High school senior dilemna

[vavicuna]

I'm a senior in high school and I want to be a high school math teacher. I currently already have 18 credits through dual credit in Speech, U.S. History I & II, Composition I, College Algebra, and Psychology. I was planning on taking Comp II and economics this spring but stumbled onto this forum and I'm reconsidering that decision. My plan was to enroll in WGU after I graduate but now I'm unsure. I would appreciate the advise of the forum experts on which of the big 3 would best suit my needs, which degree plan for testing out, all if possible, and then would I get a BA, post BA, or go for my masters at WGU? BTW my FAFSA EFC=0. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Prloko]

Any of the big three will help. TESC has a BA in Mathematics and also Natural Science and Mathematics. Visit the degree forum wiki for some good sample plans for test out. Get your Bachelor's from one of the big three quick and then get a masters, you should be very marketable for teaching positions at that point.

Anyone here a teacher who can chime in?

[SwaggyP]

The Big 3 are not ideal for maximizing Fin Aid, if cost is a priority. You'll probably qualify for the max Pell Grant, which would go a long way towards completing more classes at your local CC & you'll probably also get a refund or stipend on any excess grant money, which could be used for books and taking exams through the various CBE options. The Pell Grant aid at TESC is only applicable towards their courses, not TECEP's, and one must be registered for 6 credits a term to receive the aid. The grant is divided into 4 terms instead of 2 semesters, so in order to take full advantage of it one has to take classes for the entire year.

[Kaz]

I'm a senior in high school and I want to be a high school math teacher....I would appreciate the advise of the forum experts on which of the big 3 would best suit my needs....

Hello, I am probably the last math major at Excelsior :coolgleam: . They no longer offer that major. Charter Oak offers a bachelor's in "general studies" with a "concentration" in mathematics, not a major per se. Thomas Edison offers a math major as Prloko said. So for you The Big Three is more like The Big One-and-a-Half.

People love the The Big 3 because you can transfer in so many credits and they accept a ton of credit-by-examination credits (a.k.a testing out). I can tell you from experience that testing out can be great for your gen ed requirements and free electives but for the math major in particular it isn't a factor. You can test out of Calc 1, that's it. Pre-calc and lower don't count for the math major. So you will be doing your math major courses just like any normal student at a normal college really.

I'm not an expert on WGU, but unless you are a serious math whiz their competency-based model isn't going to be that much faster for the courses in your major than the traditional model would be. I have simply seen very few people who can rip through upper level maths in a fraction of the time the rest of us mere mortals can. If you are actually that good you should probably try and get a scholarship to a top university.

The other credits may be a different story, at least your basic gen eds, but one thing you should definitely do is look up the details for becoming a teacher in your state. Different states can have different rules, and those rules could possibly force your hand or make up your mind for you. Good luck either way! :hurray:

[BGSU_Alum_86]

I would caution you to start checking into the state's teaching credential program where you hope to gain certification. Many of these credential programs have requirements that must be met before you can gain acceptance into the program. Each state/program is different so do check ahead of time. Some colleges/universities do offer a combination of a teaching credential program and master's degree, but there are still requirements to be met.

[smf6824]

I'm a senior in high school and I want to be a high school math teacher. I currently already have 18 credits through dual credit in Speech, U.S. History I & II, Composition I, College Algebra, and Psychology. I was planning on taking Comp II and economics this spring but stumbled onto this forum and I'm reconsidering that decision. My plan was to enroll in WGU after I graduate but now I'm unsure. I would appreciate the advise of the forum experts on which of the big 3 would best suit my needs, which degree plan for testing out, all if possible, and then would I get a BA, post BA, or go for my masters at WGU? BTW my FAFSA EFC=0. Any advice would be appreciated.

As a high school senior I don't really see why you are in such a rush. You have a lot of credits out of the way already, and not to mention you desire to teach so you have to do student teaching anyways. Sure you could do WGU and get a degree in education, and they can even set up student teaching for you; however, you could also go to a cheap public college and do the same while attaining a life experience that most people should experience if possible. This forum is all about promoting education, making the process decently priced, and speeding up the process. Typically you give us a scenario and we attempt to provide you pathways. Most people on here will tell you the fastest most cost effective way to do this; however, I will attempt to give you a hybrid solution in which you get to have a certain life experience as a college student.

1. Choose a low cost 4 year institution that you wouldn't mind attending that has your degree program.

2. Research their CLEP/DSST and ACE credit policy.

3. Continue to research which 4 year institution has the most generous CLEP/DSST/ACE policy and price, then decide on the school you wish to graduate from.

4. Look at the degree requirements and decide which credits you can knock out with tests.

5. Take those CLEPS/DSST/ACE exams.

6. Find a cheap community college and knock out the rest of your general studies if they aren't covered by CLEP/DSST/ACE exams.

7. Transfer to the 4 year institution.

8. Talk to your advisor and see if you can test out of any of the college courses (Some colleges allow you to do this), if possible attempt.

9. Register, complete degree requirements, enjoy college life, graduate.

The total time you will be in school can vary on several factors; however, you get the opportunity to have a life experience at a low cost. Most likely it won't be more than two years if things work in your favor. If you were like 30 years old, working two jobs, and have 2 kids I would be telling you something different entirely but you are a high school senior. Enjoy life. Besides what the members of this forum say you should talk to your parents and get their advice, if not at least keep them in the loop. Let this forum just be a tool and not the deciding factor, remember educated people discover answers for themselves and question everything. Good Luck and remember you are already ahead of the curve.