If you want to teach in a private school:
- Major in Classics, taking as much Latin as possible. An MA is not required but often gives a “leg up” when looking for jobs.
- N.B.: As a WashU Undergraduate, you can complete an MA in Classics in one year if you take the right courses (including advanced Greek & Latin courses and Classics 503) as an undergraduate.
If you want to teach in a public school:
- Major in Classics, taking as much Latin as possible (number of credits required varies from state to state; in Missouri it is 30 hours).
- Complete a teaching certification program.
- Note that Certification requirements vary from state to state.
- For certification in Missouri, you have several options.
- For detailed and up-to-date information on Missouri certification in general (requirements change occasionally), visit WashU's Department of Education.
Teaching certification options:
- Complete a degree in Secondary Education together with your BA in Classics through the WashU Department of Education. Be sure to visit with an advisor in education as soon as possible.
- Continue after your BA for a Master of Arts in Teaching in Classics at Washington University.
- Complete an MAT at another university. There are a number of good programs in various parts of the country. Among the best are the University of Massachusetts (Amherst) and the University of Georgia (includes summer and online programs). Some of these programs have financial aid available.
- Some states offer teaching certification to students who have completed the Teach for America Program.
Funding options:
Fulfilling the requirements for certification can be expensive. There are, however, a number of sources of funding. You should definitely take advantage of these if you plan to teach. Here are some of the sources:
- The Classical Association of the Middle West and South offers scholarships to students training to be Latin teachers.
- The American Classical League gives scholarships every year to students planning to teach Latin.
- Eta Sigma Phi, the national Classics honorary society, offers scholarships to its members who are training to teach Latin (another good reason to join WashU’s chapter!)
- The Society for Classical Studies (previously the American Philological Association) offers the Zeph Stewart Latin Teaching Training Award for those seeking teaching certification in Latin.
- The Society for Classical Studies also maintains a page listing various funding sources for classicists at all stages of their training and careers.
Finding a job:
Don’t be shy about contacting specific schools where you might want to teach. The following placement services can help you hook up with schools:
- The Placement Service of the American Classical League
- Southern Teachers Agency
- Independent School Association of the Southwest
- Carney, Sandoe & Associates
Additional Resources on the Web:
- American Classical League
- Classical Association of the Middle West and South
- National Committee for Latin and Greek
- SchoolSpring