Life is full of teachers. Most people have had teachers who have made lasting impressions and taught valuable lessons far beyond a written curriculum. Perhaps you have had such a teacher, or perhaps you have been such a teacher to someone else.

Life is also full of opportunities to teach, and many adults who have not been professionally trained as teachers have sought teaching opportunities in their careers as military officers, as business trainers or mentors, as scout troop leaders, as Sunday school teachers, or as volunteer coaches. Imparting skills and knowledge to others is rewarding.

Perhaps you are one of those people who have found personal satisfaction in encouraging others to learn and grow. As you consider a second career, teaching in the nation’s schools may be a good fit for your experience, skills, and interests. New programs in alternative certification for teachers now make it possible for those with college degrees to become certified teachers while they teach and earn a paycheck. Check out information here to learn about:

• Understand the teaching profession by watching an informative video produced by the Western States Certification Consortium in collaboration with the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs and the Mountain West Troops to Teachers office.
• Today's schools, students, challenges—Click on Teaching Today
• What is it like to be a teacher? Click on Teaching as a Profession
• How can I get certified to teach? Go to Routes to Certification
• And how do I pay for certification training? Click on Financing Alternative Certification for an overview of your options.
• Do you have questions about whether teaching is for you? Do you need suggestions about how to determine if you have the stuff to be a good teacher? Click on Is Teaching for You?
• Questions? Click FAQ.