I am about to graduate high school and I would like to know how fast I can get my teaching degree and what is the best way to go about it. I would like to teach governemnt and coach cheerleading.
2006-12-30 15:02:59 · 8 answers · asked by KJB 2007 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
Government isn't a critical shortage area. That doesn't mean it's impossible to find a job, just more difficult. Major in poly sci and then do an accelerated teaching certificate program. You can do that in as little as 7 months and it makes you fully eligible for professional certification. The reason not to major in education is that if you decide to leave teaching it is much more difficult to get a job in the private sector with an education degree--you'd be much better off having that poly sci or whatever undergrad degree.
2006-12-30 15:24:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honestly, there is probably no fast way. Each state has requirements set forth on what you need to do to become a teacher. I'd say you definitely have to have a bachelor's degree, and that will take about 4 years (maybe 3, if you take a lot of classes)
Where I live, it takes about 5 years to become a teacher b/c you need to have a bachelor's degree in an academic major and you also need to have a certification to teach. Your certification is earned just like a bachelor's degree, by taking class. You pretty much are double majoring to become a teacher. In addition, my state requires you to do a certain amount of student teaching, as well as pass a variety of standardized teaching tests. You also need to have certain criteria fulfilled even to get into an accredited teaching program at the undergrad level.
Even if it takes a long time, it's worth it. Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions. Good Luck.
2006-12-30 17:03:56 · answer #2 · answered by Answer Girl 2007 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on where you live. I know that Florida is very desperate for teachers. When I taught in Florida, there was a lady who was teaching and she didn't have a teaching degree or any background in it. She did have a degree in business. Actually I think she had a master's degree. She started teaching and they enrolled her in a course that she took while she was teaching. By the end of the year, she had to take the PRAXIS test that every other teacher has to take and then by that summer she had her teaching license.
2016-05-22 22:41:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep in mind also that with the new No Child Left Behind Legislation, it is becoming more difficult to become certified to teach without a degree in education. If you work at a normal pace, it should take you about 4 years to get your Bachelor's Degree. Depending on the state in which you wish to become certified, you may have to pass a test that covers the area you wish to teach (middle school social studies, for example) in order to gain certification to teach in that area. With the new NCLB legislation, you cannot teach a class at any public school unless you are certified to teach in that particular area. I'm not allowed to teach math, for example, even though I have the ability to do it.
2006-12-31 14:47:50 · answer #4 · answered by AK 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say three years is about the fastest, and that's with a heavy load. You need a BS degree in history and will have to go to summer school to achieve the three year goal. Coaching cheerleading is up to the administration where you teach.
2006-12-30 23:56:00 · answer #5 · answered by violetb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some schools have fast track programs like (SFSU for example) where you can get your bachelors & teaching cert. all in for years. If you really know what you want to do and dont mind being SUPER busy you can always take a huge load (21 units) I dont recommend it BUT if you have a major that is relatively easy for you it wont be impossible. I know ppl who got their BA in 3 years. It just depends on what type of load you want. Oh yeah, dont forget to take summer courses.
Also you dont have to get a degree in History I dont know what state you're in but in CA you can have a BA in social science, history, or political and some other majors also meet the reqs. Talk to an advisor or a counselor! please. Or do a net search of teaching cert. reqs b/c the answers here wont tell you everything you need to know! <3
2007-01-01 13:59:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd advise you to take a medium load your first semester so you can adjust to it. After that, take as full a load as you can handle...especially through your basic classes. Check to see if you might be able to clep out of some courses. Normally it will take you at least four years. Any more it seems to be requiring more and more hours to get a degree, though. It may take you five.
Good luck!
2006-12-30 15:28:04 · answer #7 · answered by ♥Sweetmusic ♥ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
See your counselor/adviser to discuss your college plans--they will give you the best advice and guidance and it should be relatively easy to have a meeting with them. Also, considering your career choice, it would be exceptionally easy to ask your own teachers how THEY got the jobs they have.
2006-12-30 15:13:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋