Alternate Route Teaching - PA or NJ

[lucigo]

Another thought on "highly qualified". I'm wondering if you apply with a masters degree, and another nice applicant only has a bachelor's degree, if they might go for the BS so they don't have to pay the teacher as much, with money being so tight in the school districts right now.

 

[amylevan]

The one thing REALLY in your favor is that engineering background.

Is there any way you could teach Physics in addition to math? The best job markets in most of the Northeast, if not the country, are Physics, Chem and high school math.

I have considered adding the physics; but I'm a little rusty. I use math up to and including calculus on a regular basis, I haven't touched physics since college. I'm guessing I would be ok with a little brushing up though.

And call me an eternal optimist, but I just don't think the current status in teaching can stay this way. Eventually retiring teachers need replacing and expanding classes call for more teachers. So while it may not be ideal to make the leap right now, I'm sure the pendulum will swing the other way at some point.

 

[aprilfoolwed]

And call me an eternal optimist, but I just don't think the current status in teaching can stay this way. Eventually retiring teachers need replacing and expanding classes call for more teachers. So while it may not be ideal to make the leap right now, I'm sure the pendulum will swing the other way at some point.

It will! That's the reason I am still enrolled in my program. It can't be like this forever. It will get better. And your area of certification is in high demand. I added the Special Education certificiation because it's a good way to take a not-in-demand subject (English) and make it marketable.

 

[bigmama67]

I have considered adding the physics; but I'm a little rusty. I use math up to and including calculus on a regular basis, I haven't touched physics since college. I'm guessing I would be ok with a little brushing up though.

And call me an eternal optimist, but I just don't think the current status in teaching can stay this way. Eventually retiring teachers need replacing and expanding classes call for more teachers. So while it may not be ideal to make the leap right now, I'm sure the pendulum will swing the other way at some point.

I feel the same way. When I get stressed out about the employment prospects, I also try to remind myself that there's no way to tell what will be happening 18 months or 2 years from now...all I can do is work toward the goals I have at the moment, do my best, and deal with the present, KWIM? I do think things will have settled down and shaken themselves out when I'm job-hunting.

 

[MrsPete]

And call me an eternal optimist, but I just don't think the current status in teaching can stay this way. Eventually retiring teachers need replacing and expanding classes call for more teachers. So while it may not be ideal to make the leap right now, I'm sure the pendulum will swing the other way at some point.

Oh, I'm certain it'll swing back the other way -- but it won't be for a while. I'd hate to see you prepare yourself for a new teaching career, head out excited . . . and nothing. It'd be better to wait a bit 'til you're likely to get a job. Waiting dulls the momentum of your enthusiasm.

Also, look into the average age of teachers in your area. When I started teaching in the early 90s, teaching was a gray-haired profession. That is, something like 80-90% of the teachers were within 5-years of retirement. It was evident in the school where I taught. It was me and about three other young teachers, and a whole building full of grandmothers.

The result: Within my first 5 years or so, the majority of my co-workers retired and the state couldn't find anyone to replace them . . . so they started hiring Lateral Entry people (which is what you're considering). And teacher salaries increased (the big push was "National Average" for our teachers -- whoo-hoo, we're average!). With that, more quality teaching graduates came out of college . . . and now here we are, at 44 I'm among the oldest teachers at my school . . . and I have another 10 years 'til I'll retire.

So IF such a situation exists in your area, you'd be better off to know it than not to know it -- and this is a highly regionalized thing. What I say may not be true at all for you.

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

Another teacher here. Have you thought at all about teaching Tech Ed classes? I'm a HS teacher and I teach CAD, Drafting, Engineering, Architecture and Interior Design.

Many of the teachers in this field are old and retiring

 

[evilqueenfan]

NJ and PA are not good states to get into teaching right now. Our governors are cutting budgets like never before and teachers are being furloughed. I wouldn't suggest this path if your family is dependent upon your income.

Unfortunately, this is spot on. PA governor today announced MAJOR cutbacks to our schools.....MILLIONS of dollars have been slashed from the budget. It does not look good at all for teaching positions.

 

[eeyorethegreat]

Oh, I'm certain it'll swing back the other way -- but it won't be for a while. I'd hate to see you prepare yourself for a new teaching career, head out excited . . . and nothing. It'd be better to wait a bit 'til you're likely to get a job. Waiting dulls the momentum of your enthusiasm.

Also, look into the average age of teachers in your area. When I started teaching in the early 90s, teaching was a gray-haired profession. That is, something like 80-90% of the teachers were within 5-years of retirement. It was evident in the school where I taught. It was me and about three other young teachers, and a whole building full of grandmothers.

The result: Within my first 5 years or so, the majority of my co-workers retired and the state couldn't find anyone to replace them . . . so they started hiring Lateral Entry people (which is what you're considering). And teacher salaries increased (the big push was "National Average" for our teachers -- whoo-hoo, we're average!). With that, more quality teaching graduates came out of college . . . and now here we are, at 44 I'm among the oldest teachers at my school . . . and I have another 10 years 'til I'll retire.

So IF such a situation exists in your area, you'd be better off to know it than not to know it -- and this is a highly regionalized thing. What I say may not be true at all for you.

Mrs. Pete and other posters have given you some good input. I don't think anyone including myself respoded with the idea to discourage you but to make sure you are fully aware of the realism of getting into teaching is right now. There is a lot in the news about some of the things teachers are fighting against with their state leaders beyond just trying to hold on to their positions. Actual job oppurtunity and what your benefits and retirement may look like if you do get a position are all considerations. Like I said and others too, you sound like you have a real heart for teaching. That is fabulous and I really hope that if you follow this route you get a great position and are able to reach many children. I just have a genuine worry knowing first hand what it is like in the schools right now for anyone who is fresh trying to get in. Things hopefully will turn around for teachers eventually, it just might not be when you are ready to go into teaching. I really wish you the best it sounds like any student would be lucky to have you.

 

[labdogs42]

To sub here in the Lehigh Valley, you can go through the Intermediate Unit and get an emergency temporary certification. It only allows you to sub - and they only offer it once a year (applications are chosen in September and training is in October). I think I may apply next year.

Some of the urban school districts will hire you as a sub with only a Bachelors or Masters degree.

It's going to be harder to sub though too - with the amount of teachers losing their jobs, the market is going to be flooded with highly qualified subs.

I also wanted to concur that you would be a highly qualified teacher if you get your cert through the student teaching method - because you have a degree in your subject matter area. I have a degree in English and am taking the education classes - I will be highly qualified.

I'm in the Lehigh Valley, too. I did the emergency cert through IU 21 a few years ago so I could sub. It was pretty cool. It is a good way to scope out school districts, too. Sometimes they will even hire someone on an emergency sub position, but I'm guessing that they aren't doing that any more! I would think if you have an engineering degree, you'd be highly qualified in math and physics and would be pretty marketable. You could always try one of the local Catholic schools, too. They don't have the same requirements as the public schools.

 

[kec]

Christie has said that he would like to pass a law that all NJ teachers must live in NJ. I am not sure it that will pass but you may want to take that into consideration, also.
Kari(a teacher in NJ!)

 

[Aliceacc]

I have considered adding the physics; but I'm a little rusty. I use math up to and including calculus on a regular basis, I haven't touched physics since college. I'm guessing I would be ok with a little brushing up though.

And call me an eternal optimist, but I just don't think the current status in teaching can stay this way. Eventually retiring teachers need replacing and expanding classes call for more teachers. So while it may not be ideal to make the leap right now, I'm sure the pendulum will swing the other way at some point.

It might be worth auditing a course at a local community college just to get back into the swing of things. Remember, this is high school level, not college.

 

[RangerPooh]

I agree that you should look at the age of teachers in districts that interest you. Subbing is a good way to do this, but you could probably get an idea just by looking at their websites if they post pictures. At the school that I worked at the majority of the teachers (~85%) were in their 20s and 30s, so they'd theoretically be there for a long time. The remaining 15% consisted of teachers in their 40s and up, with only maybe 3 near retirement age, if that. The districts where we live now have a broader range, but the vast majority are still in their 20s and 30s.

Another thing to consider is talking to someone at the district office about the applicant status when jobs are posted. It doesn't hurt to inquire about how many applicants they get for one positions. In this area, the districts literally do get a few hundred applicants for 1 or 2 positions. You can then ask if the principals tend to look for someone who has full certification or has gone through the alternative pathway.

 

[CourtNut]

While this is a difficult time for anyone to consider a career change (to any career, not just education), I don't think the situation is as dire as some are indicating.

Yes, you will be a newbie to the teaching field, but as such, you'll have some really great attributes working in your favor at this time.
1) You are able to teach math (and physics). It is incredibly difficult to find qualified, certified teachers for these subject areas. Math and science seem to always be in need of good teachers. So, while it might still be a struggle for you to find a job, I think it will be easier than if you were going for a job in teaching any of the other core subject areas.

2) You have little experience. Despite budget cutbacks, schools still need teachers to teach classes. If a district is hiring, you will be the cheaper option, and thus be more appealing budgetwise than someone with many years of experience.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do!

 

[J3nn78]

As a teacher who LOVES the job itself, I would encourage you to RUN, not walk away from this profession. It is getting ugly and only going to get worse. I honestly love the job itself, but I would NEVER choose to go into it now, knowing what I know now.

As for alternate route, I don't think you have much of a chance of landing a job that way. There are not any shortages of teachers right now. The only alternate route teacher I ever met was a Spanish teacher. Our district was in a bind and needed someone quick, she lasted one year until our district found a certified teacher and replaced her.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

I have considered adding the physics; but I'm a little rusty. I use math up to and including calculus on a regular basis, I haven't touched physics since college. I'm guessing I would be ok with a little brushing up though.

And call me an eternal optimist, but I just don't think the current status in teaching can stay this way. Eventually retiring teachers need replacing and expanding classes call for more teachers. So while it may not be ideal to make the leap right now, I'm sure the pendulum will swing the other way at some point.

I will warn you that this will sound like I am a Debbie Downer...I was at our union meeting this afternoon. Please know that I LOVE being a teacher. I have been teaching for fifteen years.

Eventually - could be a long time. Our district (PA) is offering early retirement package for the second year. Other local schools are considering the same. They will NOT hire to replace. This is a way to cut money and save current jobs.

Another teacher here. Have you thought at all about teaching Tech Ed classes? I'm a HS teacher and I teach CAD, Drafting, Engineering, Architecture and Interior Design.

Many of the teachers in this field are old and retiring

In PA - the budget proposals are beyond frightening. These programs can and will be cut/ reduced in some districts.

While this is a difficult time for anyone to consider a career change (to any career, not just education), I don't think the situation is as dire as some are indicating.

Yes, you will be a newbie to the teaching field, but as such, you'll have some really great attributes working in your favor at this time.
1) You are able to teach math (and physics). It is incredibly difficult to find qualified, certified teachers for these subject areas. Math and science seem to always be in need of good teachers. So, while it might still be a struggle for you to find a job, I think it will be easier than if you were going for a job in teaching any of the other core subject areas.

2) You have little experience. Despite budget cutbacks, schools still need teachers to teach classes. If a district is hiring, you will be the cheaper option, and thus be more appealing budgetwise than someone with many years of experience.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do!

In PA - dire is not a strong enough word. Unions are meeting across the state to address how to do "our part." Corbett called for us to take salary freezes...and yes, unions are voting on this and having it approved. This is to save jobs. Highly likely, that the most recent hires will still be without jobs, so they will have a year or two experience, but still be cost effective for anyone hiring.

Districts are increasing class size in order to reduce staff - heck, furloughs are being proposed, so when teachers are hired, it will be the teachers who were furloughed.

As a teacher who LOVES the job itself, I would encourage you to RUN, not walk away from this profession. It is getting ugly and only going to get worse. I honestly love the job itself, but I would NEVER choose to go into it now, knowing what I know now.

As for alternate route, I don't think you have much of a chance of landing a job that way. There are not any shortages of teachers right now. The only alternate route teacher I ever met was a Spanish teacher. Our district was in a bind and needed someone quick, she lasted one year until our district found a certified teacher and replaced her.

I don't know if I would tell you to run- walk briskly maybe... I do love what I do, but I am worried about job security. Again, I have been teaching for 15 years. If House 558 passes and there is an option of furloughs not based on seniority...I am paid twice what new teachers are. I am a dedicated teacher with a reputation to match, but I am feeling more vunerable to losing my job. With my current adminstration, I feel safe. However, what happens when my administration changes? Also, with the attack on unions, I am worried about not having protection against an angry parent (for every 250 supportive ones, I do encounter one irrational one).

The district I teach in has to find 11 million dollars if Corbett's budget passes.

I really do hope that this turns around, but I don't anticipate it to be better for another 3 to 5 years if we are lucky. Politicians in PA are very interested in funding vouchers for school choice which only hurts public school education.

I am being practical. Teaching in PA is not a promising option. The field is flooded with candidates. That said...you might be lucky, so I wish you the best. If finances aren't a concern, go for it.

 

[sharbear]

Since you already have a BS and MS maybe you could look into teaching at the community college level. That's something my H has thought about. Those jobs are usually at a per diem level.

What is your motivation for going into teaching? Are you looking for something more flexible? If that is the case, maybe you could look into consulting or trying for a part time position. It could also be much less stress, if that is something that you want to do.

 

[Phillygrl23]

As a teacher who LOVES the job itself, I would encourage you to RUN, not walk away from this profession. It is getting ugly and only going to get worse. I honestly love the job itself, but I would NEVER choose to go into it now, knowing what I know now.

As for alternate route, I don't think you have much of a chance of landing a job that way. There are not any shortages of teachers right now. The only alternate route teacher I ever met was a Spanish teacher. Our district was in a bind and needed someone quick, she lasted one year until our district found a certified teacher and replaced her.

I strongly agree. I know this thread is from a few months ago-but its very true. There are some openings but its ALWAYS who you know. There is always a daughter, son, cousin, nephew, niece, neighbor etc.. that has a connection despite your experience and degree. I have worked as a sub and aide in public SD and still have gotten no where. I am PA certified and in the process of being NJ certified (all I had to was a take an additional praxis so not much lost here if I cannot find a job, which I most likely wont).

There is not much I can do and if I could go back I would NEVER have gotten into teaching. I do love the teaching profession, but there are just no jobs in PA, and very limited in NJ/DE. Please keep in mind though, Masters can hurt you because schools want to be the cheapest if they need to replace a teacher. Most of the time they don't even replace them, just make class sizes larger.

Lastly, I loooked into FL, NC etc.. they do need teachers but the pay is very low and not worth it to me to move from PA. I can work in a preschool here and make just as much. Good Luck to you.