Hello all, Although I am only an occasional poster, I view this discussion board at least once every couple of days. I found out about Excelsior College here, and I also read about the MBA program at Liberty University. I enrolled in Liberty's MBA in August of 2005 and graduated in October of 2006. This discussion board has saved me a lot of money and time. I currently work for the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation), and although I really enjoy my job, I've always had the desire to teach high school and coach. My question for this board is: What would I have to do to teach high school? I think I'd like to teach business based upon my education, but I have heard that requirements to teach high school vary by state. Would a MS in education work? I actually attended Peru State College fresh out of high school, and I know they currently have an online MS in education program. I've also heard that depending on the state, all I would need is a teaching certificate. As you can see, all of my information is based upon hearsay. I've tried searching online, but I have had no luck finding information. I would greatly appreciate any information or advice that anyone has. Thanks,
Here's a link that will give you a background on the requirements of Pennsylvania, where I am from - http://www.teaching.state.pa.us/teaching/site/default.asp All states have their own certification requirements (although I'd imagine they comport with a federal standard). There are often "back doors" to certification for people who have graduated with non-education degrees, but be prepared to go through the usual hassles of education courses combined with supervision (student teaching). Best bet: Do an engine search on the term (in quotes) "teacher certification" and[/i] (state name).
Here is a Pennsylvania example of a secondary teacher certification program with DL components: http://www.clarion.edu/academic/distance/GST_Cert_Program.shtml.
Sure there is a lot of red tape, but recently I met a principal who asked me to consider applying as a supply teacher (I teach University Mon-thur) and assured me I'd always get friday work. As for full time...you need the teching cert!
I know in Texas that you are required to have a teaching certificate. Masters degree isn't required, though you will get a slightly higher rate of pay with one. However, for one who has a degree (bachelors is required) but no certification, they have various forms of alternative certification. You won't get hired by one of the higher paying schools unless you are certified, but a rural or "bad part of town" or other such school may well hire you as long as you enroll in an alternative certification program, of which there are several. There are quite a few colleges/universities th at provide straight certification programs for people in just such a scenario. So there are options for you. I would suggest that you do a google search for teacher certification in your state and see what pops up. You might also search your state dept of education site for info. clint
I know in Texas that you are required to have a teaching certificate. Masters degree isn't required, though you will get a slightly higher rate of pay with one. >> One thing to consider- if you have not earned your masters, get your teaching credentials and a year's experience FIRST. The school is required to pay you scale. It is difficult (or next to impossible in competitive markets) to get a job if you are education heavy and experience light. Once you get hired, you can earn your masters and get the higher pay! We have 7teachers and 1 principle in my immediate family (IL, NY, SC), and they all are very verbal about this issue.
http://www.dantescatalogs.com/DEDC/InstitutionsByDegreeType.asp?RecID=7 Here is the DANTES External Degree Catalog list of Teacher Certificate Programs
I would look at your local state requirements carefully, because things can vary a lot state by state. But this is one area where "too much" education can work against you because as mentioned above the hiring can be quite competitive and the schools are bound to pay by scale.
Alternative Certification Alternative pathways abound and vary incredibly by state. If you have military experience, I commend to you Troops to Teachers as a vehicle to attain certification. Two subject areas lend themselves quite readily to teaching: Special Education and Mathematics. Otherwise, with a graduate degree---here is the skinny: 1) Take and pass the PRAXIS content knowledge exam for the subject you want to teach. Having an MBA - I sought business education (PRAXIS 0100) as well. With study, you won't find the Business Education PRAXIS too difficult (I passed this exam this summer...) My recommendation is to buy the study guide available at http://www.ets.org (for around $25 - and possibly cheaper on the secondary markets used...) and google every topic covered. There is a plethora of information you can use to read about every topic covered on that exam. Wikipedia, for all of it's current bad press, was an amazing source of information (which I used almost exclusively...) 2) Secondary pathways require an offer of hire to get the ball rolling. This will be up to you - to interview well and explain why you're the one for the job. Any teaching experience will help you. If your career pathway has placed you in many roles around teenagers - it will be easy to establish the cross-career competencies that support teaching. (Since I am fairly bullheaded about these type of things...I enrolled in an MEd program after teaching last year. This was a big boon in my interviewing...) Someone mentioned that larger school districts will not talk to you. This has been my experience, as well. If you're not certified already you are passed over on the first wave. I would do the same thing if I were hiring and I could choose between one who is, and another who is not, certified. Miracles happen - especially if you're willing to teach a subject others are not... Last year, I taught courses in PreAlgebra and Algebra II which gave me a solid year of teaching experience to enhance my resume. During the interview, most of the questions were about classroom discipline. I instantly read between the lines and determined I would "gut it out." I am glad I did...three excellent evaluations added to my credibility. I also spent time substitute teaching - some will say this won't help you at all - others will swear it helped them land a job. I was informed yesterday that I have been recommended for hire at a school in which I interviewed last week. Four courses at a better high school teaching business education. PM, if you have more specific questions... Steven King, MBA
