What does it take to teach Jr High/High School?

Question

I'm going to be moving soon due to my lady's career requirements. Currently, I work in Biotech, and there isn't a lot outside the Bay Area. But I have two undergrad degrees in science (molecular biology and chemical engineering) and I always hear taht there are shortages for teachers in science and math.

Assuming I try to make that transition, what all is required? Is there any way for me to move right into teaching without some grad school first?

And answer particular to Washington state, Oregon, Minnesota, and Colorado are particularly appreciated.

Thank you.

Answer 1

There are programs called Alternative Teaching Certification Programs. They are designed for non-education majors who want to teach. The programs provide all the requirements to get the ball rolling.

Go to your state department of education website (or the state you are moving to) and look up the requirements. There is usually a version for permanent/professional and temporary status. If you have a degree you can probably get a temporary without too much trouble, but to get professionally certified you will have to do some sort of Alternative Teaching Certificate Program. In Florida, all the school districts offer a program and the state started a similar program at the Community College level.

Math, Science, Reading, Special Ed are the critical shortage areas. You might find tuition reimbursement and sign on bonuses for teaching in those areas. Many loan forgiveness programs for existing student loans (if you have any) can be applied toward the critical shortage areas.

So...start with the Department of Education website, then check with the county school board where you end up and see what it takes.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I have just begun the same process in Ohio. You can teach in a private school with a non-tax certificate. But, because of all the new laws...you can't teach in a public school unless they apply for your certificate and you are enrolled in school. I have 3 years left of grad classes until I will be certified....despite my educational background and the fact that I did teach 7 years in a private school. They don't care about experience...knowledge...etc., only that you meet whatever the states requirements are. Go to your states education site and look under licensure.

Answer 3

oh - you meant requirements for teachers. I was going to tell you that what it takes to teach Jr. High School is lots and lots of patience. In fact, if you can walk on water and qualify for sainthood, you'll do okay in a jr. high classroom.
As to the technical qualifications - depends on how short of teachers they are. Sounds like you've got some pretty good credentials already. You could possibly register for summer school and pick up enough education credits to get you started, and finish them by evening classes or summer schools or whatever.
Usually school boards are willing to be flexibe with someone like you who has the technical background but just needs some education theory courses.
Good luck

Answer 4

Hi, wassup! i'm in eighth grade a a school in minnesota, u need to be flexible, have a sense of humor, a backbone, a state of command, open mind to ideas that might seem obscure to you but not us. and last but not least a good attitude. we can read teachers lik books based on how they look, carry themselves, and act. P.S. good luck.

Answer 5

Here's a great website that will answer all of your questions for Washington state... http://www.k12.wa.us/certification/teacher/teacherinformation.aspx

Answer 6

for Oregon type in T.S.P.C and they will tell you, I think you might have a few hoops to jump thru ????