Would you like to learn how to become a home economics teacher? Home economics, more formally referred to as family and consumer Sciences, deals with managing family resources, such as food, money, and time, caring for children, and pursuing healthy lifestyles and relationships.
Family and Consumer Sciences
This video explains the field of family and consumer science, describing five areas of study: clothing and textiles, foods and nutrition, housing and home furnishings, human development, and management and consumer economics. It explains why these topics are important, and explores various career options option to someone who has studied family and consumer science, including that of teaching home economics.
Introduction
Each state sets their own requirements for teachers. Some states require an undergraduate degree in a specific subject area, and others also require education courses, or even a master's degree in education. Be sure to contact your state's board of education to determine the specific requirements to become licensed as a home economics teacher in your state.
Step 1: Obtain an Undergraduate Degree
In order to become a home economics teacher, you will usually need an undergraduate degree in family and consumer science. Not all colleges and universities offer this as a major, so you'll want to select your college carefully. While in school you'll usually study child development, family relations, family resource management, food preparation, and nutrition as well as learn about fabrics and clothing.
Step 2: Take Required Education Courses
Depending on state requirements, you may need additional coursework in education, either at the undergraduate or graduate level. Your education coursework will generally include both classwork and student teaching experience.
Step 3: Become a Certified Home Economics Teacher
While not required, becoming certified by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) will help establish your qualifications when looking for a job. Certification requires a bachelor's degree and successfull completion of a national certification exam administered by the AAFCS.
Step 4: Become Licensed as a Teacher
Some states will issue licenses with just an application that includes documentation of education and references. Some state require you to pass a general teachers exam, and some states also have subject specific tests. You'll need to become licensed before you can begin teaching.
