I passed my teacher certification tests!

[Scholar Interrupted]

Way to go, Mary! I admire the way you went about becoming a teacher. And passing the cert exams even before finishing your bachelor's -- wonder how many bachelor's degree holders flunk those the first time or two?

More power to you!

[jacanyardie]

Teach-now.org has a full list of Alternate Teaching Routes and after extensive research I can say with 99% accuracy that all states have some kind of alternate route for BA holders. Some states will only allow for middle school and high school but some are for elem school too. Another angle is to go to ABCTE.org and they have a special set up to get you licensed in certain states. It was established by the Department of Education and is reasonable ($850) and self paced and is growing into other states. I liked what I saw there but am still checking around.

Teaching is a great field and there are many options for getting into it depending on your state. I was wondering about asking Steve to add a Teaching thread so potential teachers could share info on distance learning options ( I have a huge folder that I would love to share) and alternate teaching routes, teacher prep programs and Masters in Ed degrees.

I was wondering about asking Steve to add a Teaching thread so potential teachers could share info on distance learning options ( I have a huge folder that I would love to share) and alternate teaching routes, teacher prep programs and Masters in Ed degrees.
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Do we have this thread......Can we start one.

[msantos]

YES!!! i could def use as much help i could get. Ill pm you..

[dewisant]

I love this thread! A Teaching Thread is a great idea!! All four of my parents, mine and my wife's, are retired teachers and I seem to be going in the same direction when I change careers. Thank you.

[Lindagerr]

As someone who has been burned by moving while going Alternate route I just have one warning. Be sure you are staying in the state you are getting certified for. I did very well on my PRAXIS II exams and I was at the point where I could get a teaching job in NJ, I only moved to the next state and I have to start over from scratch. It is not impossible but it would be time and money consuming. I would have to go back and take NY teacher certification test, and apply for different certifications and pay more fees. I long and short term Subbed for 4 years in NJ Now if I jump through enough hoops I might get to be a sub in NY but I can only do that for a maximum of 40 days per school year unless I am certified.

Yes I am whining and bitter right now:nopity:. But I know it is my own fault I did not understand what I was getting into when I started this. So I just want to warn others if there is a chance you will be moving to another state make sure you know what effect that will have on your plans.

Each state has their own rules and requirements and they can be confusing. Go to websites, make calls and get it straight before you put the time and money into things.

Don't get me wrong Teaching is a great profession if you have a love for it. I miss working with the kids and the feeling of accomplishment when I got something through to a child or sparked an interest in Science or Math. I wish I had started this journey at a younger age and had the time to start over. We need more good teachers who have a feel for the real world and a love of teaching. In my opinion alternate route teacher rock.

[NAP]

I am so sorry to hear this, Linda. You had no idea where you would be living now.

Is there another way to use your skills and talents? Personally, I have wondered about tutoring or GED classes or some other form of teaching.