I'm thinking of earning a teaching certificate

[joneschick]

I've never posted in this forum before but I know from other forums there are lots of great teachers around here.
So I earned my BA (fashion design) in 2002 at the ripe old age of 45 and I've never worked in the industry. I ended up back in mortgage banking, got laid off in 2006 and accidently ended up in retail which I recently left. The lead administrator at daughter's school is encouraging me to look into the process. I have signed up for an information session, but that's not until July 1.
Anyone with experience--I sure would appreciate your words of wisdom.
This link http://www.mteconline.org/certification/ tells the story. :hi:
TIA

edited cuz i cant spel so gud

[leftofcool]

1. Depending on what you want to teach

you will need to go back to college, take all the required edu courses and any courses diretcly related to any high school subjects, if you choose hs, then do the required teacher's training and take the tests. Teacher's training ( they may call it something else now) is one semester in the class room with a teacher and you will be evaluated.

[no_hypocrisy]

2. Friendly caveat.

If you go back to school, I'm telling you to get another bachelors degree.

I too had "the calling" and enrolled in New York University and graduated with a degree in a very comprehensive early childhood and elementary school. MY MISTAKE: I GOT A MASTERS DEGREE. As far as public school employment, I am unmarketable despite my liberal arts degree, four foreign languages, and a great GPA in both BA and MA. Because I COST TOO MUCH TO HIRE!!! The school boards will hire someone with a bachelors with no experience first because they are the lowest on the union pay scales. I'm not begrudgindg the unions. I'm just saying I can't be hired to teach unless I'm a substitute teacher in the public schools or a regular teacher in private schools that pay much less and often w/o benefits.

I wish I could have finished my goal of being a teacher, but there you have it. The only way you have a shot with a masters in education is you are already hired, have tenure, and get your masters AFTER you get tenure. They can't fire you for continuing education and the masters.

[LiberalEsto]

3. Some teaching jobs do require a masters

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/personnel/posclass/1033.shtm

[demmiblue]

5. That is for a reading specialist with teaching experience, as well as an advanced certification.

[LWolf]

7. Try a different state.

Districts in my state WANT teachers with the Masters.

[madeline_con]

8. This depends on the state and the job. n/t

[dsc]

11. try a state where the state pays the salary

Many in the south and west work that way. I know exactly what you are saying. I am unemployable for similar reasons in places like Ohio, PA, NY, etc.

[demmiblue]

4. It depends on the state.

In my state you have to, of course, take all of the education classes. In addition, you have to do two two semesters of student teaching. You can get your teaching certification prior to completing your Master's Degree (after you have completed all of the edu courses, student teaching, and teacher certification test(s)).

Again, it depends on the state. There is one teacher here that was able to teach after a very short program (I think it was a summer program). It depends on the needs and the requirements of your state/city.

Duh... I just clicked on your link. It is a fast track program depending on the area of need. I would just wait for the info session, or ask the administrator of your child's school if he/she has any additional info. Maybe she/he can point you to a teacher that went through the same program.

Good luck! :hi:

[joneschick]

6. Thanks!

yes, it's a fast track 2 year program. I'm excited about the info meeting and just really wanted to 'say it out loud' so to speak to some DU folks. Lol. The lead admin's partner is on the school board as well and they're both very encouraging. Another friend has given me the name and phone of someone that's been thru a similar program and is a sub. The certification program puts me on track for my state license, so I'll be working soon if this all works out. eek

[ulysses]

10. I did an alt. certification program.

It's not for everyone, but it's worked out for me. Good luck! What area are you considering?

[trixie]

9. Must like kids

Must like kids
must like kids
must like kids

Have I said it enough? Must be able to be an advocate for children. Must be able to stand up for a child when all adults around them are insane. Must respect them and truly enjoy being with them.