Post Bacc, Masters, or Certification program?

Question

I'd like to become a secondary school teacher, and have been looking into the methods of becoming one. My degree is in English with a writing focus, and I have taught English as a Second Language for the past couple of years.
I'm apprehensive of going through a teacher certification program, because I don't think it would fully prepare me to become a teacher.
I've looked into Post Bacc programs and one of them requires that I pass the Praxis II before even starting the program. Is that common with a lot of Post Bacc programs? It seems kind of backwards to me.
I'd like to get a Masters in Education some day, but I wouldn't want to jump into the deep end right off the bat. Argh I'm so confused. Anyone have any advice?

Answer 1

I would suggest that you first check with the state organization which handles the credentialing of teachers in your state.

A Master's Degree in your subject area is quite handy, because:

*You can teach at a local community college if things don't work out with the high school gig.

*You can teach part time at a local community college if things DO work out with the high school teaching gig, because the pay in public education is ABYSMAL for the educated professionals that we are.

Good luck, I hope this helps!

Answer 2

Check with the teacher certification department at your state's board of education office. There are several alternative paths to becoming certified today especially in the fields of English, History, and Math because the need for teachers is so great in those areas. You may be able to get into a program where you can teach on an emergency certificate while taking the state required coursework on the weekends at a local community college (which will be a lot cheaper than attending a MAT or MIT program at a private university). Unfortunately, most states are requiring you take the qualifying tests first, but some will give you up to two years to complete the test once you're in a certification program. Happy hunting!

Answer 3

You you could just get a second Bach. degree in Ed. That's what I did. I had a B.A. in Environmental Studies then got a B.S in Education, then went on to get my M.Ed. I evolved through the process. Although I intended in being Secondary Science, I ended up Middle School and Elementary - I realized that was more me. I don't think I would have come to that discovery through any other avenue - and it has saved myself from being disstatisfied.

It would give you a comprehensive introduction and basics, prepare you for the Praxis, and tell you early on if this is the right path for you.

My best advice is go to your local college/univ. and make an appt. with the Dean of the Education Dept. They can give you your options and help weigh pro/con