Concentration vs Major -- problem for teaching degree?

[cinderly]

If you are in Minnesota, as Jennifer indicated, you'll want to start by consulting the State Department of Education's licensure standards. If there's a chance that a potential teacher will ever want to teach in a different state, he or she should find the requirements for certification in those states, as well. Makes planning easier - and everyone has electives.

The next step I would take is to contact the school districts the aspiring teacher is targeting for eventual employment. Ask lots of questions. Get clarification on things that seem unclear or might be gotchas. No Child Left Behind is interpreted differently in every state and, to some extent, from district to district. Determine which grade levels and endorsements are likely to be in demand - if teaching any subject is more important than not teaching at all, you may want to add additional coursework in a high-demand field as a backup plan. Think about volunteering within one of your target districts to begin developing your professional reputation. (This also allows you to "sample" the working environment prior to committing the time and money to complete a teacher prep program.)

Begin saving, now, for your gauntlet of PRAXIS or other qualifying exams. Simultaneously start getting over the cost. (Not bitter at the ETS scam at all, no.) Read through the application for initial certification. Lots of information available in the instructions with the application packets.

Consider, too, talking to current teachers in whatever districts you're targeting. You'll generally get better information from teachers who know you than complete strangers. (See: volunteering.)

Now, if you're thinking higher ed, your PhD matters more than your MA/MS, which matters more than your BA/BS.

There may be exceptions, but, generally, educational institutions strongly prefer RA programs.