I am in my early 40's and want to know how to move from corporate america to teaching middle grades?

Answer 1

You can't imagine how greatly in demand you will be, especially if you happen to have an academic background in mathematics or the sciences, but really in any subject you choose. I am now retired, but recently I directed a statewide program in urban schools in a state with a severe teacher shortage. There were five different alternatives in that state for attaining a teaching certificate, three of which were designed specifically with mature adults in mind, particularly ex-military and corporate individuals.

Not knowing where you live and where you would like to teach, it is difficult for me to be specific. My advice is to make at least three contacts:

(1) with the personel office of at least one school district that might interest you,

(2) with the director of teacher education at a major college or university near you, and

(3) with the teacher certifiation agency of your state's Department of Public Instruction (or Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, or whatever it is called in your state).

I advise making a personal appointment, and letting them know you are serious, not just making a casual inquiry. Otherwise, especially at this busy time of year, you may be referred to a low-level asistant or confusing webpage.

Compare and contrast the responses you get from these three sources. Teacher-licensing agencies are notoriously bureaucratic. Don't be satisfied with any one response.

Many districts are so desperate for teachers now that they may be willing to hire you immediately on a temporary or probational certification. Be wary. For any number of reasons it's better to find an appropriate preparatory program. This will give you a trial run and help you avoid any number of problems.

For a view of some of those problems, see my recent response to Jason G on "Looking to teach." (Keep in mind, however, that that was a response to an inexperienced young man with a degree in general studies.)

Best wishes. I hope you will be welcomed by the profession, and that your second career will bring you some of the same satisfactions that my 45 years did. Good students need good teachers. Students who are not so good need excellent teachers. I hope you find a rewarding position, where you can serve these citizens of the future.

Answer 2

You may also find that you don't need to get a full bachelors, depending on your current position and if you hold any degrees already. Many universities have programs that allow you to get "credit" for the real world experiences and knowledge you have.
In Ohio, with a middle school license you can teach grades 4-9 and you have to choose 2 concentrations, Math, Science, Social Studies, and/or Language Arts. Other states may still have k-8 or k-6 licenses.
One other caution, at least in Ohio, we have a separate retirement fund and do not pay into social security. You may want to make sure you have enough credits to receive ss when the time comes, unless you want to teach into your 70s to receive full teacher retirement benefits.
As I'm sure you've been told before, make sure this is what you really want, they pay is much less than corporate america, and a lot of the respect that used to exist for teachers has dwindled.
But if you are sure... Welcome aboard. =)

Answer 3

Bless your heart for wanting to teach middle school. I'm a 7/8 grade science/social studies teacher.
I would suggest maybe trying to substitute teach to get your feet wet and lessen the culture shock. Subs are in high demand and are paid pretty well these days. All that's needed is a BS degree in anything.
You can work on getting your post bac. The requirements should be on the the state department of education website for your state.
Make sure that since you want to teach middle school you get what's required for the "no child left behind act" requirements according to your state.

Answer 4

It depends on your education. I am currently living in Florida where a BA in a subject area like history or english is sufficient to get a 3 year Temporary Certificate if you submit your credentials to the FL Dept of Education and take a subject area test and pass it. Some States will not let you teach without a Masters degree in the area. I think most of them require you to do graduate level work in Education, things like controlling the classroom, adolescent psychology, education theory/learning styles.

In addition, you need to have your background checked, get fingerprinted and so forth.

My suggestion is that you contact your state's department of education to find out what it takes to get certified as a middle school teacher.

You might also want to try substitute teaching as well--this has the least requirements in terms of education/credentials. However, it will enable to you to find out if you like teaching, can handle a classroom and might well get you some contacts within the school system that will help you get into regular full time teaching.

By the way, certification is not needed for Jr. College and College level instructors--there a BA or BS in the subject matter and 18 hours of graduate work in the subject matter area you are teaching in is all that is required.

Answer 5

Many School districts have a program with the regional service center to train you while you start teaching. That way you get immediate experience and training simultaneoulsy. Several larger districts I have worked for, had their own program for doing just that.

So to make it simple, contact several school districts where you live and they will tell you what is available.

Plus, there are several programs to differ the cost of the certification, with the re-pay starting as a payroll deduction after you start getting a pay check.

Good luck!

Answer 6

Do you mean you want to start a career as a middle school teacher? If this is what you meant, then you should stop by a local university and speak with a academic advisor/counselor to see what you would have to do to get your degree in education and to get certified.