I'm considering teaching over the summer after I graduate from high school. What qualifications or certifications do I need to teach summer classes? Is it possible to find these kinds of jobs as a recent high school graduate?
To begin with, it's usually a bit challenging to get formal teaching jobs right after high school graduation because most of these roles require at least an undergraduate degree or a teaching license. However, there are some approaches you might take.
One opportunity could be to serve as a teaching assistant or tutor in summer programs, especially those catered towards younger children. Rather than instructing an entire class, you would be assisting a certified teacher and helping students with their assignments.
Another pathway could be volunteering or securing an internship to gain experience. Non-profit educational organizations or community centers often need volunteers to help with their summer programs. You might not have a leading role, but it's a start.
Also, you might want to look into peer tutoring or mentoring programs, where high school students or recent graduates are paid to tutor younger students in various subjects. This is a common practice in test prep companies that cater to high school students preparing for college admission exams.
Do note that any role involving kids, even voluntary positions, may need you to have DBS or similar clearances to ensure you're fit to work with minors. Also, you may have to participate in some form of training or orientation.
In conclusion, while teaching roles can be limited right out of high school, there are several related opportunities where you can contribute and gain valuable experience this summer. Good luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.