How to Become a Teacher

I have been a Licensed Practical Nurse for 15 years and would like to become a teacher in K-12 or possibly special needs. I would be starting out with no degree, and I need to keep working, as well as care for an autistic child while pursuing my teaching degree. What do you recommend?

It sounds like an online degree would be a natural solution for you. Pursuing your teaching degree online would break down some of the barriers of location and time that otherwise might make it difficult to juggle all your responsibilities.

You are going to need the flexibility of an online education because you have a considerable educational challenge ahead of you. To get started as a teacher, you need a four-year degree--possibly a bachelor's in education, or a related degree with some specialized coursework to get your teaching certification.

Beyond that, different states have different requirements, with some states mandating that teachers go on to get a master's degree. You should check with your state's department of education to find out what your requirements are--before you start this journey, you need to know everything it entails. That way, you can figure out how much it will cost and how long it will take, so you can prepare accordingly.

Finally, I would encourage you to pursue your thought about possibly teaching special needs children. With your medical background and personal experience in this area, it sounds as though you might be well suited to this type of education. In turn, what you learn could help you with your own autistic child.