Teaching Credential through CLEP?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by WildCatCoug, Jan 14, 2015.

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  1. WildCatCoug

    WildCatCoug New Member

    Hello,
    I am new to this forum as a member but I've learned a lot of valuable info so far. This is where I learned about the "big 3." I am currently 3 credits shy of earning my BA at Charter Oak State, and I owe it all to this forum because I never would have known about COSC. Anyways, I was wondering if anyone on here knows if it is possible, after earning my BA, to earn my teachers credential in California through alternative means such as CLEP. CLEP testing is another thing I knew nothing about until recently and I wish that I would have known about it long before. I would have so much less debt and would have finished my BA long before 2015. I am not trying to weasel out of doing the work, it's just that I am not getting any younger and want to try other means to finish my credential as soon as possible.
     
  2. major56

    major56 Active Member

    Welcome aboard.

    It’s highly unlikely you can CLEP out for a teaching credential in CA, or any other state for that matter. California, as do many states, does offer alternative certification teacher routes, which will incorporate academic coursework via CA approved programs, as well as, internship teaching, and passing the subject matter California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) toward an initial /Single Subject Preliminary Teaching Credential. Why not make a phone call to the California Dept. of Education … or here's a few resources you may find useful:

    California Alternative Route to Certification (Intern Programs)
    California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
    Secondary Teaching Credential | TEACH California
    California Teacher Corps > Alternative Certification: How It Works
    How to Become a Teacher in California
    California Alternative Teacher Certification
     
  3. WildCatCoug

    WildCatCoug New Member

    Major56,
    Thanks for your help. I will read all of those links you suggested.
    Thanks again
     
  4. chasisaac

    chasisaac Member

    Hi there.

    First, allow me to throw cold water on your face. There are lots of teachers in CA who need work. There are lots of schools churning out new teachers every six months. Keep in mind most new teachers do not last longer than three years. There is nearly a 0% chance of you being hired as an ALT CERT person. There is so much work for district staff to do for a ALT CERT. Additionally, in many states the district has to swear that not one single person who is HQT has applied. Many districts are obligated to hire a crappy HQT teacher over you. There are exceptions to the rule. You know someone. You live someone really rural that most people do not be at. The last one is: physics, chem, or adv. calc. The other exception is head football and basketball coaching.
    I happen to live in South Dakota which at places is sparsely populated. In the 5th largest town for a MS math they received over 100 apps. For each elementary position they stop at around 250. Even for HS English there are 150ish. Social studies tons of apps. I have been told this.
    I work at a very rural school 70 miles from a WalMart. We still get quite a few teaching apps for most positions.
    So if you want to work in CA as a teacher let me help a little. Talk with local principals (better) or HR dept. see if it is even possible.
    Lastly, teaching is bad pay when starting out. You work long hours. My first year I worked 14 hours a day. People look down upon you. You are responsible for everything that happens; even things out of your control. We are blamed for every problem there is at the school. Parents think students are angels when they are not. HS kids can be brutal on teachers. I have seen several teachers fired because the students did not like them.

    Now for the drying off with a warm fluffy towel.
    No 1. Get online certification and sub at the same time. The reason for the subbing it will help your answers. I went to WGU and did it all in less than a year, however, I had three years teaching experience.
    No 2. How do you feel about religious schools. One of the nastiest states for getting certified in is MN. However, no cert needed for private school. Not sure about CA rules. Again contact a local principal. Go teach there and get your online certifications.
    No 3. Move to a state that is easier to be certified in. The easiest states are: SD, TN, MO, ID, and two others. In these states all you need is a BA and the Praxis test. At that point you get HQT, you still need to work towards a full certification. At least at this point you are equal footing.
    No 4. Teach for America. You will go somewhere RURAL or INNER CITY. The rural is tough transition if you are in a city. Going from a real place (me in Orange County, CA) to a town of 15K is hard. Going to a town of 1000 is VERY HARD. The good news here is you do not pay and get paid. You get coaching, mentoring, and people want you to do well.
    In the moving out of CA for a bit you get one advantage . . . three years of experience makes getting teaching job easier and moving to CA certification easier.

    Do your research before you start.
     

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