I need some advice from the wise people on this board. I won't go into my complete life story so to be brief, I am close to completing a Business degree at ECE (within the next 2 to 3 months, hopefully). I also have a good deal of computer experience and posses a variety of different certifications. I have had a desire for quite some time now to get into teaching. I have read the requirements on my state's department of education web site (I live in Utah). My state does have an Alternative Route for getting a license. I would like to get a license to teach at the Elementary level. It says on the web site that in order to do the Alternate Route for Elementary education I would have to have a minimum of an undergraduate degree in Child Development. Would I have to get a second Bachelor's degree in order to qualify for this license? Could I maybe pursue a Master's degree in Education to fulfill this requirement? It also states that I can also take the alternate route if I have a Business degree. I would assume this would be teaching at the High School level? If I went that route would I then be closer to the Elementary license? I am trying to decide what I want to do. This will be the best chance for me to pursue whatever academic goals I have and I want to make the most of my opportunity. I would like some recommendations on what would be the best path for me to take. Thank you
California requirements Most elementary school teachers in California have a BA Liberal Studies. If you have another degree, you may take the Multiple Subject Assessment Test (MSAT) to qualify. You still need to complete your education classes and student teaching because the days of emergency credentials are over as part of No Child Left Behind. I suggest you contact Utah's teacher credentialing office for specific information because you may be able to take the MSAT to demonstrate subject matter compentency.
In some states, Oregon for example, elementary and high school teaching requires both a bachelors and Masters. While the work can be tough, the over supply of available workers and the relatively high pay and benefits keep an over supply of applicants in this state.
Re: California requirements Actually, the MSAT has gone bye-bye. The test now is the CSET. More information than you can shake a stick at on the Commission on Teacher Credentialing's website. Tom Nixon
Re: California requirements The MSAT is no more. It has been replaced by the C-SET. For additional information on this change, check out the website of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Tom Nixon
I looked briefly at the Oregon TSPC website. I cannot see where they require a masters anywhere. Not that I don't think it is a good idea, but I don't see where it is required.
Licensing, You are in the same boat I was about ten years ago. I had my undergrad in Pol Sci, but decided I wanted to teach. If you already have a bachelor’s why get another. At least in Illinois any number of schools will let you get a Master’s in classroom instruction (MAT), which will also give you certification at the level you desire (K-8 or higher). The program I did was residential at the time, but only took a year and a half (including student teaching). There are several advantages. First, the Master’s degree will pay it is self off over time in higher salary. Plus a number of district’s around me require teachers to have an advanced degree anyway. Second, having a bachelors degree in another area can also be and advantage. If you have some CS experience plus schooling, add to that a Master’s and you can not only become a classroom teacher, but a Comp Sci / Technology Facilitator in a school. At the very least you can market yourself as someone who can go into a school, teach, plus advise on tech matters. Good luck, Reggie
License You are in the same boat I was about ten years ago. I had my undergrad in Pol Sci, but decided I wanted to teach. If you already have a bachelor’s why get another. At least in Illinois any number of schools will let you get a Master’s in classroom instruction (MAT), which will also give you certification at the level you desire (K-8 or higher). The program I did was residential at the time, but only took a year and a half (including student teaching). There are several advantages. First, the Master’s degree will pay it is self off over time in higher salary. Plus a number of district’s around me require teachers to have an advanced degree anyway. Second, having a bachelors degree in another area can also be and advantage. If you have some CS experience plus schooling, add to that a Master’s and you can not only become a classroom teacher, but a Comp Sci / Technology Facilitator in a school. At the very least you can market yourself as someone who can go into a school, teach, plus advise on tech matters. Good luck, Reggie
=== I've taught in Oregon since 1977(?). I don't think an MA was /is required. I may be wrong. My MA is not in the fields of my certification anyway, so I don't see how a connection between it and JH teaching competency would be made. A teacher I know just recently got her MA, but has taught for years. It may be that Spec Ed teaching requires now an MA here-don't know. Last time I looked teacher salary schedules had a distinct step for MAs. That would indicate the MA is not necessary. As I recall to get the Standard cred in Calif in the 60s required a BA plus another year of studies, but not necessarily an MA. I never took a state test of knowledge to get my certifications in two states. But it may all be changed now- just like I am.
