Teacher

In this career guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about teaching as a career, from roles and responsibilities, to work environment and roadmap to becoming a Teacher.

Who's a Teacher?

All of us know teachers. Some of us see them as disciplinarians, some look up to them, and some see them as the all-knowing gurus who teach you all the interesting stuff you need to know.

As a teacher, you’re the primary source of knowledge for students from kindergarten to college. You’re the one who introduces them to basic concepts across different subjects; you help them grow up to be leaders in their profession or people who change the world. This is why teaching has always been seen as a noble profession – you devote your life to helping others succeed in theirs.

Are you passionate about teaching? Want to pursue it as a future career option? Explore a day in the life of a teacher – Paolina Chand (Part I)

Responsibilities

What will you do?

1. Teaching topics listed in the syllabus

The educational board decides the syllabus for each grade and subject. You would go through the syllabus and make sure every topic is covered thoroughly in class. You would make lesson plans to decide how you will cover each topic, save time for student queries, and conduct tests to check if your students have understood the topic well.

Example: If you’re teaching mathematics, your lesson plans would depend on the complexity of each topic. Teaching students a topic like fractions, which require them to apply basics (addition, subtraction, division and multiplication), can be covered in one or two classes. Introducing them to newer concepts like angles and geometry may require some more time.

2. Checking on your students’ progress

Are your students understanding everything you’re teaching them? Find out how much they have learnt by regularly giving them homework, projects and tests. Rate their performance to understand each student’s progress, and plan your future classes accordingly.

Example: Say you taught a class on Human Evolution. You could arrange for a quick quiz or small test to see how well your students have understood the concept.

3. Participating in staff training activities

The world is changing dynamically, and so is your profession. You need to keep learning to keep up. Schools and colleges often conduct workshops for teachers to help them learn about the latest teaching methods. Participate in all staff training activities and submit assignments as required.

Example: Schools often hold workshops on using technology for everyday teaching. These sessions will help you master audiovisual presentations, which will help you keep your students engaged during a lesson.

4. Solving student queries

When you’re introducing students to new topics, they’re bound to have a lot of questions. You should know how to answer each one and share examples to clear their doubts. Create an atmosphere where your students feel comfortable and even the shy ones feel confident enough to clear their doubts.

Example: Set aside the last ten minutes of every lecture for a Q&A session to ensure your students understand all the topics better.

5. Applying different teaching methods

As a teacher, you need to make the class interesting and get your students to pay attention to the topic being taught. Try using different teaching methods and techniques like screening relevant movies, discussing the right novels, etc.

Example: If you’re teaching history, ask your students to read books or magazines published by historians and get a better idea of the event.

6. Bonding with your students

There are plenty of students in each class; try and get to know each one of them. You can do this by remembering their names, favourite subjects, or even accomplishments. This helps them trust you, and makes it easier for them to approach you.

Example: Use your first lecture to get to know the class better. Ask students to write a short summary or introduce themselves to each other in class.

7. Helping them choose their future paths.

At a higher secondary level, students start thinking about what they want to do with their lives. They may look up to you for further guidance. If a student is interested in the subject you teach, they are more likely to approach you for more information.

Example: Say you’re an English teacher and one of your students is interested in pursuing a career as a novelist. Recommend the right reading material, connect them to any novelists or professors you might know, or suggest graduation courses to help them enter this career.

8. Hosting parent-teacher meetings

You will meet students’ parents, take them through their child’s progress, and prepare a comprehensive report that highlights areas where the student excels and ones that need further improvement. Discuss how parents can help students work on areas that require improvement.

Example: If you think one of your students is good with studies, but not very forthcoming during class activities, talk to their parents and work with them to help the students build their confidence.

Take the Mentoria career assessment test, to find out how well-suited you are as a Teacher.

Workplace

Where will you work?

Educational Institutes

On an average, teachers work for more than 50 hours every week. Most teachers work at educational institutions like schools or universities. 

Coaching Classes

With the steady rise in coaching classes over the years, a lot of teachers also teach at these classes.

Private Tuitions

Alternatively, some teachers also hold private tuitions. These are either held at a common centre (sometimes their homes) for a couple of students, or at the homes of individual students.

Education

How do you get there?

STEP 1: Class XI-XII/Junior College

If you’re interested in social sciences or languages, pursue arts to help you learn more about these subjects.

STEP 2: Graduation

You can pursue your Bachelor’s degree with a major in the subject you wish to teach. If you’re interested in history, complete your BA with a major in history from any college. Some of the top colleges in this country would be JMC (New Delhi), Fergusson College (Pune), Loyola College (Chennai), etc.

STEP 3: Entrance Exams

You’ll need a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree to qualify as a teacher. This requires a minimum of 50% in your graduation and clearing an entrance exam held independently by various institutions.

STEP 4: Post-Graduation

Enrol for a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), a two-year course, from colleges like Banaras Hindu University, Lady Irwin College, etc. Depending on your field of interest or the stream you graduated from, you will be trained in the right subjects.

If you wish to study further, you could also pursue an M.Ed – a two-year course – in the field of your interest from the University of Delhi, Banaras Hindu University, etc., which require you to have a minimum of 50% in your B.Ed degree.

STEP 5: Eligibility Exams

To teach, you need to pass the C-TET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test). This test has two papers. Appear for paper 1 if you wish to teach class 1-5, and paper 2 if you wish to teach class 6-10. You will need to score at least 50% in your B.Ed exams to appear for this test.

To teach as a lecturer in a college, you need to pass the NET ( National Eligibility Test). The exam is conducted twice a year and contains three papers. The first paper has objective questions to test your logical reasoning, research aptitude, data interpretation and reading comprehension. You can choose your subjects for the second and third papers. These papers will also have objective questions. The eligibility for this test is 55% in your master’s course.

STEP 6: Internship

Some schools hire substitute or temporary teachers from time to time. These positions are a great way to test the waters. If you do a great job, they might hire you to join their teaching staff. Alternatively, you could also work with a senior teacher/researcher in your field as their assistant. You will be learning from an expert, and getting firsthand experience in the field.

STEP 7: Land a Job

Start applying for teaching opportunities in various schools. Most schools and colleges have a cycle during which they hire teachers – mostly during summer vacations. Try and land a job that will help you learn as much as possible! You could also open up your own classes/tutorials to train students who need extra help with certain subjects.

STEP 1: Class XI-XII/Junior College

If you’re good at mathematics or business-related subjects, choose this stream to hone your skills.

STEP 2: Graduation

You can pursue your Bachelor’s degree with a major in the subject you wish to teach. If you’re interested in Accounts, complete your BCom with a major in Accounting and Finance. Some of the top colleges in this country are Serampore College (West Bengal), Jamia Millia Islamia (New Delhi), Chetana College, (Mumbai), etc.

STEP 3: Entrance Exams

You’ll need a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree to qualify as a teacher. This requires a minimum of 50% in your graduation and clearing an entrance exam held independently by various institutions.

STEP 4: Post-Graduation

Enrol for a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), a two-year course, from colleges like Banaras Hindu University, Lady Irwin College, etc. Depending on your field of interest or the stream you graduated from, you will be trained in the right subjects.

If you wish to study further, you could also pursue an M.Ed – a two-year course – in the field of your interest from University of Delhi, Banaras Hindu University, etc., which require you to have a minimum of 50% in your B.Ed degree.

STEP 5: Eligibility Exams

To teach, you need to pass the C-TET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test). This test has two papers. Appear for paper 1 if you wish to teach class 1-5, and paper 2 if you wish to teach class 6-10. You will need to score at least 50% in your B.Ed exams to appear for this test.

To teach as a lecturer in a college, you need to pass the NET ( National Eligibility Test). The exam is conducted twice a year and contains three papers. The first paper has objective questions to test your logical reasoning, research aptitude, data interpretation and reading comprehension. You can choose your subjects for the second and third papers. These papers will also have objective questions. The eligibility for this test is 55% in your master’s course.

STEP 6: Internship

Some schools hire substitute or temporary teachers from time to time. These positions are a great way to test the waters. If you do a great job, they might hire you to join their teaching staff. Alternatively, you could also work with a senior teacher/researcher in your field as their assistant. You will be learning from an expert, and getting firsthand experience in the field.

STEP 7: Land a Job

Start applying for teaching opportunities in various schools. Most schools and colleges have a cycle during which they hire teachers – mostly during summer vacations. Try and land a job that will help you learn as much as possible! You could also open up your own classes/tutorials to train students who need extra help with certain subjects.

STEP 1: Class XI-XII/Junior College

If you wish to teach science-related subjects, choose this stream and build your foundation in Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

STEP 2: Graduation

You can pursue your Bachelor’s degree with a major in the subject you wish to teach. If you’re interested in Chemistry, complete your BSc with a major in Chemistry. Some of the top colleges in this country are  Amity University (Lucknow), Dyal Singh College (New Delhi) or SIES (Mumbai), etc.

STEP 3: Entrance Exams

You’ll need a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree to qualify as a teacher. This requires a minimum of 50% in your graduation and clearing an entrance exam held independently by various institutions.

STEP 4: Post-Graduation

Enrol for a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), a two-year course, from colleges like Banaras Hindu University, Lady Irwin College, etc. Depending on your field of interest or the stream you graduated from, you will be trained in the right subjects.

If you wish to study further, you could also pursue an M.Ed – a two-year course – in the field of your interest from the University of Delhi, Banaras Hindu University, etc., which require you to have a minimum of 50% in your B.Ed degree.

STEP 5: Eligibility Exams

To teach, you need to pass the C-TET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test). This test has two papers. Appear for paper 1 if you wish to teach class 1-5, and paper 2 if you wish to teach class 6-10. You will need to score at least 50% in your B.Ed exams to appear for this test.

To teach as a lecturer in a college, you need to pass the NET ( National Eligibility Test). The exam is conducted twice a year and contains three papers. The first paper has objective questions to test your logical reasoning, research aptitude, data interpretation and reading comprehension. You can choose your subjects for the second and third papers. These papers will also have objective questions. The eligibility for this test is 55% in your master’s course.

STEP 6: Internship

Some schools hire substitute or temporary teachers from time to time. These positions are a great way to test the waters. If you do a great job, they might hire you to join their teaching staff. Alternatively, you could also work with a senior teacher/researcher in your field as their assistant. You will be learning from an expert, and getting firsthand experience in the field.

STEP 7: Land a Job

Start applying for teaching opportunities in various schools. Most schools and colleges have a cycle during which they hire teachers – mostly during summer vacations. Try and land a job that will help you learn as much as possible! You could also open up your own classes/tutorials to train students who need extra help with certain subjects.

What skills would you need?

Adaptability

Adaptability

If you have adaptability as a skill, you can easily adjust to new situations, roles, or challenges without losing focus or productivity. You’re able to embrace change, whether it’s a new technology, a shift in team dynamics, or a sudden project requirement. This skill allows you to remain composed during transitions, learn quickly in evolving environments, and stay effective when facing unexpected problems or shifting priorities.
Research

Research

Research is the systematic process of collecting, analysing, and interpreting information to increase understanding of a particular topic or issue. It involves identifying a question or problem, gathering relevant data, and evaluating sources to draw meaningful conclusions. Research can take various forms, including qualitative studies (which explore perceptions and experiences) and quantitative studies (which focus on numerical data and statistics). Strong research skills will enable you to find reliable information, assess the credibility of sources, and synthesise findings to support decision-making or further exploration. This skill is crucial in many fields, such as academia, business, healthcare, and technology, where informed decisions rely on thorough investigation and analysis. build this skill
Time Management

Time Management

Time management refers to the ability to plan and organise how much time you spend on specific activities. Good time management enables individuals to work smarter rather than harder, helping them prioritise tasks, set goals, and allocate time efficiently. It includes skills such as prioritisation, scheduling, and setting deadlines, allowing individuals to maximise productivity and reduce stress. This skill is especially valuable in fast-paced environments, where the ability to adapt and adjust priorities can significantly impact performance.
Communication Skills

Communication Skills

Communication skills are the ability to clearly express ideas, information, and feelings, both verbally and in writing, so others can easily understand. This includes listening effectively, using the right tone, and being aware of non-verbal cues like body language. These skills help you explain your thoughts clearly, build relationships, and work better in teams. Good communication is important in almost every job, from customer service to leadership roles, because it ensures that tasks are understood and done correctly, and it helps prevent misunderstandings. build this skill
Social Skills

Social Skills

Social skills are the abilities that enable effective communication and interaction with others. They encompass a range of interpersonal competencies, including active listening, empathy, non-verbal communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork. These skills help individuals navigate social situations, build relationships, and collaborate effectively in various settings. Having strong social skills is crucial for personal and professional success. They enhance teamwork, foster positive relationships, and improve communication, which can lead to better collaboration and productivity in the workplace. In many professions, especially those involving direct interaction with others—such as education, healthcare, and sales—strong social skills can significantly impact outcomes and overall effectiveness. build this skill
Promotion levels

How do you make it to the top ranks?

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Substitute Teacher

After completing B.Ed, you can choose to fill in as a substitute for secondary teachers in private or government schools. Think of this as an internship – it will give you the necessary experience before you pursue a full-fledged career in teaching.

Subject Teacher

As a subject teacher, you will get students excited and interested in your subject. Make sure you are constantly learning and absorbing new information in your field to stay on top of your game. You can also pursue some computer-related courses alongside to keep up with the changing times and make your lessons more engaging.

Class Teacher

Your next step involves handling the responsibility of a class. A whole class of students will look up to you for guidance and turn to you if they have any problems at school. Ensure that you give your students the best; a course on counselling can help you achieve this.

Head of Department

At this stage, you will be the leader of your flock. You will lead, manage and develop standards for your department. You will also take care of the subject matter for the subject you head.

Principal

As captain of the ship, you will be responsible for the entire community of students and teachers in your institution. You will overlook administrative tasks, supervise the staff, ensure discipline and order, and come up with new and effective methods to help your students and teachers.

Thinking of a career as a Teacher? Take the Mentoria assessment test & talk to our career counsellors to get personalized step-by-step guidance for your future career path.

Scope

Pursuing your career locally VS abroad

Teaching is a highly profitable career option, especially in India, where there aren’t enough teachers to cope with the rising population of students in the country. The need for qualified instructors has risen over the last decade.  This profession requires training and specialisation in a particular subject, and a certification to start work in the field. The cost of a B.Ed ranges from INR 30,000 to 60,000. You can either pursue it full-time or through correspondence, which might extend the generally two-year course to two and a half years. If you pass this course with at least 50%, you can pursue the two-year-long M. Ed course, costing a further INR 10,000 to 25,000. Even after your degrees, you need to pass the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) to teach in a government or private school. To teach in a college or university, you have to clear the National Eligibility Test (NET).

Does teaching fascinate you? See what a day in the life of a Teacher- Paolina Chand (Part II)

IFrame

It can be much harder to work as a teacher in countries like the US and UK, who often prefer hiring native English-speaking teachers (people with English as their first language/mother tongue). Other non-English speaking countries, especially third-world nations, often require English speaking teachers, but cannot afford to hire them from first-world countries. That’s where your degree comes in handy. Some international governmental organisations, like the British Council, have Teach Abroad programmes that prepare you to study and teach in countries around the world. Acquiring a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate can open up more teaching opportunities rather than simply working as an educational volunteer.

Payscale

How much would you get paid?

The exact amount you earn as a teacher will depend on where you’re working, your education and skill-set. As a private tutor, you can charge subject-wise tuition fees or a yearly fee. Gauge the market, see what your competitors are charging, and set an amount accordingly.


Specialisations

What are your career options?

Preschool or Kindergarten

As a preschool teacher, you would focus on teaching children from nursery to senior kindergarten. You will need a diploma or certificate course in Nursery Teacher Training. Children are very expressive at this age; you should be able to handle their moods while helping them develop basic educational skills.

School

A B.Ed degree can help you secure this job. As a school teacher, you are not only responsible for imparting education; you will also organise co-curricular activities, prepare test papers, monitor your students’ growth and development, handle examinations, etc.

College or University

If you wish to teach in a college or university, you would need an M.Ed degree. Having a doctorate can further enhance your chances at this stage. Your work would involve preparing lecture notes, organising practicals, conducting seminars, handling examinations, monitoring placements, etc.

Specialised Training

Teachers are also required for areas like learning or language centres, soft skills training academies and so on. These areas of teaching are highly rewarding, and teachers get to work with students at different levels from varied backgrounds. A degree in B.Ed is enough to pursue a vocation in this field.

Special Needs Education

Educational institutions are starting to recognise the need for additional assistance for students with learning disabilities. As a special needs educator, you will move beyond the regular modes of teaching to help children with special needs learn and grasp concepts. You would need a special education degree and – in some cases – a state certificate to qualify as a teacher. The responsibilities can be demanding; this role requires huge amounts of patience and dedication.

Tuition

If you wish to teach students outside a school, you could start your own coaching classes. As a tuition teacher, you will ensure that your students have thoroughly understood the concepts being taught in school by providing further assistance to their learning process. The more teaching experience you have, the more you will earn in this field.

Examiner

Examiners are hired to check board exam papers to make sure students have answered the questions correctly and according to the format prescribed by the education board. An added benefit to becoming an examiner is that you can incorporate your insider knowledge as an examiner into your teaching and help your students do well in their exams. If you want to become an examiner, – you will need to complete any undergraduate degree followed by one year of teaching experience in a particular subject.

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