Teaching Question: Does anyone know what state it is easy to get a teaching credential for k-12?

Question

I have a college degree and masters degree- neither of which are in education. I have been working as a substitute teacher and want to teach full time. However, I can't afford to go back to school- I already have way too much debt! Does anyone know what state I could get easily get a teaching credential without a big hassel? I live in CA and it's a big ordeal to get a credential here. Also, the cost of living is so high that it's hard to get by on a teacher's salary. I have heard that there are states that don't even really require you to take any certification exams as long as you have a college degree. Any help would be appreciated!

Answer 1

I just recently graduation with my teaching degree. And right now because of No Child Left Behind I think it is going to be a little difficult in any state. but I would try South Dakota, Montana, North Dakota. Those three states I believe were the last to adapt to the Praxis Exams which every state requires different numbers to be able to teach.

Answer 2

The schools that do best in the SAT's and ACT's and have the highest graduation rates are where professionals want to teach. Year after year, the states that always seem to be in the top five are in the north central part of the country... Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, North and South Dakota. Wisconsin's and Minnesota's teacher certification standards are so high that the only states with which they'll have reciprocity are each other.

You're looking for an easy teaching gig, where the standards are lax and the student performance is worse because of it? That wouldn't exactly be my dream job, but try states in the deep south: Alabama, Mississppi, Louisiana, or Arkansas. Medium-large southern cities are screaming for teachers and will take most anyone they can get; Tampa and El Paso come to mind as cities whose administrators travel extensively for teacher recruitment.

I'm not sure of any state, though, that doesn't have at least some type of certification process in the public schools. If you're trying to get a teaching job without a state certification, you might want to try looking for a job in a private school. Well-established ones would most likely have a long process, but smaller or newer private schools might be a route to pursue.

Good luck.

Answer 3

If you really want to be a teacher, check this out http://www.nycteachingfellows.org/
Teaching Fellows in NYC allows you to use the degree that you have to work full-time as a teacher, but you have to go to school to get education courses (they help you pay for it). You get a special state license that allows you to teach while getting the courses and licence and because you already have a masters, you would be a bit on the higher end of the payscale to start. NYC can be expensive to live in, but the education you get as a teacher in the schools here is priceless.
Plus there are current incentives to move here such as a housing allowance, etc.

Answer 4

I was a sub for a while and went to renew for the upcoming yr. One school asked me to teach and offered a 2nd yr salary because of the amount of time I had at their school as a sub! I had an Eng and counl/guid degree(BS) but no certif. I started teaching within 2 wks and signed up for teaching classes. I took 2 classes each sem. and just pd for them from my own pyck. Texas will give you 3 yrs to complete the certification while you are teaching. You can go to another school and do it again(extension) for 3 yrs, is my understanding,as long as you are taking classes and the teacher's test you have to pass to teach certif.Hope this helps. Texas needs lots of teachers and if you speak Spanish you can get more$ also. The cost of living is much cheaper here than Calif. I live in a sm. town but it is in close driving for many good sized schools and an hr from Dallas. Dallas &outlying cities are spreading and growing so much it is unbelieveable. Austin is a great place also. There was a special about it and Calif and I believe Nebraska on tv the other day about house costs. In Calif a 4 room house was 1/2 million, Neb.- 1/2 mil would get you a good 3-4 bdrm home in a good area, Austin,Tx- 1/2 mil would get you almost a mansion with acreage and trees!! Our rent here is very low. In my town a 3 bdrm brick is $400-550 mo with a mo. deposit. 2 yrs ago it was 350-450mo.Apts are much lower. Good luck on your search and contact me if I can help!EDIT: PRIVATE SCHOOLS HERE DON'T REQUIRE CERTIF. BUT PAY LESS.

Answer 5

I know that a few Southern states (AR and LA, I believe) allow you to get "alternative certification" by passing the teacher's exam, if you have a college degree that is not in education. Also, there are programs called (fifth-year programs) that allow you to complete teaching certification in one year, if you already have a bachelor's degree ... but the latter option would require you to go back to school.

Answer 6

You might look into teaching at a Private School. Their teachers are not required by the Dept. of Education to have Credentials. I'm not saying that Private Schools don't ask or prefer them, but by law, not required. At least in CA.

Answer 7

Georgia has a special program in which you can teach for a couple of years on a "provisional" certificate, and earn a regular teaching certification. Also, the cost of living is pretty good, especially compared to California.

Answer 8

WOW! That's crazy!! The children that you will be teaching are our future and you want to shortchange them by going to a state where the education standards for teachers is not that high?! Do the children a favor and either get your education or pick a different career! Educating children is a major responsibility!!!!

Answer 9

Louisiana

Answer 10

Texas and they are desperate for math & science teachers right now. Cost of living will be cheaper for you too.