What's the best way to become a teacher?

Question

I would like to switch careers & become a high school teacher. One problem is that I want to teach social studies, but it seems like all the teacher training programs are for math, science and languages. Another problem is that, despite having a M.A. in my subject area, I don't have any teacher training or M.A.T.

Which should I do & in what order: go get a teaching degree? Teach math or science with the hope of switching to social studies? Teach in private school? Go get certified & take the PRAXIS test? Any suggestions would be most welcome.

Answer 1

This question is right up my alley...

I was a career switcher myself, who also switched into teaching social studies. It's a bonus that you have a MA in your subject area (history, I presume?). If that's the case, then legitimately, you can go alternate route and likely get a teaching job. But, realize that you may not have the classroom skills necessary to be a great teacher right off the bat. It may be harder for you than most. I would suggest that unless you want to get another masters, then you go take the PRAXIS (make sure you take the PRAXIS II in social studies because if you don't, you can't teach anything above elementary school) and get certified.

I DO NOT advise teaching math or science with the hopes of switching to social studies later. It just won't work. Let me tell you the truth here...a) there are more social studies teachers than any other type of teacher and jobs are hard to come by and b) you will be pigeonholed as a math or science teacher and not be able to get out of that subject, especially as teachers of those subjects are in high demand.

Oh, and trust me, there are plenty of programs for Masters in the Teaching of Social Studies out there. I have one, in fact. And, I do not have an MAT, I have an MA. Some suggestions are Teachers College Columbia University, Rutgers University, Monmouth University...I know there are many more, but I don't know what area of the country you reside in.

As for teaching in private school, that's definitely an option, but they usually pay less than public schools. Although, I imagine, much like myself, if you are a career switcher you're doing it for the love of teaching not for the money.

Anyway, whatever you decide to do...good luck!

Answer 2

If you have an MA, you will be near the top of the teacher pay scale. However, that could be a liability, because school districts are notoriously tight with their money. If you have a solid general knowledge of social studies, the fastest way to proceed would be to get authorized by taking and passing the SSAT and Praxis. Many districts will hire you to work full-time on an emergency credential while you attend teacher ed classes at night.

However, with your education and background, I would put that MA to good use and explore teaching social studies at the community college level. You would need some kind of proof you can teach the subject, so take the tests above, and maybe get a year or two of experience in a private school. Just my 2 cents. Good luck.

Answer 3

You first need to look at state requirements for teaching. In many states, an MA is all you need to get a temporary teaching certificate. Check with your state department of education. You might qualify just by taking a couple exams.

I have my degree in social science and also found there isn't as much of a need for social studies teachers. There is a much greater need for math and science teachers, so that's why you see more programs for those subjects. I ended up going for a master's to get my certification in early childhood education.

You also might want to check with your local university to see if that have an initial certification program. Sometimes they have shorter certificate programs that don't offer a degree, or you can go for another master's.

Answer 4

I switched to teaching 4 years ago. It is harder to do now thanks to no child left behind. Teachers need to be "highly qualified", meaning they must have clear, renewable certificates to teach a specific subject in public schools. Choosing to teach in a private school is an easy solution, but the pay and benefits are often less. In my state, when one becomes certified in one area, they need only take the Praxis in their desired field in order to obtain certification in that field. I was certified in SpED and became certified in SocST by only taking the Praxis in that field (same thing with reading). The fact is that states are eager to get teachers in certain fields. Unfortunately SOC. ST. is not often one of those fields.

My feeling is that there is no quick solution. You will likely have to teach something that is not your first choice for a year or two before you can secure certification in your desired field of Social Studies.

Answer 5

If you are really interested in becoming a teacher, and wouldn't mind relocating, I would suggest moving to Las Vegas. There is an extreme teacher shortage there. In fact, they are looking to hire over 1,000 teachers immediately in Clark County. There would certainly be a need for someone to educate students in the area of Social Studies. And the great thing, in your case, is that you don't need a teaching license to get started. They will hire you and you can get certified on the job. It's worth checking out.

Answer 6

My brother is a social studies teacher for high school. You will have to get the required education classes, but then you specialize by taking social studies or history classes at the collage. Regular history classes that people who want to become historians take. Your education department will have more details. I suggest talking to an adviser in the education or history departments of the university you are looking at.

Answer 7

Try going onto your state's board of education website. There should be something there pertaining to "career switchers," as I have heard it called.

Based on my knowledge, I would think that, having a M.A. in your subject, you would only need to take some education classes at a university with a teaching licensure program, take whatever tests are required by your state for licensure, then apply for a licence.

Answer 8

I'm sorry I cant help you with this.. I want to be a highschool social studies teacher as well, but I am already on the right path.. You have another career and are looking to make a switch so its a different situation.. Good luck :]

Answer 9

Go to a university that has a teacher accredation/certification program. All you need to do is get your teaching certificate and you can teach. With an MA, you are fine. There are programs that will give you single subject certification and you can focus on social sciences like that.

Answer 10

There are teacher training programs for social studies too. If you already have a degree, you don't need another one, but you do need teacher training. There is usually a one-year program for people who have already earned their degree, and these programs allow you to use your specialty as your subject area. Good luck!