I live in Pennsylvania. I work full time and will need to keep working while I go to school.
2006-08-18 13:00:02 · 7 answers · asked by ligoneskiing 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
I live in Maryland, and I decided to become an English teacher at age 41...I checked with the state dept. of ed. to see how many credits were needed (I had an undergrad degree in journalism). I also hooked up with a college that had an accelerated certification program..they examined my transcripts and told me exactly how many credits I needed to fulfill the state's requirement for a secondary (middle- and high school level) teacher (these were in addition to their required education courses.) By taking one class per semester (and two mini-mesters, January during the school breaks), I finished in about three years. However, meanwhile, I got a job in '04 as a provisional teacher; that is, I began teaching full-time (my previous work and life experiences counted!) and continued the classes at night. My classroom experience then counted as my student teaching (and I was monitored by both the college and my school's administration). I am now fully certified. If you can somehow get into the school system while you're going to school, they will also likely reimburse you for some of your education, and it's invaluable experience. Look into provisional teaching, if PA offers it! Good luck!
2006-08-18 14:05:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Given your age and experience, you might want to check out the non-traditional routes to becoming a teacher. Many states and the Feds also are seeking mature people with experience in the real world to become teachers. You don't need to go back to school, though you will be trained as a teacher by whomever hires you. See the source below for an initial link to the non-traditional teaching certificate. Go from there. Good luck.
2006-08-18 13:11:29 · answer #2 · answered by Pandak 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check with a couple of colleges in your area to see what courses would be required. Since you already have a bachelors degree, you probably would not have to complete as many courses as someone starting out.
Many colleges now have online courses available, not just the "online schools" like U of Phoenix. If you can get your coursework from a school in PA, would probably be cheaper and maybe more respected when you go to look for a teaching job.
Good luck.
2006-08-18 13:16:31 · answer #3 · answered by Judy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check non traditional routes. The problem is you are a little old to be working with young kids, and you know nothing to teach at a secondary level given your degree. Calculus? AP LIt? History? Maybe you speak a foreign language fluently? Why do you wish to switch careers? You're only taking a job away from a young person suffering through the worst unemployment rates for 20 - 30 yr olds since the great depression. Teaching (well) is one of the most time and energy consuming jobs on the planet.
2006-08-18 21:41:58 · answer #4 · answered by kazak 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Ask the school district where you live. They will let you know what classes you need.
2006-08-18 13:48:45 · answer #5 · answered by violetb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
night school and online courses are great for people with day jobs.
2006-08-18 13:06:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
a lot of colleges and universities now offer online classes.
such as : the university of phoenix, american intercontinental university, and strayer university
2006-08-18 13:07:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋