ABSTRACT
The requirements for becoming a teacher today represent an enormous change from the early 20th century. At that time, a bit of high school and some “normal school” preparation fulfilled the mandates for teaching credentials. By midcentury, states required bachelor’s degrees for teachers, but exemptions from these rules occurred when cities or states experienced a crisis in filling teaching positions. Facing such a crisis in the late 20th century, at least one state allowed teachers to work with only a high school diploma as their preparation. Although clearly an aberration, such situations reflect the struggles of this nation to come to terms with a desire for compulsory public education and the costs associated with this stance. Today, many teachers hold advanced degrees, although exceptions occur, especially in urban areas.
