursework, practice tests and internships, educators are hungry to get into the classroom and begin teaching. Whether through their passion for the subject they're teaching or through the connections they make with their students, teachers can quickly and effectively motivate young minds.

In most cases, teachers serve as more than just lecturers. After hours of lesson planning, grading, and instruction, educators also work to instill important values in their students. The social work aspect of the career is one that sneaks up on many teachers - looking out for students who have suffered abuse or neglect is something that must be done regularly. This holistic approach to education is incredibly important, especially for the children who are in need of an advocate.

Never Stop Learning

Teachers maintain the respect of their peers and those outside the education world by keeping up with new trends and research about their subject area. Whether through professional development, industry conferences or graduate-level coursework, teachers are encouraged to stay abreast of evolving attitudes in education. This appeals to people who love education - after all, it's hard to imagine teaching without a lifelong love of learning in place!

Of course, there are certain standards to meet and maintain for a successful teaching career. In most states, a college degree and a passing PRAXIS exam score are required to become certified. Designed to gauge a teaching candidate's mastery of common skills and subjects, the PRAXIS has become the industry standard for qualifying educators. Along with coursework in childhood development, pedagogy, and, of course, their preferred subject area, the PRAXIS is a key component of any teacher's education.

Taken after completion of a teaching program, the PRAXIS exam is required of educators in 44 different states. If you're hoping to enter the classroom anywhere in the United States, chances are good you'll need to take the PRAXIS. The Core Academic Skills for Educators PRAXIS exam asks aspiring teachers to display their mastery of reading, writing and mathematics fundamentals. The PRAXIS II Subject Assessment exams are specific to the material the candidate hopes to teach - history, algebra, or Spanish, for example. Finally, the PRAXIS Content Knowledge for Teaching Assessment exam gauges the classroom techniques of elementary school educators.

Preparation for the PRAXIS exam should include a variety of study methods, including taking practice tests. Exam Edge offers a number of PRAXIS exam practice tests for aspiring teachers to use in the weeks leading up to the real test. Given that most teachers won't qualify for their certification without a passing score, it's worth investing in study tools like practice tests to ensure a successful future. Even if you feel confident in the subject matter of the PRAXIS exam, taking a few practice tests can help you familiarize yourself with the format and timing of the exam.

The Power of Educators

The demands on teachers are very real. The long hours and emotional labor required of the job puts real pressure on these professionals, and while respected, educators are often fighting an uphill battle for fair wages. Talk to any teacher, though, and you'll see that they're not in the field for the money or for the glory; instead, educators recognize the power they have over young minds. With that power comes a great deal of responsibility, too – and great reward. It's not unusual to find teachers who stick around one school for decades, investing their time and passion into a community and seeing it flourish for generations.

If you're eager to join the ranks of powerful educators, you'll need to pass your PRAXIS exam first. Make sure you get the score you need the first time you take it with help from Exam Edge. Our practice tests are an affordable way to gauge your mastery of the material while familiarizing yourself with the format of the test. Just as you'd recommend studying and test prep to your own students, practice tests are an ideal way to get ready for the PRAXIS exam. We offer users a free sample test of their choice to give them an idea of just how valuable our resources can be. If you're ready to jumpstart your teaching career and ensure a great PRAXIS exam score, get started with Exam Edge today.