Looking for the latest edition? A fully revised and expanded 2025 edition —
Road to Teaching: The Ultimate Guide from Student to Confident Educator — is now available with current edTPA guidance, expanded interview content, and over 100 additional pages. See "Other Editions" above or search "Road to Teaching Hougan." This original 2011 edition remains in print for readers who prefer the streamlined classic.
Trusted by aspiring teachers since 2011.Becoming a teacher is one of the most rewarding career decisions you can make — and one of the most demanding to navigate. From choosing the right teacher preparation program to surviving student teaching to landing your first classroom job, every stage brings questions that textbooks don't answer.
Road to Teaching is the practical field guide that has helped teacher candidates move from uncertain student to confident educator. Written by Dr. Eric Hougan — a teacher preparation professor, National Board Certified Teacher, and longtime mentor — this book distills years of insider knowledge into a single accessible resource.
Inside, you'll find clear guidance on:- Choosing and succeeding in your teacher preparation program
- Building a strong student teaching experience from day one
- Working effectively with your mentor teacher and university supervisor
- Crafting a standout teacher resume, cover letter, and portfolio
- Mastering the teacher interview — including the questions you'll actually be asked
- Navigating your first year and avoiding the burnout traps
What readers are saying:"This book came in handy throughout student teaching and the job search. The strategies for building strong relationships with my students and cooperating teacher helped me start the experience on the right foot." — R. Yocum, Verified Reviewer
"I went into a teacher interview after using the book's question list, and at least ten of the questions I'd practiced came up. I felt genuinely prepared, even without prior teaching experience." — S. J. Sullivan, Verified Reviewer
"After ten years in the classroom, I wish I'd had this book when I started. It would have saved me a lot of time and grief." — BeerArtLife, Verified Reviewer
Whether you're an education major just beginning your journey, a career-changer entering teacher preparation, or a student teacher in the thick of placement, Road to Teaching gives you the roadmap no one else hands you.
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.
Want the latest edition? See "Other Editions" for Road to Teaching: The Ultimate Guide from Student to Confident Educator (2025) — significantly expanded with current edTPA strategies, updated interview content, and new material on the realities of today's classrooms.
Promoting effective teaching is a the core of Eric Hougan's work. Having diverse K-12 teaching experiences and supporting school districts with effective instruction, Dr. Hougan is a nationally recognized educator, advocate, and writer. Currently, he is an assistant professor in teacher education at Central Washington University and a National Board Certified teacher. Dr. Hougan is the author of Road to Teaching: A Guide to Teacher Training, Student Teaching, and Finding a Job. He is also the site author for one of the web's fastest growing resources for teachers - roadtoteaching.com. For his school and community efforts, Dr. Hougan was recognized as a Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) Emerging Leader.
