Please clarify teacher certification with BA

I have searched the board and looked at the suggested threads, but I can't find an answer to this. I am finishing up my BA at TESC. I have or will have over 30 credits in science and 15-18 education credits. I would like to be certified to teach k-8 with an endorsement in 5-8 science and or math. At this time I live in NJ, but my husband is looking for a job anywhere.

I am trying to decide after I take the Praxis II should I try to find a school in NJ that will help me get certified; or would I be better off enrolling in Western Goverors University and trying to rush through their Post-Baccalaureate teacher prep program; or am I better off going for a MAT somewhere?

I am doing this as a second career after 30+ years in the science field so I am not young and I do not want to spend too many more years doing this.

I have been substitute teaching for 1 1/2 years in a very small local school system so I do have some experience and know what I am getting into. This school system can not afford to take me on for mentoring. I just would like suggestions and advice on the best next steps. I would especially appreciate advice if anyone has been through the NJ alternate teaching route.

 

I don't know exactly how it works in New Jersey but in most states you would need to have some sort of student teaching/internship experience in order to qualify for certification. I don't think substitute teaching counts.

 

Each state has its own set of rules. From what I'm observing, it seems like the government seems more interested in your highly qualified status rather than your background in education. That is, if you have a degree in something and/or pass a Praxis II exam, you're highly qualified in it. Each state, however, determines what highly qualified is, so NJ might differ completely from CA or FL. The good thing is that if you can get a license, almost all states have reciprocity with one another.

Kizmet is correct in that you'll need to do student teaching. This does not have to be the traditional version of it, however. If this is your second career, look for career switcher programs. Virginia has some and you can do them through some of the local community colleges. Essentially you'll complete your education course work and then the community college will help you get a job in a school division under a provisional license. Your first year of teaching will "count" as your student teaching.

I was not a career switcher, but I followed a similar path. I was hired under a provisional license, and I had 3 years to complete my education coursework. If you're looking to go this route, I would recommend looking for more rural divisions. The good thing for you is that Science and Math are in super high demand. If you can get in with a division, they might offer tuition reimbursement for your coursework as well. I got that, and it was a nice little addition.

-Matt

 

Linda,

In that you will have over 30 credits in science and 15-18 education credits; you might want to check this out from the Texas State Board website http://www.sbec.state.tx.us/SBECOnline/certinfo/becometeacher.asp: “The Taxpayer-Teacher Protection Act, signed into law (federal) last year, authorizes up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness for eligible, “highly qualified” math, science and special education teachers. To be eligible, teachers (with no outstanding loan balances before Oct.1, 1998, and who have borrowed before Oct. 1, 2005) must be highly qualified, as defined by the No Child Left Behind Act; must have taught full-time, for five consecutive years, in a Title I school; and must have taught secondary math or science or elementary or secondary special education to students with disabilities.” http://www.ifap.ed.gov/dpcletters/GEN0414.html

As Matt has already mentioned, math and science qualified teachers are in very short supply; thus in very high demand in all states. That should provide you with leverage.