How to get teaching certificate?

[ead79]

I am curious about how a person goes about getting a teaching certificate. I have an undergrad degree (a BBA) in Marketing, so I'm not talking about majoring in education. I'm asking more along the lines of a teaching certificate to teach high school. How long would it take? What is involved? Do you do student teaching? Just curious, as I'm exploring all my career options. I do currently work in marketing, so I don't have any teaching experience.

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

Not to discourage you... but here is my story.

I have a BA in Psychology from a Division 1 school. When I checked into a Division 2 school to go back and get my teaching degree, it was going to take over three years to satisfy all of their requirements. Along with all of the ed courses, they would not accept many of my core courses from the Division 1 school.

It was really frustrating. I think you just have to check the schools in your area and let them take a look at your transcript. Hope you have better luck than I did!

 

[Jeannie]

Here in NJ I did the Accelerated Certification for Teachers. This is NOT the same as Alternate Route. The ACT program consisted of 18 graduate credits. I took 2 classes in the fall, 2 in the spring and then did my practice teaching (6 grad credits) the following fall. 18 months total!

Good luck!

 

[jjskribs]

CJMickey........ what do you mean by Division 1 and Division 2 school? The only "Divisions" I know have to do with athletics not academics. A Division 2 or 3 school is certainly not inferior academically to a Division 1 school......

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

Originally posted by jjskribs
CJMickey........ what do you mean by Division 1 and Division 2 school? The only "Divisions" I know have to do with athletics not academics. A Division 2 or 3 school is certainly not inferior academically to a Division 1 school......

Sorry, my mistake... you are right!

I attended two large universities... rated very high in academics. Several of my credits would not transfer to a small university which was not nearly (IMO) as academically challenging.

 

[WilmaBud]

It totally depends on which state you want to teach in. Every state has different requirements. I'd contact a teaching college and/or the state board of education in whichever state you'd like to get your credential in.

 

[Tiger Fan]

Elisabeth I would suggest contacting the university you would be going to to see what their requirements would be. Lynn went back to get certified after her BA degree and it was less than 2 years and that was part-time. She said it was 2 semesters in class and 1 semester student teaching. She now has her Master's and that took another 3 years, but also at a very slow part-time pace. Good luck to you.
Lisa

 

[caitycaity]

i agree with wilma bud. i know the laws where i grew up are TOTALLY different then the laws here when it comes to teaching certification.

i found this. maybe it will help:
http://www.cos.gatech.edu/teacher.htm

 

[ead79]

Thanks everyone. I checked out that link, Caity, and I noticed it talked about special loans in Georgia that never have to be paid back if you teach for a few years in Georgia's public schools in certain shortage areas. Luckily, business education is one of those. Hmmm, I'll have to check into that. I would definitely have to pursue this part time and work full time.

 

[snuggles]

Elisabeth, be warned that those loans are given once a year and it's on a first come first served basis. My dd has been trying to apply for one and is really having a hard time. I believe its the HOPE Promise Teacher... and the title goes on. LOL Have you checked out the HOPE page? It should answer some questions too. Good luck!

 

[KarenB]

I just got mine in May in for the state of PA. I started from scratch and had to do the required general ed courses, education courses, student teaching and seven Praxis exams. The Praxis requirements seem to be changing all the time..still have to take them but the specific tests change. It took me 4 1/2 years, most people get through in four. I worked and had a family and could not start with the typical full load that most freshmen do.

Karen

 

[jamsmom]

I know that the local Educational Service Centers in Texas have offered Alternative Certification for those who currently have degrees. However, I am not sure if they are still offered. Many people have varying views on Alternative Certification.