Can I teach with only my GED? I know, ironic isn't it?

Question

I've wanted to be a history teacher for a while now. I dropped out when I was 16 and got my GED. I regret it but there's nothing that I can do about it. I want to go back to school, literally. I want to teach, so I can keep kids from doing what I did while passing on, hopefully, my love of history. If it makes any difference, I just moved to Houston, Texas. Pretty sure state regulations vary. Thanks.

I've wanted to be a history teacher for a while now. I dropped out when I was 16 and got my GED. I regret it but there's nothing that I can do about it. I want to go back to school, literally. I want to teach, so I can keep kids from doing what I did while passing on, hopefully, my love of history. If it makes any difference, I just moved to Houston, Texas. Pretty sure state regulations vary. Thanks.

Also, already reading some of the answers I recieved, I realized that I forgot to add that I PLAN on going to college. I was just unaware if a GED would hold me back from being able to.

Answer 1

not sure. sorry

Answer 2

I also dropped out of high school at 16 and got a GED. I did go to college, though, and even though I didn't get a degree in education, I was accepted to the NY Teaching Fellows to teach in New York. I ultimately decided not to, but it shows that this is a real possibility for you. You probably will have the best shot at becoming a certified teacher somewhere and making a real career out of it if you do get a Bachelors degree. It doesn't really matter if it's not in education. Many states will want you to eventually get a Masters degree in Education, but you may be able to work on it while you are teaching (and get some sort of temporary certification).

There is a shortage of good teachers out there, so if you have a passion for it, you will be a gift to the world. You may even be able to get into a program like Teach for America or the Teaching Fellows so that you can get support getting the degrees and certifications.

And don't regret what you did or let anyone tell you it was a mistake. Life in high school can be really tough on some people for a variety of legitimate reasons and we all have different paths through life. I am absolutely convinced that one more day in high school would have damaged me more than whatever stigma I carried from being a "high school dropout." Look at it this way: at least you'll never be that formerly popular, now pathetic guy at the 10 year reunion who wishes high school never ended and is acutely aware that the best days of his life are over. Yours are likely yet to come.

Answer 3

In Texas, you HAVE to graduate from a 4-year university, first. Next, if you don't study teaching while in college, then you can go through an alternative certification process to become a certified teacher. But you cannot go through that process unless you already have a Bachelor's degree in some area.

Now, to help you with the cost, you can substitute in a school district... but even there, you cannot substitute teach without some college under your belt. You can, however, sub as a teacher's assistant, and that would be SOME experience and money to help you along the way.

Here are two websites that can help you further:
Texas Education Agency :http://www.tea.state.tx.us/
And SBEC (Texas State Board of Educator Certification): http://www.sbec.state.tx.us/SBECOnline/default.asp

**EDIT** The whole purpose of a G.E.D. is to give you the equivalent of a high school diploma. So, no, a G.E.D. should not be a hindrance at all. You go, boy!

Answer 4

states have regulations about the training of their teachers. you would have to go back to school and get a degree and then certification in the state that you wish to teach. most colleges and universities don't hold it against you that you have a GED. kudos to you and good luck - go for it!!!

just read your updates. like i said most colleges and universities won't hold it against you that you have a GED. but you probably did miss some classes that you need for college. they will probably have to take some proficiency tests in english and math. if you pass these test then you will move right on to college level classes. if not, don't flip out or worry, just need to take some classes to get you up to speed. these classes don't usually count toward your degree, but they are needed before you can continue on with the college level classes. a lot of freshman need to take these classes, so it isn't a real big deal. check out the school that you want to go to and see what they have to say. also, i am sure that there are web sites that you can practice these tests and re-learn some of the things that you forgot. some schools even offer a non-credit workshop that can prepare you for these proficiency test. many times if you pass the non-credit workshop then you don't have to take the test. but every school varies and it would be a good idea to go and talk to someone as soon as possible so you would know what is ahead of you and you are able to plan.

i am a non-traditional student (i was 30 years old when i started college). i have learned that the more people you talk to the more you learn. the key is finding a great advisor!!! best of luck to you!!!

Answer 5

Well, you need a college degree and a state license to start, so you have a lot of work ahead of you if you want to pursue this occupation.

There are other fields you could work in, though. You may want to go to human resourses at an area school district and apply to be a paraprofessional. They work in schools, usually with the special ed. population, assisting the teacher in the classroom. You do not need to have a college degree for this. Plus, once you're in the classroom as an assistant, you can see if working with students is right for you. You can then go to community college, get your feet wet, and apply to a larger school.

Paras make about $10-13 per hour to start, and they do not get paid in the summer or for days off during the school year. Sometimes you can apply to work summer school should the district offer it.

Good Luck.

Answer 6

Follow your passion. Start today. Look for a job or volunteer at a state or county park as a tour guide who explains the history of a particular historical site to visitors. This can be great practice while you work on fulfilling the requirements for a teaching license. Your story about dropping out and wanting to teach will make a great essay for your college application. Get over to your local community college for a start.

Answer 7

No, it shouldn't hold you back. I went back to school with a HS diploma after being out for 18 years, and it was fine. I noticed that a GED counts as much as a diploma, and most colleges are wonderful to returning students. I lived in Houston when I went back,too.
Good luck!

Answer 8

Most states require a teaching certificate, which in turn requires a degree. You got past the HS hurdle go on to college and get a degree and you can spend your life trying to keep others from making the mistake you did.

Good luck........

Answer 9

I'm pretty sure to teach in the US as in Canada one needs both a bachelor's degree and a bachelor's of ed, if not a Masters of Ed. degree to teach.

Why not take a few courses a year , eventually you 'll get those degrees.

Answer 10

I'm from up north, but I know in my area you have to have at least a masters degree to teach.

If you don't have to time/finances to do that, maybe you can work or volunteer at a teen center where you can talk to kids about your experiences. Like a motivational speaker of sorts!

Answer 11

In a public school, no. You would need a bachelors and a teaching certificate. However, you can become a tutor, or maybe get accepted in a private school.