How do Teachers become Teachers?

Summary

Who Smarted? – How Do Teachers Become Teachers?

Podcast: Who Smarted?
Release Date: April 29, 2026
Theme: Exploring How Teachers Become Teachers, the Different Types of Teachers, and What Makes Teaching Special

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Episode Overview

In this lively and humorous episode, the Who Smarted? team dives into the world of teaching, answering kid-friendly questions like: How do teachers become teachers? What kinds of teachers are there? What do teachers really do inside and outside the classroom? Guided by the show’s trusty narrator (Trusty) and his favorite third-grade teacher, Mrs. Vegas, listeners are taken on a playful and informative trip that uncovers the path to becoming a teacher, what teachers actually do day-to-day, and why believing in students is key to great teaching. This episode is packed with fun facts, memorable moments, and lots of laughs—all tailored for curious kids (and adults!) who want a peek behind the classroom curtain.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Many Hours Spent in School

• Fun Fact: By graduation, the average US student spends over 14,000 hours in school.

  “If you said c, over 14,000 hours, you’re right.” – Mrs. Vegas (04:11)

• Insight: It’s more than enough time to master school—but only if you have great teachers.

2. Types of Teachers & What They Teach

• Overview: Teachers are divided into several categories: Preschool, Kindergarten/Elementary, Middle, Secondary, Post-secondary, Vocational, and Special Education.

  “The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics divides teaching into categories, including preschool, kindergarten and elementary, middle, secondary, post secondary, vocational, and special education.” – Mrs. Vegas (05:14)

• Preschool: Introduce letters, numbers, basic science (sizes, shapes, textures, senses).

• Kindergarten: Focus on early language, math, science, and social studies.

• Elementary onwards: Build on previous knowledge, continually expanding scope and depth.

3. How Do Teachers Make Learning Enjoyable?

• Different Learning Styles:

  • Tactile/Kinesthetic (learning by doing)
  • Auditory (learning by listening)

    “Some students like to experience things for themselves to understand them… Other people like to listen to things to learn." – Mrs. Vegas (06:59)

• Adapting Lessons:

  • Beyond lectures—teachers now use projects, visuals (videos, films), and movement breaks to engage students.
  • Adapting teaching styles helps reach every student, not just those who learn best by listening.

• Use of Technology:

  “Today, computers are a very important tool for teachers.” – Mrs. Vegas (08:38)
  Modern classrooms often provide computers and tablets, both at school and home.

4. Teachers' Roles Inside & Outside the Classroom

• Beyond Teaching Lessons:

  • Supervising clubs (like Science Club)
  • Field trips (e.g., planetarium visits)
  • Study halls, homeroom supervision
  • Planning lessons and activities

    “Teachers… might need to supervise study halls… They might also need to supervise homeroom… and of course, plan lessons and activities.” – Mrs. Vegas (09:43)

• Workload Realities:

  “It’s certainly not a little. And it can definitely be stressful at times, like almost any job. But most teachers know what they’re signing up for and the rest learn quickly.” – Mrs. Vegas (10:07)

5. The Most Important Teacher Quality

• Believing in Students:

  “Studies show students are more likely to learn and enjoy school when they know their teacher believes that they can succeed.” – Mrs. Vegas (10:51)

• Personal Anecdote:

  “I might not be the trusty narrator of who Smarted if you hadn’t believed in me when I was in your class.” – Trusty (11:05)

6. What Schooling is Required to Become a Teacher?

• Education Path:

  • Most need at least a bachelor’s degree (4 years of college).
  • Some states require a master’s degree after starting, plus a teaching license (issued by state boards).

    “In most cases, you need at least a bachelor’s degree… Some states also require a master’s degree… And some states make you pass a test before you can become a teacher.” – Mrs. Vegas (16:37)

• Teaching License:

  “It’s essentially a license that lets you teach, and it’s usually given by a state board of education or a licensure advisory committee.” – Mrs. Vegas (17:06)

• Alternate Routes:

  • Programs exist for those who already have a bachelor’s in another field—no need to start college from scratch.

    “Everywhere in the United States offers programs for teachers who have a bachelor’s degree in the subject they want to teach but didn’t take the education courses required for a teaching license.” – Mrs. Vegas (17:42)

7. Other Teaching-like Jobs & Career Paths

• Coaches:

  “Coaching is like teaching only for sports.” – Mrs. Vegas (18:41)

• Career Progression:

  • Teachers can become principals or superintendents.

  “Most principals are caring and friendly people who just want the best for their schools and students.” – Mrs. Vegas (19:41)

  • Superintendents oversee entire school districts and support both students and teachers.

• Lifelong Learning:

  “Everyone needs to keep learning.” – Mrs. Vegas (20:31)

8. Myths & Fun Reveals: The Teacher’s Lounge

• Curious Kids Want to Know:

  “What’s in the teacher’s lounge? Video games, a pool? Bouncy castle?” – Trusty (20:39)
  Reality: A table, couch, fridge, vending machine, copier, and, of course, lots of coffee.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “My pleasure, Trusty. Part of a teacher’s job is getting students excited about learning.” – Mrs. Vegas (02:20)
• “I play [Who Smarted?] for my class all the time and tell all my teacher friends to do the same.” – Mrs. Vegas (02:24)
• “That’s why I chose narrating. It’s pretty stress-free. Well, except when I get a million episode requests from the Smarty Pants…” – Trusty (10:20)
• “You can’t use your teaching license to drive the school bus? … Too bad. I’ve always wanted to drive a school bus. Or an ice cream truck.” – Trusty (17:21)
• “Go see for yourself… [about the teacher’s lounge] … just a table, a couch, a fridge, a vending machine, a copier… and coffee. Lots and lots and lots of coffee.” – Mrs. Vegas (20:47)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:07 – Visiting Trusty’s old classroom, meeting Mrs. Vegas
• 03:29 – Quiz: How many hours do kids spend in school?
• 05:14 – Types of teachers
• 06:59 – Different learning styles
• 08:28 – Modern teacher tools (computers)
• 09:10 – Teachers’ duties beyond teaching
• 10:51 – The most important teacher quality: Belief in students
• 16:21 – Quiz: How much schooling does a teacher need?
• 16:37 – Requirements for becoming a teacher (degrees, licenses)
• 17:38 – Alternate paths to teaching
• 18:41 – Coaches & non-classroom teachers
• 19:27 – Moving up: Principals and superintendents
• 20:39 – What’s really inside a teacher’s lounge?

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Episode Tone & Takeaways

• Warm, playful, and interactive: Frequent direct questions to listeners encourage active participation.
• Celebratory toward teachers: Highlights dedication, adaptability, and impact teachers have on students.
• Encourages curiosity: Frequent encouragement for kids to ask questions and explore.
• Key takeaway: Teaching is a meaningful, challenging, and rewarding profession that shapes lives far beyond lesson plans.

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Bonus Shoutouts

• Celebrates real listener families (Owen, Angus, and Anna J.).
• Thanks all teachers and educators (“We appreciate all that you do”).

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This episode is perfect for young listeners, parents, and aspiring educators alike—bringing a hilarious, insightful, and gratitude-filled look at the world of teachers. If you ever wondered what goes into becoming (and being!) a teacher, or just want to laugh while learning, this Who Smarted? installment delivers.

Transcript

[A]

Hey, parents trusty here. You know what I hear constantly from homeschool parents in the whosmarted community? Thank you for introducing us to ixl. I get it. My cousin homeschools her kids and raves about how much IXL helps. We're heading into that stretch where families are finishing the year strong and then summer hits with travel camps and shifting routines, and that's where IXL shines. IXL is an award winning online learning platform that fits seamlessly into homeschooling with interactive practice across math, language arts, science and social studies from Pre K through 12th grade. Everything's organized by grade and subject, so you quickly find what each kid needs. Kids get instant explanations. And parents, you get clear Progress reports. Over 15 million students use IXL and it's proven to improve achievement in all 50 states. So make an impact on your child's learning. Who Smarted? Listeners get an exclusive 20% off when they sign up today at www.ixl.com smartid. That's ixl.com/smarted. And now it's time for who Smarted?

[B]

Psst.

[A]

Hey, smarty pants. Guess where I am. Here's a hint. It's somewhere I haven't been back to for a long time. Nope, definitely not my favorite pizzeria. Or any pizzeria. Did you say school? Why yes, more specifically, my old elementary school. Yep, I'm visiting the school I attended from kindergarten until sixth grade to learn more about teachers from none other than my favorite teacher, Mrs. Vegas. When I was in her class in third grade, she inspired me to ask lots of questions and learn more about everything. And look where I am now. Asking lots of questions and learning about everything on who smarted. Hey Mrs. Vegas. It's so good to see you again.

[C]

Oh well, if it isn't one of my all time favorite students.

[A]

I can't believe you're still teaching here after all these years.

[C]

Oh yes, still going. You know, I couldn't imagine doing anything else. I love it.

[A]

Well, I can't thank you enough for inspiring me to always want to learn more.

[C]

My pleasure, trustee. Part of a teacher's job is getting students excited about learning. And speaking of, I love what you have done with who Smarted. I play it for my class all the time and tell all my teacher friends to do the same.

[A]

That's wonderful. Now, I know I'm no longer a student in your class, but I was wondering, hoping you could once again inspire me and and teach me and the smarty pants about teachers. And since you always encouraged me to ask Lots of questions. I have lots of questions for you. Like how do teachers become teachers? Are there different kinds of teachers? And what are some ways teachers help students learn?

[C]

Oh, wow. I am so honored to help you and the smarty pants with your questions. Nothing makes a teacher happier than a student who's excited to learn.

[D]

Great.

[A]

Get ready to find out the answers to these questions and more as we take another whiff of science and history on who's smarted?

[D]

Who's smarted? Who's smart? Is it you? Is it me? Is it science or history? Listen up, everyone. We make smarting lots of fun. But who's smarted,

[A]

Smarty pants? Question. Between the ages of 4 and 18, kids spend a lot of time in school. How much time does the average student in the United States spend in school by the time they graduate from high school? Is it a over 10,000 hours, b over 12,000 hours, or c over 14,000 hours?

[C]

If you said c over 14,000 hours, you're right.

[A]

That's a lot of hours. It's been said that it takes 10,000 hours to truly master something using that logic, by the time you graduate from 12th grade, you have more than mastered school.

[C]

Exactly. Of course, attending school isn't enough. There needs to be someone to plan the lessons, teach the material for the various subjects, work with the students and motivate them to want to learn. That's where a teacher comes in for me. I love making the time students spent in my class as enjoyable and productive as possible.

[A]

You sure did. I still remember how much fun I had in your third grade classroom.

[C]

Oh, I'm so glad to hear that, trustee. And since I taught third grade, that meant I was an elementary school teacher, right?

[A]

Does that mean there are different kinds of teachers? What do you think, smartypants?

[C]

The answer, of course, is yes. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics divides teaching into categories, including preschool, kindergarten and elementary, middle, secondary, post secondary, vocational, and special education.

[A]

But what do preschoolers need to learn in school? They're so young.

[C]

True, but that's the time to start learning. Preschool teachers introduce letters and letter sounds, numbers, and even basic science to get preschoolers ready for kindergarten.

[A]

Preschoolers learn science?

[C]

Sure things like observing sizes and shapes of things, or colors and textures. They learn about their five basic senses and things like measurements or sorting and of course, communicating.

[A]

That's funny. We've actually done who Smarted Episodes on most of these topics just for elementary school kids.

[C]

Yep, a lot of things you learn when you're younger than simply get expanded on as you get older.

[A]

What do teachers teach in kindergarten?

[C]

In kindergarten, 5 to 6 year olds start learning about language, math, science, and social studies. No matter which category a teacher's job falls into, though, all teachers have the same goal. To help their students enjoy learning.

[A]

Trusty narrators too? Of course. On who smarted? I try to make learning funny. And while that can be effective, I don't think that's the goal of most school teachers.

[C]

Yeah, I seriously doubt I could be as funny as you, trustee.

[A]

What can I say? It's a gift. So how do teachers help their students enjoy learning?

[C]

It often depends on the way a student prefers to learn. Some students like to experience things for themselves to understand them. That's called tactile kinesthetic learning. Other people like to listen to things to learn. That's called auditory learning.

[A]

Hey now. Now you're speaking my language too, Smart Eddie.

[C]

Teachers can use lessons or one on one instruction to help students learn and for students to show their teacher what they have learned.

[A]

Has this always been the way things were taught?

[C]

Nope. A long time ago, the only kind of lesson in school was a teacher standing in front of the room and giving a lecture. That turned out not to be the best learning environment for every student. So now teachers at every grade level try to adapt their teaching style for every student in the class.

[A]

I see. And how would that work?

[C]

Some lessons involve doing a project where students can try things on their own. Some lessons include visuals, like watching a video or film. Teachers also implement movement brain breaks when students have been sitting for too long.

[A]

Oh yeah, that all sounds much better than just sitting at a desk listening to lectures all day. Don't you agree, smartypants? They're nodding.

[C]

Really? You can see them?

[A]

Yeah. That's another gift I have. Anyway, what are some of the tools teachers use?

[C]

Well, here, I'll give you an audio hint, Smarty pants.

[A]

Did you guess what that was? Why, of course. It's a computer.

[C]

Today, computers are a very important tool for teachers.

[A]

That's funny. We didn't use computers at all when I was in elementary school.

[C]

Yep, times they have a change. Trusty. Today, students start using computers at home and at school at a young age. So teachers need to understand technology and help students learn how to use the best computers or tablets to improve their education.

[A]

Absolutely. Besides teaching your class, what are some other parts of your job?

[C]

I also supervise the science club after school and accompany students on field trips. You know, one of my favorites is going to the planetarium.

[A]

Oh, I remember that. It was awesome. Smarty pants, have you ever gone on any class trips. Go ahead, shout out where you've gone. Uh huh. Uh huh. I heard museums, the aquarium, the zoo, a concert, a theme park, and the Statue of Liberty. Nice. What are some other things teachers do outside of the classroom?

[C]

Teachers with older students might need to supervise study halls, where students have free time to get a start on their homework or study for tests. They might also need to supervise homeroom, where attendance is taken at the start of the school day. And of course, teachers at all grade levels need to plan lessons and activities for students.

[A]

Wow, that's a lot.

[C]

It's certainly not a little. And it can definitely be stressful at times, like almost any job. But most teachers know what they're signing up for and the rest learn quickly.

[A]

That's why I chose narrating. It's pretty stress free. Well, except when I get a million episode requests from the smarty pants and I have to try and do them all. Just be patient, smarty pants. I'm trying to get to them all. Anyway, speaking of teaching Smartypants, what is often cited as the most important quality for being a good teacher? Is it A having the best classroom supplies, B throwing class parties every week, or C believing in your students?

[C]

If you said C believing in your students, you're right. Studies show students are more likely to learn and enjoy school when they know their teacher believes that they can succeed.

[A]

I might not be the trusty narrator of who Smarted if you hadn't believed in me when I was in your class. And of course I believe in all of you, smarty pants.

[C]

Awesome Trustee. Why is your hand raised?

[A]

Mrs. Vegas? Can I go to the lavatory?

[C]

Well, of course, Trustee, but you don't need to raise your.

[A]

Sorry. Being in this classroom with you is bringing back memories. And speaking of being in a classroom, how much schooling does a teacher need to do in order to become a teacher?

[C]

Ooh, great question, Trustee.

[A]

Thanks. And we'll find out the answer right after a quick bathroom break for me and some words from our sponsors for you. Attention smarty Parents. Do you run your family off sticky notes, random texts, and crossed fingers? Then you need the Skylight Calendar. It's a digital calendar that syncs with Google, Apple, Outlook, and more, becoming the central information hub for your family. Now, I love using the Tasks feature on who Smarted? It means no more. Wait, what am I supposed to be doing? And for smarty pants, checking off their tasks makes it fun and rewarding to do chores like brushing teeth and homework. Skylight also simplifies grocery lists, meal planning, and never ending pickups and drop offs. Skylight is so confident you'll love their calendar that they offer 100% money back, no questions asked for four full months. Families are better when they're working together. Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15 inch calendars by going to myskylight.com smarted go to myskylight.com smartED for $30 off your 15 inch calendar. That is my S K Y L I G-H-T.com smarted. You know what I love? TaskRabbit when we moved our whosmarted office, how did we find our mover TaskRabbit When I've got errands piling up and zero time to run them? TaskRabbit Ikea furniture assembly that's about to drop Drive me mental. I Call me a tasker. I've been blown away by how helpful and awesome they are every single time. TaskRabbit connects you with skilled taskers in your area for moving furniture, assembly, home repairs, mounting a tv, yard work, you name it. You can search based on cost, skill set, availability and past client reviews and these taskers have put in the reps over 3.4 million pieces of furniture assembled and 700,000 home repairs. One and a half million moves and counting. I love TaskRabbit Smartypants and you will too. When life happens. Your to do list grows. Get ahead of it now and get $15 off your first [e-mail] or on the TaskRabbit app using promo code Smarted. Taskers book up fast, especially for same day tasks. So book trusted home help today. That's $15 off your first task using promo code smarted with the TaskRabbit app [e-mail]

[B]

who's that walking through the woods?

[C]

Wyatt's Woohoo.

[B]

Here to explore a world of curious creatures with you Discovered a creature you haven't seen before? Why don't you get Yoshi to see what it tastes like?

[C]

Hmm, soapy.

[B]

No wonder this creature blows giant bubble. They can carry you. You can even jump from one bubble to another and reach new areas. There are plenty more surprises to discover too. Bowser Jr. What are you doing out here? You can jump into adventure with Yoshi and the mysterious book. May 21st only on Nintendo Switch 2 game rated E for everyone.

[A]

Attention all non mouth breathers. This is a code red. I repeat, this is a code red. So listen very carefully. What I'm about to say will turn your world upside down I'm transmitting to you from Hawkins, Indiana to deliver this urgent message. Something survived in the winter of 85. So get ready for an all new animated adventure from the creators of Stranger Things. Bundle up and join 11 Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, Max, and all your most beloved characters as they uncover new mysteries, new monsters, and their greatest adventure yet. You've seen them fight Demogorgon, you've seen them fight Vecna, but you've never seen anything like this. Return to Hawkins for a whole new dimension of the Stranger Things universe in this epic animated series. Friends don't lie, so believe the hype. Stranger things tales from 85 only on netflix. Over and out. Now back to who smarted? And I'm back. Okay, smarty pants, see if you can figure this out. How much schooling does a teacher need to complete in order to become a teacher? Is it A, they only need to finish the grade that they plan to teach, B, they need to graduate high school, or C, they need to finish at least four years of college?

[C]

If you said C, at least four years of college, you're right.

[A]

Yeah, that would be pretty weird to have a fourth grader teaching third grade. So, Mrs. Vegas, what do you actually need to do to become a teacher?

[C]

In most cases, you need at least a bachelor's degree. That's the degree given to a student who completes four years of undergraduate college studies. Some states also require teachers get a master's degree with a certain amount of time after they start teaching. And some states make you pass a test before you can become a teacher. You will also need a teaching license to become a teacher in a school.

[A]

Is that like a driver's license?

[C]

Sort of. It's essentially a license that lets you teach, and it's usually given by a state board of education or a licensure advisory committee.

[A]

But you can't use it to drive the school bus?

[C]

No.

[A]

Too bad. I've always wanted to drive a school bus. Or an ice cream truck. Speaking of cool jobs, what happens if someone decides they want to be a teacher after they already have a college degree for something else? Do they have to start all over? What do you think, Smartypants? Yes or no?

[C]

The answer is usually no.

[A]

Whoa.

[C]

Everywhere in the United States offers programs for teachers who have a bachelor's degree in the subject they want to teach but didn't take the education courses required for a teaching license. Granted, they will have to take some classes, but it beats having to start over.

[A]

I'll say. Oh, and for the record, there are no classes or license required to become A trustee narrator. But you do need to know how to work a teleportation app.

[C]

Up, trusty trustee. Where'd you go?

[A]

Whoops. I'm back. Where were we? Oh, I know. I was about to mention some other jobs that are like teachers. While not technically called teachers. Smartypants, can you think of any? Here's a hint.

[D]

All right, team, we're down 48 points with less than a minute to go. But I think we can still win this thing. I believe in you.

[A]

Did you say a coach? Coaching is like teaching only for sports.

[C]

It sure is. You know, people who know about sports and like to share what they know often become coaches. And many high school coaches also teach a school subject.

[A]

Say, Mrs. Vegas, do teachers usually stay teachers for their whole career?

[C]

It depends. I love being in the classroom, which is why I've been able to teach for over 30 years. But after a while, some teachers might want to change of pace so they take more classes, get another certification, or maybe even do a different job in the school.

[A]

Smarty pants, what's a job a teacher might want to become? Is it A, a bus driver, B, the lunch lady? Or C, a principal?

[C]

While all those jobs are necessary, the one most teachers might aspire to is C, a principal.

[A]

When I was in school, I was afraid of being sent to the principal's office.

[C]

That is a pretty common fear. But the truth is, most principals are caring and friendly people who just want the best for their schools and students. Of course, if you break the rules, the principal may want to discipline you or even contact your adults.

[A]

Right. Luckily, I am a rule follower. Is the principal as high up as it gets?

[C]

Nope. Some principals decide to become school superintendents.

[A]

Superintendents? Is that an intendant who has superpowers?

[C]

No. School superintendents keep the board of education informed about the needs of the school district and what's going on in the schools. They also help find learning opportunities for teachers.

[A]

Wait, teachers still need to learn things, too?

[C]

Oh, sure. Everyone needs to keep learning.

[A]

I agree. There's one more thing I've always wondered about.

[C]

What's that?

[A]

What's in the teacher's lounge? Video games, A pool? Bouncy castle.

[C]

Go see for yourself.

[A]

Huh? Just a table, a couch, a fridge, a vending machine, a copier.

[C]

And coffee. Lots and lots and lots of coffee. Oh, I love coffee.

[A]

Right. Say, is anyone gonna eat this leftover pizza? A big shout out to some super smarty fans. Owen, Angus, and their mom, Anna J. Thank you so much for smarting with us and for emailing me about alligators and Animal conservation. We're so happy to have your family as part of our smarty family and hope you keep on smarting on. And a big, big thanks to all the teachers and educators listening out there. We appreciate all that you do. This episode Teachers was written by Sarah Sweetig, who is also a teacher, and voiced by Kat Seal, Adam Coach Davis and Jerry Colbert. Technical direction and sound design by Josh Hahn. Our Associate producer is Max Kamaski. The theme song is by Brian Suarez with lyrics written and performed by Adam Tex Davis who Smarted was created and produced by Adam Tex Davis and Jerry Colbert. This has been an Atomic Audio Production.

[D]

Who Smarted

[A]

hey there smarty pants, smarty parents and smarty families. I've got some exciting news to share and best of all, it's all because of you. Thanks to all of you listening, laughing and smarting with us, WhoSmarted is now over 1 million downloads a month. If that sounds like a lot, that's because it is. I couldn't be happier to share this news with you, our smarty fans. But that's not all. I want to celebrate this moment with you by offering 50% off a WhoSmarted plus subscription for the next week. A yearly subscription to WhoSmarted plus is half off the regular price. You'll get a year of bonus smarting and ad free listening for only $19.99. Doing some quick math, that's only $1.66 a month. Look, I can't even get a slice of decent pizza for that. To help support who's Smarted and get weekly subscriber only episodes and ad free listening for 50% off, go to WhoSmarter.com click Subscribe to WhoSmarted plus, choose the annual plan and enter promo code SMART20. That's WhoSmarted.com click subscribe to WhoSmribed plus, choose the annual plan and Enter promo code SMART20. Thank you so much for being part of our Smarty family and smarting with us once again. That's WhoSmarted.com subscribe to WhoSmarted plus, choose the annual plan and use promo code SMART20 for 50% off. But hurry, this offer expires soon.