I think I have found what I really want to do after spending some time with kids this weekend. I have decided that I want to teach.
I already have a non-educational B.A. from a large university. I graduated with high honors, political science and economics

Children are always pleasant and refreshing and have a perspective on life I think many adults have lost.

I was wondering if anyone knows of any specific state that will allow someone with a bachelors degree to work towards their certificate while they teach. Someone told me such programs exist. I currently reside in Pittsburgh, but would like to move somewhere warmer.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.


Jim

I believe many states offer this option, but I will tell you about Florida.
You need to apply for an evaluation of eligibility (online) to the fl dept of educ ($54).

They will send you a paper that tells you that you are eligible to teach social science. If a school principal wants to hire you, s/he can do so with that paper (and criminal record check, fingerprints, etc.). You will have three years to complete certain "education" courses you will be missing, before they give you a permanent professional certificate (need two years of full time experience teaching).

Virginia actually takes a lot of flack for having teachers that don't have certificates (unless I'm remembering wrong...). LOL! My opinion is that if a teacher is really good at the job, that the certificate is less important. I mean they let people homeschool and judge it by the results achieved, not by the individual parents educational backrounds.

Jim,
I got into teaching the way you're thinking. I think you'll have to check not only with individual states about their policies, but really, specific counties or districts can have their own policies and procedures regarding uncertified teachers. I really think it depends on what subject areas they have the greatest (unfilled) need for teachers as to whether they'll hire someone w/o a certificate. If they have certified teachers to take the positions, they will get them first. But if you're going to try and teach, think twice before moving out of PA, they have just about the best pay and benefits (esp. retirement) in the US.

But,
I began teaching without a "teaching certificate"..............................................

MIDDLE SCHOOL :eyebrow: :eek: :faint: .......................................

But that was 10 years ago...........................................(and I'm still sane--enough--to talk about it)

I had no background in education, never taught anywhere, etc. But, I did have a degree in an area that had a "critical need" for teachers. I was hired at the last minute (or nearly)--didn't sign my contract until Aug. 1 and started two weeks later. :eek: I started with a "provisional certificate" which meant that I had 3 years to take the classes I needed and the praxis exams in order to become fully certified.

I think, for me, it was better getting into education this way. My first year counted as student teaching. And as I took the classes I needed (ed. psych., child/adol. develop., etc.) I could immediately compare the material to my classroom experience--take what worked, let go of what didn't. I had no preconceived idea of what it was "supposed" to be like, or how I was "supposed" to act as a teacher. I think that helped me to be flexible and take things as they came.

My opinion is that if a teacher is really good at the job, that the certificate is less important. I mean they let people homeschool and judge it by the results achieved, not by the individual parents educational backrounds.

Absolutely agree with you here E-boy. I know teachers who have been at it for 20 years and should've quit 18 years ago :eyebrow: . They are the ones who can't/won't relate to students, take their position of "power" seriously, keep using the same curriculum and worksheets they used when they began teaching, etc.

But I also think my prior life experience and having ADD helps me understand and work with the students so much better than than a "normal", serious teacher who has only ever been a teacher. I still get the job done, just in a different way.


Virginia actually takes a lot of flack for having teachers that don't have certificates (unless I'm remembering wrong...).
Now, with "No Child Left Behind" :faint: (I won't even get started on the ineffectiveness of that law!) schools are required to inform parents whether their student's teachers are certified or not. But what can a system do when they don't have certified teachers even applying to fill the positions? I've seen them get some real quality teachers this way (me:D ). However, I've also seen individual schools get rid of teachers/deny tenure to those who aren't doing their job well enough.

tkj:rolleyes:

The best thing you can do is contact your regional superintendent or other office that reviews transcripts, research universities offering such programs-they can really differ.

You may be limited to high need areas-mine is Family and Consumer Science.

I went to Eastern Illinois University for the 8 week program with a year of full pay internship. It was intense and challenged my ADD. We also had to have 5 years relevant work experience.

Do the research, it is amazing how much you learn about teaching. Would you want a doc who was not licensed? Or should people who make good docs not need tobe certified. I used to think the same thing too. My training made me a much better teacher! I wouldn't enter the classroom without it, Karl Malden.

North Carolina used to allow teachers without certification but a bachelor's degree in a related field to start and on the condition that certification must be completed within 5 years, I believe.

I'm with those of you who believe certification is irrelevant if one shows that they are competent in that field and have proven themselves to be a good teacher. And frankly, I find those education classes in college to be a waste of time.

Massachusetts offers a 5 year provisional teaching certificate to people who only have a BA/BS. They must first pass the MA teaching test though.