way OT: any in PA go back for a teaching certificate?

[jeepgirl30]

The pull between family and career are really getting to me. I would love to go back and get my teaching cert/degree.

I can not afford to quit my job though without something else. Has anyone completed an online or evening program while working? What are the requirements in PA?

 

[MickeyMonstersMom]

I don't know about PA, but NY's Department of Education maintains a website (nysed.gov) that includes requirements for certification; you may want to see if PA has a counterpart. Good luck!

 

[sandraB]

I dont live in PA, here in canada we need a bachelor's degree to even apply to education.

BUt, as far as a pull between family and career, teaching is no walk in the park....you will still find the pull, maybe even more so. The first year or two or more of teaching, you will be very busy at night and on the weekends....you have to have prep time to do what you will teach.....it is a lot harder than it looks!!

That said, you couldn't pick a more rewarding profession....it is worth it. I hope you decide to be a teacher for the profession though, and not because you think you will have more balance, teaching is a hard, hard job.

I am terrified about my first year or so.....I will be teaching in the fall.....I supplied for many years.

I know how much time it takes, and that's what scares me!! I am hoping my kids and family wont suffer too much, because of my new career!

Good luck in whatever you decide.
Sandi

 

[Sleeping~Beauty]

I agree with Sandy. Teaching is a wonderful profession, but it's a ton of work.

It won't really give you more time, and it may give you less time. You have to give 100% of yourself to your students. After hours is dedicated to research and plan to meet the many levels, learning styles, ieps, and abilities of the children. That and much more.

But it's one of the most rewarding professions. Just not one that gives you time.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[bnhasak]

Dh went back to school nights to get his teaching certificate while doing his day job in accounting. He did however have to quit work at the end of his training to obtain his student teaching component. (where you actually go into the classroom and teach).

He loves it. We make a lot less money than we used to, but he is happy and is a wonderful teacher. He really was meant to be a teacher. Having a job you love is a reward in and of itself.

 

[jeepgirl30]

I should clarify, first i have my undergrad degree in communications/marketing. I have been out of school quite some time already. I have always wanted to go back and get my masters so i could teach. Lately its been more and more on my mind.

My current job is very very busy. I am constantly bringing home work. I also travel with my job. The travel has been increasing and its to a point where DH is saying enough. So am I!

I know teaching is a lot of work, I have friends that teach. However I would not have to go out of town to do my job for a week at a time. The pull is coming from having to travel. In May I will only be home one week. I have been so stressed just thinking about that.

 

[Sleeping~Beauty]

Jeepgirl, try calling some of the colleges you want to possibly attend to see what the course requirements and scheduling is like.

Good luck and hope it all works out for you.

 

[linda_loo]

You will probably just need to take the classes that are directly related to teaching, and then complete student teaching as well as take the Praxis tests.

Check out http://www.teaching.state.pa.us/teaching/site/default.asp for more information.

 

[jam217]

I'm in PA and went back to school about 10 years ago to get my master's in special ed. and teaching degree after being in journalism for 8 years. The university I went to had a program that allowed me to get my certification and master's at the same time which was nice. In PA, you need to take 24 credits beyond your bachelor's. If you just go for a teaching certification only, then you eventually have to go back and take the additional credits. It took me 2 1/2 years but was worth it. I agree with the other posters..teaching is a lot of work, particularly the first year, but it is very satisfying. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.

 

[klfrech]

I live in the Pittsburgh area, I'm in my mid 40s and completed a Masters in Eduction at Duquesne University. I have a bachelor's degree in journalism and when I began researching, I thought I could take a few classes and presto, I'd be a teacher! Not so. I worked during the day, took classes in the evening (36 credits--30 of those are courses and 6 is for your student teaching). You also have to take state-required exams (called Praxis--I believe there are 6 parts in order to get your teaching certification). I quit my job to student teach and then began substituting in the district that I student taught in and also live in. It's been two years, I still am not a contracted teacher, but I'm picky. I'm fortunate in that my husband is very supportive and knows where my priorities are. I want to only teach in the district that I live in and where my daughter goes to school. I've worked nearly everyday, some as a day-to-day sub, and a couple of other long term assignments. This year I did half a year in the fifth grade and I am now completing the year in first grade. I can tell you this--it is the most physically and mentally demanding job I've ever had, I work long hours, bring work home, and love every blessed minute of it!

 

[jlb]

I returned for my teaching certification when we lived in PA. This was the best move I ever made. As long as you hold a 4 year degree, you can return to a Master's program plus certification. We were ready for me to quit my job because I wanted to do this and do it quick, when I went to register they asked if I had a job. I told them I did, but I was going to quit, the woman then asked me why because most of there courses started at 5:00 pm and went to 9:45. So I worked and did this 4 nights a week and was done in less then 2 years (plus summers). There are programs out there to accomodate working people who want a career change, just call and ask any teaching college program offering, but keep in mind student teaching is full time.

 

[NookOfTheNorth]

When I lived in PA after college (from WI), I looked into getting just my teaching certificate from West Chester Univ. It was to take 2 years to get certified in Sec. Ed.--English, and I already had an undergrad in English. But, 2 years later, when I got married and moved to MD, I learned about a Master of Arts in Teaching program; it was a one-year full-time program through Towson University. This program was geared toward professionals who wanted to become teachers. It was a better choice for me because I started at a higher level on the pay scale, and it was done in a year (and considering student teaching is a semester anyway). By the way, I was able to work part-time at night to help out (but this was pre-kids). Anyway, just something to look into.

 

[labdogs42]

Wow -- this is so cool! I'm also in PA and looking into becoming a teacher. I've been out of college for 11 years now (wow, time flies!) and I have a 13 month old DS. I want to have a job that will allow me to be home during the summers with him when he goes to school. I'm also looking into subbing because you can get an "emergency certification" in PA as long as you have a degree. Around me, they are in desperate need of subs, so I'm hoping I can get my emergency cert this summer and try to sub in the fall. Thanks for starting this thread!

 

[1stTimeDisneyer]

I am also in PA, Hello all you PA people and am trying to become a teacher too. I have a BA in criminology and really want to teach. Since I was little everyone told me toteach, guess I should have listened. Thanks for this thread, if I find out any info. I will let everyone know.

 

[Belle's Mom Tink]

I just saw this thread now and figured I would put my 2 cents in... I graduated with a BA in Political Science in 2004 and then decided to go back and get my teaching certificate. Because of my background field and going for a secondary ed certificate in social studies I could complete the accelerated program and student teach in about 9 months. I did it at a local university that offered classes at night and on weekends, and I took one course as a video class. I've had my certificate for a year now and spent last year looking for a job and subbing, as of now subbing is my plan for this year as well unless I get my dream job that I'm interviewing for on FRIDAY!!! GOOD LUCK! And if you want to get a foor in the door subbing is definitely the way to start, people get to know you and you have a flexible schedule, plus the pay is not bad!