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Schools have a massive pool of teachers from which to draw when they post an opening. There are advantages and disadvantages to any choice, including cost, experience, qualifications, malleability, longevity, and personality. A school district has to weigh all these factors before making an offer. No one factor alone can determine how a teacher will perform, and what benefit (or hindrance) that teacher will provide to the students given to his or her charge. Keep this in mind, as this discussion will focus only on the qualifications, or credentials, a teacher may have.

In the American public school system, every teacher must be certified. (Temporary exceptions are made in extraordinary situations, but the general rule is there.) There are multiple routes to certification, but the traditional path is for a student to enter college and pursue certification in the teaching field they are most drawn to. This might be generalized elementary (typically grades K-6), middle school math (in the vicinity of grades 5-9), or a specialized secondary school (grades 7-12) discipline such as English or Science. The spectrum of choices is wide, and teachers can pursue multiple certifications. Coursework includes a collection of classes on teaching theory and practices, some general, some subject specific. The teacher-to-be also takes a broad survey of courses covering the subjects they will teach. This ensures that teachers possess the core knowledge that the state has mandated be passed on to the students, and a bit beyond. To gain certification, the teacher also acquires practical experience, usually spending two semesters working as a student teacher under the tutelage of a mentor. By the time the teacher is certified, they have all the basics covered; both How to teach and What to teach. Along the way, they've also picked up a Bachelor's degree, either in education or in a particular discipline (i.e. English, History, Biology...).

The certified teacher is intended to be knowledgeable and versatile, able to meet the general needs of a classroom in their chosen field. They will have the knowledge to explain the material found in the textbook, and potentially to provide supplemental learning from their own studies. This represents the "basic model" of a teacher - the minimal credentials, and lowest level of learning and experience. Over time the teacher gains in experience, and through continuing education and seminars gains a greater knowledge

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