Let me preface this with the statement of "I'm not a teacher." But my parents both were.

My father wanted to deal with near adults. So he taught Vocational Technical classes.

My mother on the other hand is what you may want to follow. She started out as a Home Economics teacher. She quickly found that she did not like that. She then moved to elementary school bounced around several grades and ended up at third. She said she loved third grade because the kids were mature enough to teach but not so old enough to talk back. (I think she was in third grade for 10+ years.)

I guess what I'm saying is pick on several criteria. In my Dad's case he had a vocation he was good at and wanted to pass it on. In my Mom's case she needed experiment a bit to find the audience she was best at reaching.

Good Luck! I don't think there is a more nobler profession than teaching our youth.
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I am a preschool teacher. I chose this age to teach because I love kids and love being around them. Everyone always tells me that I am a natural teacher especially with the younger kids. I'm also following in family footsteps because my father and one of my sisters are teachers. I think that I made the right career choice for myself because I love what I do. I go to work and watch how the kids interact with each other and see their faces while they are learning. It feels great to know that I am making a difference in their lives.
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When I entered college I was pretty sure I wanted to teach H.S. Biology. Part of this program were included mandatory Child Growth & Development class and Adolescent Psychology. Within these two classes it was required to observe children in a variety of settings, grades and classroom. I would say about 20 hours of just watching children and their teachers. You got a "good feel" for what the kids were like. We also had lists of things to watch for and had to do a write-up for each hour. This was invaluable experience. We observed early childhood, primary grades, intermediate grades, Middle School/Jr. High and High School ages.

Now these requirements came from the University. Illinois State University, I must say has got to be one of the best and intense teacher preparatory programs I have run across. (but it also must be said you get out what you put in). There were MANY hours of observations in the psychology and teacher ed. portions of the program.

Having said that you must be aware that there are several teaching certificates out there that you can choose from: Early Childhood, K-8, 6-12 and each may have concentrations that can be obtained. Also, each state has different requirements. Colleges are geared to meet the requirements that are required by the state they are in.

However, after a year 1/2 I decided H.S. biology wasn't for me. I still wanted to teach, however, I wanted to be more student focused and teach kids HOW to learn not just what to learn. I also was more diverse in the subject I wanted to teach. Straight biology/chem wasn't it. I was taking classes in all the sciences. using up valuable credit hours all over the place. With the observations of the different grade levels, then finding out ISU had a Middle School program that focused on the students we would be teaching and using content to help them learn how to learn, my diversity in science, I found my home.

Then came the hard part. Public Schools operate differently. You may apply for a particular grade teaching position and be offered another. As long as the grade fits in your certificated area you are regarded as "qualified" to teach it. (Mind you there are overlaps) In addition as school populations change and grades levels are re-designated you may be asked to move to another grade in your certificate, sometimes even to another school in your district. If you choose not to move you can be dismissed. If a more senior teacher wants your grade you may be asked to move or leave.

I share all of this because no matter what you want to do, the powers that be can change your plans. Not to scare you but there are many "powers that be". In one district I applied for a 6th grade position was offered a 3rd grade. Despite the fact that all my coursework was focused on Jr. HIgh/Middle School Science. But my certificate was listed as a K-9 with Concentrations/endorsements in Science and Physics. But you take what you learn and you adapt. I made the switch with many thanks to the Child Psych work I had done. After I was RIFfed (Reduction In Forces), I went to teach in a multi-aged classroom of 5th to 8th grade. After a few years I made my way into a Youth Development Profession working with all ages with Primary focus on Jr. and Sr. High aged kids.

So the Short Story:

Teaching is not for the faint of heart. and you must be flexible. You may even want to change grades if the opportunity arises and so you don't get dull in a chosen grade of students.

Research Teaching Programs thoroughly (I still endorse ISU's program www.ilstu.edu) In general, I suggest one that has a strong Psychology background with many hours of intentional observations. Also a program that has many education levels available, in case you change your mind on what level you actually gravitate towards, so you don't have to change schools.

Pick a needed concentration: Science, Math, Technology, Reading if you go with the younger grades. This concentration may give you the extra points for a given position. It may also help you keep the position/grade you really want.

Watch, Observe, watch, take notes, Observe children in the educational setting at all levels. See how they interact with each other, with the teacher and when they think no one is looking. Then look at yourself and envision yourself as the teacher of those kids, as one of those kids, as their parent. How do you respond? How do YOU meet the students educational, emotional, and social needs? Do you think you can be comfortable, controlled, responsive in the way THEY need you to be? Kids don't act like we think they should all the time.

I hope this helps. If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact me directly.
Source(s):
http://www.ilstu.edu/, http://www.coe.ilstu.edu/ci/, http://www.coe.ilstu.edu/ci/undergraduate/programs/middle.shtml,
Personal Experience

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