The path to becoming a philosophy teacher usually entails a lot of research in this field. There aren’t many K-12 public schools that offer more than a few philosophy classes, but private schools in these grades occasionally welcome philosophy or religion experts to teach ethics or provide formal religious education. Although philosophy and religion are linked, a person who wants to work solely as a philosophy teacher should look for universities that offer a philosophy major.
The best bet for those who want to teach philosophy at the K-12 level, which usually means high school or prep school, is to get an undergraduate degree in philosophy. Most public schools require a credential in order for a teacher to be hired, and credential studies typically take a couple of years after completing an undergraduate degree. A teaching credential is not required all private schools, but many of them do. It is recommended that people meet credentialing requirements in their area to maximize their employability in private schools.
If you want to work as a philosophy teacher at a junior college, you’ll need to get some additional training. Rather than seeking a credential after earning a bachelor’s degree, aspiring teachers must attend graduate school and earn at least a master’s degree in philosophy. This isn’t always sufficient. Some community and junior colleges receive so many job applications that they won’t consider applicants for anything other than adjunct positions unless they have a doctorate. It all depends on where you live and how much demand there is for jobs in this field.
As a result, anyone interested in teaching philosophy at any college level would be best served pursuing a PhD or doctorate in philosophy before looking for work. When it comes to applying for jobs, this can help increase your attractiveness. The additional studies also add expertise and provide opportunities for people to publish and gain recognition in their field. Furthermore, most four-year universities will not consider job applicants without a doctorate.
There is still plenty of room for specializing and learning the things that are most interesting within these specific ways to become a philosophy teacher. Some people prefer to teach critical thinking, while others are more interested in ethics, logic, or metaphysics. Others are interested in philosophy’s history and enjoy learning about how it has changed over time. Teaching in this area, as well as dual studies in philosophy and religion, may cross over into humanities teaching. People will have plenty of options for defining a unique and fascinating course of study, regardless of their main interest, especially with the advanced studies required for teaching positions.