What degree do I need to become a teacher

Okay, so I really want to be a teacher. Like, since I was little, it’s all I’ve ever wanted. But I’m starting to get a little overwhelmed by all the different degree options and certifications and everything. I’m mainly interested in teaching elementary school (so, kindergarten through 5th grade), but I’m also considering maybe teaching high school English Literature.

So my main question is, what specific degree(s) should I be looking at? Is it enough to just get a Bachelor’s in, say, English, and then get some kind of teaching certification? Or do I need a degree specifically in education? Does it matter what state I’m in (I’m in California, by the way)? And if I do get a general degree like English, are there specific courses I should make sure to take that will help me get a teaching job later? Are there other qualifications I should consider, like being bilingual? I speak Spanish fluently.

Thanks for any guidance you can offer!

Answer

The level of education required to become a teacher in Türkiye varies depending on the level of education you wish to teach. Basically, a bachelor’s degree (university degree) is required to teach. However, the undergraduate program you graduate from and whether you have pedagogical training are also important. Here are the requirements for teaching at different levels:

1. Preschool Teacher (Kindergarten Teacher):

Bachelor’s Degree: Graduation from a university’s undergraduate program in Preschool Teaching.
Alternative: Graduates of a Child Development Department can also become preschool teachers. However, in this case, they may be required to obtain pedagogical training. Pedagogical training is a training program that provides the knowledge and skills required for the teaching profession.

2. Classroom Teacher (Primary School Teacher):

Bachelor’s Degree: Graduation from a university’s undergraduate program in Classroom Teaching.

3. Specialty Teacher (Middle and High School Teachers):

Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree in the relevant field is required. For example, to become a Mathematics Teacher, you must have graduated from a bachelor’s degree program in Mathematics, Mathematical Engineering, or Mathematics Teaching. To become a Physics Teacher, you must have graduated from a bachelor’s degree program in Physics, Physics Engineering, or Physics Teaching.
Pedagogical Formation: Those with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field must complete pedagogical formation training approved by the Ministry of National Education (MoNE). Pedagogical formation is a training program that provides the knowledge and skills required for the teaching profession. This program is generally offered by universities. While the formation can be taken in addition to undergraduate education, some universities offer it integrated into the undergraduate program.
Non-thesis Master’s Degree: In some cases, a non-thesis master’s degree in a related field instead of pedagogical formation may be sufficient for teaching. This requirement may vary depending on the criteria determined by the MoNE.

In summary:

Preschool and Primary School Teaching: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
Specialized Teaching: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field + Pedagogical Formation (or, in some cases, a non-thesis master’s degree).

Additional Information:

Teaching Field Knowledge Test (ÖABT): The Teaching Field Knowledge Test (ÖABT) is administered to prospective teachers in teacher appointments made by the Ministry of National Education (MEB). This test measures the prospective teachers’ knowledge of their respective fields.
KPSS: The Public Personnel Selection Examination (KPSS) is mandatory for candidates seeking to be appointed as teachers in public schools. The KPSS covers general aptitude, general knowledge, and educational sciences.
Private Schools: A bachelor’s degree and pedagogical training are generally required to teach in private schools. However, it is important to learn the requirements of the relevant school, as private schools may have their own criteria.

For the most up-to-date and accurate information, it is important to follow the Ministry of National Education’s (MEB) website (meb.gov.tr) and announcements from the General Directorate of Teacher Training and Development. The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) website (yok.gov.tr) may also contain useful information.

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I'm Mustafa Bulut, an education researcher and content specialist with over a decade of experience helping students navigate the complexities of academic life — from decoding GPA scales to understanding what top universities actually look for in applicants. My work focuses on making higher education accessible and understandable. I've spent years researching university admissions processes, standardized testing systems (SAT, ACT, TOEFL), and the real-world career paths that follow graduation. Whether you're a high school junior trying to figure out if your GPA is competitive for Ivy League schools, or an adult learner weighing the cost of going back to school, I write with you in mind. I cover five core areas on StudentAnswers: university admissions and GPA benchmarks, SAT and ACT test preparation strategies, teacher career outlooks and education job markets, global literacy trends and education access, and student finance including loans, scholarships, and hidden costs of higher education. Before launching StudentAnswers, I worked extensively with education data — analyzing acceptance rates, salary statistics for education professionals, and literacy reports from UNESCO and national education departments. I believe that good education content should give readers a clear answer, not just more questions. Every article I publish goes through a research and editorial review process. I cite primary sources wherever possible — official university data, government labor statistics, and peer-reviewed education research — because students deserve accurate information when making decisions that shape their futures.

✓ Reviewed by: Studentanswers Editorial Team ✓ Fact-checked: 27 July 2025

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