DIS Teachers: Is this true or false?

[Debi]

I hold a B.S. degree in Business (with a concentration in Management), and I'm going back to get my teachers certification. I'm really interested in going back for my Elementary Education certification, but when I called the State Department of Education today, I was told that I could only receive a certification in a business-related teaching field (marketing, secretarial skills, etc.) because that's what my B.S. is in. Is this true, or was the woman I spoke with misinformed? If it is true, how do I go about getting a teachers certificate in Elementary Education?

 

[bananiem]

Each state has different standards. I think you'll have to deal with your State Dept. of Education.
Good luck!

 

[Suzy Mouse]

In Jersey you can take the Praxis (NTEs) and then get hired by a district to teach. THe only thing is that you would need to go to school to get the rest of your credits. I'm not sure how the whole thing works. But it is called "Alternate Route"

 

[JAP]

Any information regarding getting your teacher's cert in Ohio? Thanks.

 

[Debi]

Suzy Mouse, I was looking in to the alternative route. It looks like I do have to go back to get my elementary certification. Thanks!

 

[poohbear2]

Yes. each state is different. In NH I believe, you need to complete so many course requirements to be certified in elementary ed with a BS in another field. If you go into middle school or HIgh school and teach under altern. 4, you may start teaching in a field WHILE going to school to complete your degree. The fields of study change all the time and usually always include the maths, sciences and special ed. Good-Luck! If you really want to do this, GO FOR IT!!

 

[gemmie214]

Every state is different. I would check out the States Department of Ed's website to find the answers.

 

[gepetto]

In order to teach elementary school, you will have to go back to college and get a number of education courses and more than likely complete a semester of student teaching. I would suggest contacting one of your local universities and finding out about their degree programs are.

 

[Debi]

Thank you, gepetto.

 

[allicat]

I know my friend has a degree in communications and went through the alternate route in NJ and is now an elementary school teacher.
Try contacting Stockton College- Im thinking Seaville is Southern NJ, right?

 

[Debi]

You're exactally right, allicat, Seaville is in Southern NJ (Cape May County). My B.S. degree is from Stockton, so I'll be contacting them tomorrow.

 

[iluvorlando]

In FL, you can get a temporary certificate, out of field with any four year degree. You must then take a subject area test(ie: Elementary Education) or 6 credit hours within your first year.

I am doing this route now, then when I become employeed, they have an Alternative Certificate Program to assist me to become "in-field".

Wishing you all the best!!

 

[bobcat]

It almost sounds like they were giving you information about a vocational teaching certificate. That would be a little different from the alternate route. I know in Ohio if you have a degree and work experience you are eligible for a vocational certificate, having to complete so many education classes over the first year or two to keep it.

Departments of Ed are a little like calling WDW. If you don't get the answer you are looking for call back and ask someone else.

JAP what exactly do you want to know?

 

[JAP]

Hi Bobcat! I went to the Ohio Department of Education webstie and looked around a little. I have been thinking about getting into teaching so I can spend more time with my kids and help other children.

I am just not sure how to go about it at this time. I know I would have to take some more classes as I have a BS in Paralegal Studies. I am just a little burnt out on my career at the moment. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[antnee]

Hi Debi
I am currently taking the alternate route to teaching certification in NJ. Check out this website for more information http://www.njhire.com

 

[bobcat]

JAP here's a link to the state web page http://www.ode.state.oh.us/teaching-profession/teacher/certification_licensure/
To the left are a couple of links about alternative licensure. I didn't look at them too closely but they should give you some info. Good Luck.

 

[Saffron]

Hey Debi! Good luck! That's wonderful! This is what my univeristy offers (Arcadia University):

If you have a BS or BA, you can teach for one year, in the Philadelphia School District, take the Praxis tests and become certified. You are paid, minimum wage or a little above, while teaching. You are a student through the university. You would not have to take any more education courses to become certified, just teach for the year, pass the Praxis and receive your credits through the school.

Drawbacks: You don't get to pick which school you teach in, Philadelphia does. If you've never taught before or don't have education classes behind you, teaching may be a nightmare going in cold turkey.

Benefits: No extra classes to tie you down. A mimimal pay to help with living expenses for the year. Hands on experience. Working with the kids right away.

I wish you all the luck in the world!