Knowing what types of teaching jobs are available and what they entail may help you decide if teaching is for you and if so what type of teaching you should pursue.Elementary and Secondary TeachingTo be a teacher for elementary aged children the requirements vary from state to state. Generally, most states require that a teacher has a bachelors degree in education along with student teaching experience.Then, most states also require that you pass their certification tests and meet all legal requirements like background and drug testing.Elementary school teachers are typically work ten months out of each year with their summers off.Teachers plan and execute lessons, evaluate students based on educational criteria and communicate with students parents or guardians.They are also responsible for classroom discipline and basic classroom maintenance.Special EducationTeaching special education requires an extra special type of person. You need to have double the amount of patience, dedication and persistence as standard teachers do.Depending on the state you live, in you may even need to earn a masters degree to teach special education. You must be licensed to teach special education and you must have taken additional specialized courses during your education.Special education teachers teach children with a wide variety of physical, mental and emotional disabilities. That can encompass children who are deaf, blind, autistic, or simply have a learning disability.Teachers may be focusing on additional things above educational curriculum such as daily living skills. There are many new technologies and teaching methods emerging for use in this area of education so, continued education is advisable.ProfessorMany people love to educate, but they do not have the stamina or desire to deal with younger students. This makes the idea of becoming a college professor very appealing.College professors can teach a wide array of subjects for both professional growth or personal enhancement. They can also lead and conduct research with their students. The education requirements to become a professor vary based on the subject and the school it is being taught at.Some schools may even require you to have a PhD to teach certain subjects or at all.