DU teachers, I need some advice.

[LostInAnomie]

I graduated in 2003 and have been working for a little bit and decided that I do not like my field I am in. I have decided to go back to school to become a teacher (my original choice for a profession). I need some advice on my best course of action.

I already have a degree in sociology with minors in psychology and criminal justice so I am thinking that the best choice would be a social science education degree which is offered at my alma mater. But, I spoke to another professor at another school and he said that it could be possible to get a history minor and take a few econ classes then go to his school and get a masters in secondary education.

The social science education degree would take almost 100 hours, while the other course would take considerably less and I would have a greater degree. Which do you think would be the best course of action? Which would give me the greater chance of getting a job?

[2Design]

1. go to the NEA site and see what types of teachers are being

advertised for....
elementary ed is over supplied
soft sciences may not be as needed
hard sciences are where most are needed.
or you could see if your state has an accelerated program that would feed you into a shortage area.
once in you could go for your masters.

[WindRavenX]

2. good news

I'm studying to teach biology (currently an undergrad), and the demand for hard sciences is almost at a critical level.

[LostInAnomie]

5. I don't think social science counts as hard science does it?

That would be great if it does.

[WindRavenX]

7. I don't think so

But I could be wrong.
What's the demand for English (lit or otherwise) teachers? I'm double majoring in bio and english...soooooo....

[NewHampshireDem]

3. Forget the "social science education" degree and go for the masters

The first thing to consider is whether your undergraduate degree will qualify you to teach under the NCLB's HQT (highly qualified teacher) provision. To be an HQT--which you'll most likely need to be in order to be hired by most school districts--you essentially have to have a major in the field you're going to teach.

To be a secondary-level social studies teacher you'll need courses in history (US, world, and ancient), economics, psych, etc. The specifics vary state by state, but here in NH they are pretty wide-ranging--meaning they require quite a bit of coursework. You'll want to be sure that whatever university you go to will help you navigate the certification process.

The second consideration is that having a master's degree will earn you more money than have a BA plus credits. Again, the amount will vary by state & district, but is likely to be about $1500-$2000 per year. A master's will also make you a more attractive candidate--don't believe what you hear about schools turning away folks with master's degrees.

Finally, you'll most likely be better prepared by drawing a line between your preparation in history and your preparation in education. Most schools that offer degrees in "(subject area here) education" pad their programs with courses like "(subject area here) for teachers" and such. You don't want that. You want as much knowledge in the area you are going to teach. Obviously you'll have to take some methods courses, but in general it is best if you get your history with other history majors.

I hope that helps. Feel free to PM me if I can help you out at all--I'm a 10-year teacher/school administrator and am more than happy to help others get into the field. :)

[Catshrink]

8. I'd get the masters in your teaching area...

the ed courses you can pick up almost anywhere. I took mine at an online community college. It's just a matter of getting your card punched. Have you thought of teaching at a charter school while you're doing the ed classes? They aren't as rigorous about their teachers' credientials.

[NewHampshireDem]

11. I would disagree with the on-line option for your ed classes

You want to do an ed program that is going to get you out into classrooms as part of your preparation, preferably with some sort of contact between your prof and the cooperating teacher. You don't want a program that is going to say, "Here's a checklist ... find a teacher who will let you into their classroom and fill it out."

Furthermore, I've been part of hiring process for about a dozen teachers and I can tell you that the quality of your preparation does matter. We have several excellent education programs in the area and usually give preference to those who have completed a traditional preparation program. We know what we are getting if someone has done their MA at UNH or one of the other state colleges--someone with credits from an on-line program is an unknown.

I can only speak for the northeast, but I can say that it is very competitive here for teachers in everything but math and science (which are critical shortage areas). Every English or social studies teacher my school district has hired in the past 5 years or so has had at least a master's degree--and it is not because we pay so well that we attract only the best candidates. We had about 30 applicants for the English position we just filled.

[LostInAnomie]

10. One of the professors I talked to told me...

... that going back to get a history minor and a few econ courses would be a good idea because it would show I have a knowledge in the social sciences. I didn't know if I would look qualified enough. How much education do you have to have to be allowed to teach in the subject?

Since I already have a BS in sociology would I count for the HQT provision that you were talking about?

[NewHampshireDem]

12. Probably not, because there is no HQT for "sociology"

If you want to get an idea of what the state certification requirements are click on the link below and search the page for "Ed 507.27 Educator in Social Studies For Grades 5-12."

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rules/ed500.html

Essentially, you'll have to have coursework to demonstrate that you have that knowledge. When it says "in-depth" most programs interpret that to mean a survey course folled up by a more specific course. So for example, to be certified to teach English I needed American Lit I (suervey) and then The Contemporary American Novel (the more in-depth course).

If the university you want to attend is worth its salt, their ed dept should have a handout/checklist with the courses you'll need to take to get your certification. Bring your transcript, get the list, and sit down with someone over there and make them go through your transcript with you--it's what they should be doing for all prospective students, so they'll most likely gladly do it for you.

Remember, it is the university, not the state, that makes the initial recoomendation about certification. Therefore, you really need to worry more about meeting the school's requirements than the state's requirements. (Does that make sense?)

Without knowing what your transcript looks like and what your state's requirements are, I cannot give you any better advice than that.

[1monster]

4. Try substitute teaching in all grade levels and all subjects for a couple

of months before making any decisions. If you can survive (subbing is the worst case scenario for teachers) and enjoy it, as I do, then go for it. My problem is that I find subbing more attractive than being a regular classroom teacher. The headaches are probably about equal, but I get to see a wide range of subject matter.

(My observation as a sub: Elementary school teachers work damned hard. The higher grade teachers have more students, but less subjects and have more planning time.)

[LostInAnomie]

6. I've subbed a few times, and I have been a assistant coach...

... for a high school team. I seem to like it and do fairly well. My job I have now doesn't permit me the time to do it though.

[LWolf]

9. It depends on what state you are going to teach in.

Each state's credential requirements are a little different.

I have a BA in social sciences, and most of an MA in curriculum and instruction, and half of a masters in Library Science. And a multiple-subject credential. I'll finish one of those masters as soon as I'm done paying for the BA. In my state, you need the BA plus 30 units in curriculum and instruction. Plus a bunch of tests to prove subject matter competency. And some other things after the preliminary credential. A BA in liberal arts used to get a waiver for all the tests, but no more.

When I finished the BA 10 years ago, I needed one more class, CA history, for a single-subject waiver. I never got it; maybe when I go back to finish the masters. I think I'm 2 classes short. Meanwhile, I have another 45 units and various additional certifications beyone the BA+30.

What do you want to teach, (high school? college? younger?) and what are the credential requirements in your state?

[Rainstorm]

13. I just went into teaching

I retired from business at age 55 as an engineer last year. I am teaching a couple of college classes in Environmental (my field) this year and I am loving it. I don't do it for the money. In fact I contribute my teaching income to my Church's building program.

I really enjoy it when I know the students are actually learning something.

I have a Master's degree in Environmental Engineering and did not have to take any education courses. My 30 years of experience plus the MS was all that was needed.

[liberalitch]

14. I LOVE being a geography/history teacher....

I get to think and talk about what I love all day long to people who need someone who isn't just there for the paycheck...
so of course I would suggest social science