Teaching

Teaching, range of activities used to demonstrate skills, impart information, and guide individuals in learning. Informal teaching, which takes place in any setting and without any requisite structure, may come from parents, employers, colleagues, or other persons. Formal teaching generally occurs in a structured setting and is administered by professional teachers. In the United States since the beginning of the 19th century, teaching procedures for elementary and secondary schools have been increasingly formalized by teacher-training programs and state certification (varying from state to state). Training in education includes general coursework in the subject areas the teacher will specialize in, special courses in educational theory and practice, and practice or student teaching in real classrooms. Both training programs and certification are particular to the grade level and the subject area. Uncertified support personnel are known as teacher aides or paraprofessionals. State certification requirements vary widely, and many states do not accept certificates issued in other states. Many school systems now require evaluations of professional teachers to maintain their level of competence. Teachers are generally hired by the local school board, often under regulation of the master agreement between the board and the teachers' union. In some states teachers are then protected by tenure agreements and cannot easily be fired. The National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) are the main professional organizations that deal with working conditions and salaries.