How can I be a teacher now?

Question

I have over 13 years experience as an Instrutional Aide, Tutor Substitute Teacher, and a couple non-profit agencies. I have majored in Criminal Justice, Child Development and Special Education. For my credential, I passed all the coursework and required tests. But due to unfavorable circumstances beyond my control, I didn't get my student teaching requirement. So, I have no credential. I have applied for non-teaching and classified positions, but to no avail. I have been in Education for so long and that is what my resume shows. I have even tried other fields like management, student services, career placement, social services etc., To no avail. I do not have the right Degree or specific experience that requires. For now, I am going back to Subsitute Teaching and getting my Child Care permit. People say to follow my heart. That is in teaching, but I do not know how to go about it at this point. Can I qualify for an county internship or teach at a different type of school? Please help.

I live in LA County, CA. But, I am willing to relocate if neccessary.

I have 2 AA Degrees and a BA Degree. But, no credential. Just the coursework and tests.

I have my Emergency 30 day permit to substitute teach.

CBEST/2001
CSET/2002
RICA/2003

Answer 1

You will need to teach in a private school. No Child Left Behind requires teachers to be qualified to teach in their assignments. Without the credential, you won't be considered qualified no matter how much experience you have. It's possible a private college (Chapman or National) will accept your coursework and arrange for your student teaching. That may be your fastest route.
Good luck.

Answer 2

What you need to do completely varies from place to place. I suggest finding out where the need for teachers is greatest, making an appointment with a principal in that area, and talking to them about your experiences and get professional advice from someone who actually does the hiring in that area. No one here will really be able to help much, because it ulimately depends on where you want to teach. That said, it would help you a LOT if you had a degree in something they actually teach. Special Ed, Child Development, and Criminal Justice are not going to help you much when schools need people to teach science, math, and English. Talk to some more people in the business, though. They will have some great advice for you. Good luck!

Answer 3

You need to finish the student teaching and take the CSET and RICA for elementary. Otherwise, you cannot be hired in california public schools. Many private schools are going this route too. So if you go the private school route be prepared for low pay, horrible parents, and bizarre expectations and little job security.

Answer 4

Private schools can hire without you having a degree - but why don't you get your degree? You have so much experience that you could likely challenge some of the courses and get through in much less than normal time.