I have a degree in accounting, but I don't want to go back to school just to get education credits. Is there a way for people from other fields to get into teaching? I always hear how there's such a teacher shortage, but it seems the hurdles one must go through to get into the field are nearly insurmountable. I am willing to teach in the most difficult inner-city areas because I came from a similar background and I feel and can relate to those kids most. If anybody has good advice on how to break into teaching, quickly and without paying for another 20 college credits, please let me know.
2006-12-23 05:36:42 · 5 answers · asked by frank t 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
Check out the Georgia Dept. of Education. Most states now have an alternative route to certification. You probably can't avoid some small number of education classes, but they are a good thing usually. You may have to commit to teaching in a district where there is a shortage of teachers, but you seem to be ready for that; usually shortages will be in an at-risk or poor district.
The other alternative is look into the state association of independent schools, members of which will hire teachers without a certificate.
2006-12-23 07:12:08 · answer #1 · answered by David S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Those education courses you do not want to take will give you a wealth of information that you will need. Being willing is wonderful but the desire to teach is not enough, to do students justice you need more than just knowledge of a subject, you need knowledge of them. Those hurdles are not insurmountable in the least. Most state education depts will give you a probationary license if you are degreed to teach in an area of need such as math or science or special education, with the understanding that within a year or two you will finish that certification. Would you be willing to go to a Dr. or Lawyer who wasnt licensed, even if they had good intentions and some background? As for paying for it if you are a person of color, you should be able to find scholarships to pay for it because of the severe shortage of minority teachers. Some districts have deals with colleges to encourage this.
2006-12-23 09:39:22 · answer #2 · answered by fancyname 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a middle school teacher in Georgia and I can speak with certainty that there is really no other way to work in a public school (you might want to look into private but even they are becoming choosy) other than by obtaining the proper certification (which unfortunately will require methodology courses and student teaching). You probably will be able to find a school in a high needs area that will take you on an emergency basis but this is only for 1 year and under NCLB the school is obligated to replace non-certified staff ASAP with someone who holds the proper paperwork.
2006-12-25 07:53:54 · answer #3 · answered by lifeasakumkwat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In Alabama, we have something called emergency certification, and I presume you do as well. Talk to the HR department (in ATL?). If they'll hire you, they'll do so with the condition that you take x number of courses over the next 1-3 years (depending on what program). Additionally, if you're otherwise qualified, the district should at least be able to hook you up with someone to pay for your courses. In Birmingham, we have something called UTEP (Urban Teacher Education Program). There were also forgivable loans available from the state for some time. If the school system can't hire you as a teacher they may be willing to hire you as a tutor. (We're having to hire tutors to meet NCLB stuff in Bham.) Also, desperate school systems can hire "permanent subs," but you won't be paid as well. Good luck!
2006-12-23 16:42:46 · answer #4 · answered by Naomi A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will most likely need to take the PRAXIS test in the area you want to teach. Some states require that you get a degree in Education, rather an Alt. Cert. program or a Masters (which usually bumps your pay up a bit too!),. Good luck!
2016-05-23 02:02:13 · answer #5 · answered by Betsy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋