How much education does a teacher need?

The level of education required to be a teacher depends on what level the person will be teaching and the state where the school is located. Public school teachers at the kindergarten and elementary levels must have at least a bachelor's degree and be certified to teach in that state. Some states also require a teacher get a master's degree after a few years of teaching to continuing moving up in the career.

Those who wish to teach at the university level must usually have at least a master's degree, and preference is given to those with PhDs or the terminal degree, such as a MFA, in their fields.