Teaching is often described as a calling — and for good reason. Teachers play a vital role in shaping the next generation's minds, values and futures. But beyond the meaningful impact, prospective teachers have practical questions: What is daily life like? Is the pay sustainable? What credentials are needed? Is there room to grow professionally?

Whether you’re exploring teaching as a first career or considering a career change, this guide will walk you through the core considerations. Our goal is to help you understand what to expect, how to prepare and where to start. If you're looking for a career that blends leadership, lifelong learning and societal impact, teaching may be your next step.

What Does a Day in the Life of a Teacher Look Like?

A teacher’s day is busy, structured and deeply engaging. Depending on the grade level or subject area, a teacher’s schedule may look slightly different, but certain themes are universal: planning, instruction, classroom management and student engagement.

Most teachers arrive at school early — often by 7:30 or 8 a.m. — to prepare materials, finalize lesson plans and catch up on grading or parent communications. The school day typically includes five to seven teaching periods, lunch duty or recess supervision, and collaborative planning meetings with other educators.
Afternoons are often spent providing tutoring, communicating with families, grading assignments or attending professional development workshops.

Flexibility and multitasking are essential, as every day brings different challenges and opportunities to connect with students. While the workload can extend beyond regular hours, many teachers find joy in watching students grasp new ideas and grow emotionally and intellectually.

What is the Career Outlook for a Teacher?

Job stability, regional demand and career mobility are all important aspects of a teaching career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of school teachers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. However, job growth statistics do not accurately capture need. As baby boomers are entering retirement en masse, they leave vacancies that must be filled by the next generation ready to carry the torch. So while new positions are growing at an average pace, there are always openings, and demand is high.

Additionally, specific areas such as STEM are experiencing critical shortages, especially in Texas and other high-growth states. That means increased opportunity and incentives for new educators in those fields.

Median Salaries Nationally (2023, BLS):

• Kindergarten and elementary school: $62,310
• Middle school: $62,970
• High school: $65,220
• Special education: $64,270

Teachers in Houston can expect to earn more than the average. A recent article from the Houston Chronicle notes that "Though the statewide average for teachers' salaries was about $63,760, those in the Houston area – the highest paying region in the state – made 21% more than those working in the Abilene region, the lowest-paying."

Teaching also offers career progression into roles such as instructional coach, curriculum specialist, assistant principal, or principal, and leadership roles that often command six-figure salaries. For those seeking influence beyond the classroom, careers in education policy, nonprofit leadership or teacher training are viable paths.

Do Teaching Skills Transfer to Leadership or Executive Roles?

Absolutely. Teaching develops a strong foundation of transferable skills that are highly valued across many professional fields.

Educators excel in communication, effectively conveying complex information to diverse audiences. They are masters of time management, balancing lesson planning, instruction and administrative responsibilities within tight schedules. Teachers are also skilled in problem-solving, constantly adapting to student needs and classroom challenges. Through leading classrooms and collaborating with peers, they build strong team leadership abilities. Additionally, teachers routinely analyze student performance data to inform instruction, demonstrating a capacity for data-informed decision-making.

These skills translate seamlessly into roles in nonprofit leadership, curriculum development, corporate training and educational technology. Many former teachers successfully transition into careers as school administrators, policy advocates or learning and development professionals in both the public and private sectors.

The “Why” – What Are the Societal Benefits of Teaching??

Teachers shape more than minds, they shape communities and futures. Consider these powerful outcomes:

• Opportunity gaps – Great teachers help close opportunity gaps by providing high-quality instruction to all students, regardless of their background, ensuring every child has a fair chance to succeed.
• Civic engagement – Students who are inspired and supported by teachers are more likely to participate in democratic processes, such as voting, volunteering and community organizing later in life.
• Workforce development – Teachers prepare students with the academic knowledge and soft skills — like collaboration, problem-solving and communication — needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving workforce.
• Early intervention – Teachers often identify signs of learning disabilities, emotional distress or abuse, helping students access the support they need early on and potentially changing the course of their lives.
• Public health awareness – Educators reinforce lessons about hygiene, nutrition, mental wellness and social responsibility, contributing to healthier communities overall.
• Economic impact – Quality education boosts graduation rates and long-term earning potential, helping to reduce poverty and build more resilient local economies.
• Cultural preservation and growth – Teachers introduce students to diverse perspectives, histories and ideas, fostering mutual respect and cultural awareness in increasingly globalized communities.
• Social mobility – By empowering students with knowledge and confidence, teachers open doors to higher education and meaningful careers, especially for those from underserved populations.
• Generational change – A great teacher can influence not only one student, but also the families, future children and communities that student goes on to impact.

Teaching is impactful and rewarding. But to truly understand teachers’ impact, look no further than yourself. Likely, you can think back on your own education and remember those teachers who made a difference in your life. Whether by recognizing your potential, sparking an interest or simply caring about you as an individual, you are who you are, in part, because of teachers. Do you have a desire to be that person someone will remember forever?

Who is Best Suited to Be a Teacher?

Successful teachers come from all walks of life, but the best ones tend to share a few essential traits that help them thrive in the classroom:

• Strong communication skills – Teachers must clearly convey ideas, instructions and feedback to students, families and colleagues. Effective communication fosters understanding, builds trust and keeps learning on track.
• Empathy and patience – Every student learns differently and brings unique challenges. Empathy helps teachers connect with their students’ experiences, while patience allows them to support growth at an individual pace.
• Adaptability and creativity – No two days are the same in teaching. Great teachers can pivot when lessons don’t go as planned, finding creative ways to engage students and solve problems on the fly.
• A genuine desire to make a difference – Being a teacher means being mission-minded. The best educators are motivated by a deep commitment to helping others succeed and a belief in the power of education to change lives.

If you enjoy mentoring others, thrive in collaborative environments and are energized by lifelong learning, teaching may be your calling.

What Is Required to Become a Teacher?

To become a public school teacher in Texas, you’ll need:

• A bachelor’s degree (any major, though education or content-specific degrees are helpful)
• Completion of a state-approved educator preparation program (EPP)
• Passing scores on required certification exams (e.g., TExES)
• Fingerprinting and background checks

Once certified, teachers must complete ongoing Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours (typically 150 every five years) to renew their licenses.
If you already hold a degree, post-baccalaureate, our certification programs offer a streamlined path to certification, often combining coursework and a paid teaching internship.

How Do I Get Started?

Start by exploring your interests: What age group do you want to teach? What subjects excite you? From there, identify educator preparation programs that offer:

• Certification paths aligned with your goals and schedule
• Financial assistance
• Mentoring support
• A history of high pass rates on certification exams
• Job placement assistance

For working professionals or career changers, flexible programs such as the ones offered through Rice University’s Education Programs provide part-time and accelerated routes into the classroom.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Rice University’s Education Programs offer respected, TEA-accredited teacher preparation pathways for individuals with a bachelor’s degree seeking certification. Whether you're aiming for early childhood, middle school or high school teaching, Rice offers flexible, affordable options designed for working adults and motivated learners.

Sign up for a free online information session or contact us to schedule a 1-on-1 advising appointment today!