How to Become a Teacher

Teaching is an exciting and rewarding career. Teachers not only share their love of learning with students, they also inspire and guide them as they pursue their passions and dreams.

In this section, we answer common questions about how to become a teacher, as well as the unique skills and requirements needed for each discipline.

If you're ready to take the next step in becoming a teacher, we encourage you to explore our Bachelor's Degree in Education as well as the many masters and five-year degree education programs offered at Iona!

Teresa D'Aversa works with students in the biology lab.

How to Become a Biology Teacher


As a biology teacher, you’ll guide students as they develop their own understanding and practice of science literacy, which forms the fundamental knowledge of their ongoing science instruction.

A teacher in the front of the classroom with an American flag in the background.

How To Become an English Teacher


Becoming an English teacher allows you to combine your love for language and literature with your enthusiasm to work with students.

A math professor points to the whiteboard.

How to Become a Math Teacher


As a math teacher, you can help students gain crucial life skills and empower them to become problem solvers and critical thinkers.

Dr. Zaino helps a student in one of her classes.

How to Become a Social Studies Teacher


By becoming a social studies teacher, you’ll have the opportunity to spark students’ interest in global societies, invest in their civic competence and help them to develop a fuller, more complex understanding of the world around them.

A student in a green scarf smiles.

How to Become a Spanish Teacher


When you become a Spanish teacher, you are both an educator and an ambassador. Not only do you teach your students new vocabulary words, grammatical rules and other technical elements of a new language, but you also facilitate a cultural exchange and invite them to learn about a world different from their own.

A student in the education department sits outside and smiles.

How to Become a Special Education Teacher


When you become a special education teacher, you become an advocate for students with disabilities. Your work centers on personalizing students’ education to fit their abilities and giving them the encouragement and support they need to excel in school.

A Literacy specialist helps a student with his writing.

What is a Literacy Specialist?


Literacy specialists help children develop and improve their literacy skills by providing supplemental instruction to students who struggle with reading and writing. They also work to improve school-wide literacy levels by supporting other teachers and faculty with curricula planning and literacy training.

Dr. Sunghee Lee teaches and writes on the blackboard.

Making a Career Change to Teaching


When you choose to teach as a second career, you open up a world of possibilities. As an educator, you have the chance to make a lasting impact on children of all ages and the privilege of being a part of their educational experience and their individual development.