Looking to become a teacher through an alternative route...for those who you who have gone that way....?

Question

would you recommend it or do you think going back to school for your certification and/or master's degree is the better way to go? Any other advice for me? Thanks!

P.S. I'd like to become a special education teacher.

Answer 1

Alternatively Certified Teachers or ACT programs are probably more difficult than the university teacher training classes but are relatively cheap ($2000-$4000 depending on the state). Moreover, some school districts may pay for this cost depending on their shortages and funding.

However, please realize the retention rate for Alt. Cert. teachers is extremely low. Often professionals once in the business world have difficulties adjusting to the institutionalism of schools and the challenges working will children face. Data will prove that very few Alt. Cert. Teachers are still teaching after just three years in the classroom.

Good Luck....

Answer 2

If you already have a college degree, the quickest route to becoming a teacher is the Alternative Certification. It is also the most economical route because you can continue working at your old job, or work as an intern teacher.

While it is true, many Alternative Certification teachers can change careers, it is because the option is there for them, not because they are poorly trained. Overall, the attrition rate in teaching is 50% in 5 years in the US. And the main cause are the US unruly students.

The high level of unruliness in students appear to be a phenomena mostly in the US because of all the laws protecting the students, and giving the students the right to make their own choices. Therefore, the US education system allow students to make wrong choices, and are given many chances by law. And those laws apply to parental control as well, like CPS, child labor laws, etc.

The best preparation for becoming a teacher is to be a substitute teacher if you can't land a full time teaching position. I did substitute teaching while I went thru the Alternative Certification program. It helped me refine the #1 skill needed to be a teacher, and that is classroom management.

Everything in teaching in the US comes down to classroom management. Every teacher knows the content, but can the teacher manage the class enough to get the contents thru to the students? Poor teaching performances almost always center around poor classroom management.

Poor classroom management could be something as uncontrollable as personality conflicts with the students. But the classroom evaluators or principals will almost always pick on something else more tangible to give you a poor performance. But if you have good students that listen to you, then you can be a great teacher even if you don't teach them much content.

US education system has resorted to such "games" with the teaching profession, mostly because of the student behavior and unruliness. If all the US students behaved like Chinese students, then there would not be an education crisis in the US, and there would not be a shortage of teachers in the US.

Answer 3

Depends on what state you live in. For example, I was told that NJ never hires alternative certification candidates. However, in Texas, special education teachers are in such high demand, they wouldn't care as much! I'm doing the alternative certification route and not particularly worried.
Most teachers end up with their master's anyway because of the continuing education that is required to keep their license.

Answer 4

What state are you in? In California for Special Education teachers there are special programs through Universities called Internships. I went through this program a few years ago. I taught in my own classroom (paid) for two years and went to all day classes on one release day a month. It was great because I was able to apply what I learned and discuss issues I had in my classroom with other teachers at those all day sessions. The program also included a few night classes and some online courses. I would recommend this route to anyone who is self motivated.

Good Luck

Answer 5

have you ever had instructors that inspired you, Made a great distinction in existence or have been a competent function variety for you? it extremely is the reason we alter into instructors because of the fact we would desire to make a distinction in the lives of their scholars. particular the pay sucks yet you dont do it for the money, you do it because of the fact its a calling, a vocation. You do it when you consider which you?prefer to be there. Ive been coaching in Japan for?the final 28 years, some days are a drag and countless days i choose to strangle my scholars however the stable ones make it precious, once you notice the sunshine circulate in in someones eyes, you notice the keenness for discovering some thing new. If that starvation has been extinguished in you that would make you ask your self why all and sundry might replace into instructors, yet once you like young ones, love discovering and love coaching then thats why you do it and maximum days it doesnt sense like surely paintings. plenty extra effectual than sitting in a cubicle and pushing around paper all day.

Answer 6

overall just look at what your state's department of education requires a teacher to have to be a certified license teacher in that state. from there look at what more you have to do to become a teacher... i suggest that you participate in a regular college program because it allows you to get classroom practicum experience, which i felt was the MOST VALUABLE thing ever.

Answer 7

I would say go back to school and get your certification.