Right now I’m unemployed because my school just closed, but I’ve taught every elementary grade, K-6, if you count my internship.

What it’s like to be a teacher varies widely depending on the school and the grade, among other factors.

The tests you have to take vary from state to state. I had to take a basics skills test before I entered the education program at my college, but Alabama has replaced that with something else since then.  After I graduated, I had to take the Praxis to be certified. Both tests were really easy for me, but I’ve always been good at tests.

If teaching is what you really want to do, then go for it. If you have other career paths that interest you equally, right now I’d look into them. With all the budget cuts, it’s hard to find teaching positions (especially if you let your certification lapse like I did- All teachers pay attention to those dates and don’t let that happen to you.).