The complete guide to becoming a confident, well-prepared classroom teacher.

Becoming a teacher means navigating teacher preparation, surviving student teaching, passing the edTPA, acing the interview, and landing your first classroom job - all while staying focused on the work that matters. Road to Teaching is the practical, all-in-one field guide that walks you through every stage.

Now in its expanded 2025 edition, this 316-page guide brings together two decades of insider knowledge from a teacher preparation professor who has helped thousands of teacher candidates make the transition from uncertain student to confident educator.Inside you'll find clear, actionable guidance on: Getting the most out of your teacher preparation programMastering the edTPA with proven strategies and real examplesExcelling during student teaching - from day one through final evaluationBuilding a standout teacher resume, cover letter, and portfolioPreparing for the teacher interview with 100+ real questions and frameworks for answering themNavigating your first year and avoiding the burnout traps that derail new teachersPraise for Road to Teaching:

"Road to Teaching leaves no stone unturned in the journey to becoming a teacher. Dr. Hougan covers all the nuances from preparation through the interview process. A practical guide that helps build well-rounded, thoughtful educators." - Shannon Peña, Veteran Educator

"Dr. Hougan articulates what it takes to prepare for the profession. I've applied his practices in my own teaching, and being able to come into the classroom more prepared is the best feeling. Practical and supportive." - Alex Castro-Wilson, Elementary TeacherWhy this book is different:

Most education textbooks focus on theory. This one gives you the practical playbook - the strategies, scripts, and frameworks experienced educators wish they'd had as candidates. Every chapter combines real-world examples with concrete next steps you can apply immediately.

About the author: Dr. Eric Hougan is a professor of teacher education at Central Washington University, a former K-12 classroom teacher, and a National Board Certified Teacher. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Washington and has spent over two decades preparing the next generation of educators.

Ideal for education majors, career-changers entering teaching, student teachers, edTPA candidates, and anyone preparing for their first teacher interview.