Thoughts on being a teacher...

[superjames1992]

Re: Thoughts on being a teacher...

My understanding is that compensation at most private schools (other than elite ones) is usually lacking compared to public schools.

[moose1619]

Re: Thoughts on being a teacher...

I was a teacher and coach for the past 10 years. I taught special education classes early on and the past 3 years I taught World Geography. I love teaching and coaching, but I recently had an opportunity fall in my lap to go work at Exxon-Mobil. Right out of the gate with no OT I will bump my pay up 20K and most people say I will double my teaching salary my first year with OT. I love coaching and this change is going to be hard, but with the benefits and higher pay it is a opportunity I can't pass up.

[mb625]

Re: Thoughts on being a teacher...

I thought about becoming a teacher (going to UNI, it's kind of a thought that crosses your mind given the quality of their teaching program), but I decided not to, but after this summer (I worked at a summer camp for two months) I kind of regret not pulling the trigger on it. At some points the kids could be infuriating, but every now and again you could kind of see the progress you were making, and though sometimes you don't see it, the impact you make on the kids can be really huge. I remember that at one point on a weekend I happened to randomly see a kid I had in my cabin at a baseball game, and his face absolutely lit up when he saw me. It's truely an awesome feeling to make a difference in a child's life. So, I know that's not exactly what you were looking for, but it kind of applies.

[CMH]

Re: Thoughts on being a teacher...

I have read every post and I appreciate everything, guys. All the negatives have been flowing around in my head all weekend and I'm still really gung-ho about this.

Now comes the big question I'm hoping someone knows the answer to:

I want to teach English Language Arts. Preferably to anyone in the 12-16 age range (so, we're saying 7th-10th grade). I can't see myself teaching any other subject. If I'm teaching English Language Arts, I'll be extremely passionate about the day-to-day.

I have only a Bachelor's of Science in Management.

I really do not want to teach any other subject or have a classroom of kids that are with me all day while I go over things like Earth Science, Social Studies, Spelling, etc.

Anyone know what's the best move I can make in terms of education to be in the position to teach English Language Arts?

From my own research, I can apply for the NYC Teacher Fellows program. In order to teach English, I'd need a bachelor's in English. Okay, so one option is I get a Bachelor's in English and then apply. Fellows will also subsidize tuition toward a Masters in Education so I can be certified to teach.

Another option is to get a Masters in Education. I'll probably need some Bachelor Prerequisites. I'll have to check that. And then I can use that degree and apply to be a teacher.

However, I worry that by doing that, I'll be teaching all grade levels, all subjects and then have to pay money out of my own hand to earn any credits/degree(s) I'd need to teach English in the level I want.

Or I could be completely wrong. I really don't know. I've been trying to figure it out but one thing I discovered is that there isn't much info out there on what I need to do to teach a particular subject to a specific age-group.

[Jr.]

Re: Thoughts on being a teacher...

I have read every post and I appreciate everything, guys. All the negatives have been flowing around in my head all weekend and I'm still really gung-ho about this.

Now comes the big question I'm hoping someone knows the answer to:

I want to teach English Language Arts. Preferably to anyone in the 12-16 age range (so, we're saying 7th-10th grade). I can't see myself teaching any other subject. If I'm teaching English Language Arts, I'll be extremely passionate about the day-to-day.

I have only a Bachelor's of Science in Management.

I really do not want to teach any other subject or have a classroom of kids that are with me all day while I go over things like Earth Science, Social Studies, Spelling, etc.

Anyone know what's the best move I can make in terms of education to be in the position to teach English Language Arts?

From my own research, I can apply for the NYC Teacher Fellows program. In order to teach English, I'd need a bachelor's in English. Okay, so one option is I get a Bachelor's in English and then apply. Fellows will also subsidize tuition toward a Masters in Education so I can be certified to teach.

Another option is to get a Masters in Education. I'll probably need some Bachelor Prerequisites. I'll have to check that. And then I can use that degree and apply to be a teacher.

However, I worry that by doing that, I'll be teaching all grade levels, all subjects and then have to pay money out of my own hand to earn any credits/degree(s) I'd need to teach English in the level I want.

Or I could be completely wrong. I really don't know. I've been trying to figure it out but one thing I discovered is that there isn't much info out there on what I need to do to teach a particular subject to a specific age-group.

This may be different in NY, but in Colorado you have to pass a subject test to teach a particular subject. So if you wanted to teach Language Arts/English here, you would need to take Education classes in order to get your teacher certification since your BS is not in Education, then pass the subject test for Language Arts/English.

I did a little research on the NY requirements and I think you're right that you'll have to get your BA in English as the best route.

[tabarnes19_SDS]

Re: Thoughts on being a teacher...

I have read every post and I appreciate everything, guys. All the negatives have been flowing around in my head all weekend and I'm still really gung-ho about this.

Now comes the big question I'm hoping someone knows the answer to:

I want to teach English Language Arts. Preferably to anyone in the 12-16 age range (so, we're saying 7th-10th grade). I can't see myself teaching any other subject. If I'm teaching English Language Arts, I'll be extremely passionate about the day-to-day.

I have only a Bachelor's of Science in Management.

I really do not want to teach any other subject or have a classroom of kids that are with me all day while I go over things like Earth Science, Social Studies, Spelling, etc.

Anyone know what's the best move I can make in terms of education to be in the position to teach English Language Arts?

From my own research, I can apply for the NYC Teacher Fellows program. In order to teach English, I'd need a bachelor's in English. Okay, so one option is I get a Bachelor's in English and then apply. Fellows will also subsidize tuition toward a Masters in Education so I can be certified to teach.

Another option is to get a Masters in Education. I'll probably need some Bachelor Prerequisites. I'll have to check that. And then I can use that degree and apply to be a teacher.

However, I worry that by doing that, I'll be teaching all grade levels, all subjects and then have to pay money out of my own hand to earn any credits/degree(s) I'd need to teach English in the level I want.

Or I could be completely wrong. I really don't know. I've been trying to figure it out but one thing I discovered is that there isn't much info out there on what I need to do to teach a particular subject to a specific age-group.

To get your teaching degree in ELA in NY, you will need to take an approved Teaching path either through undergrad or MS. In your case a Graduate degree will be the best in English. You need to get a Masters in NY anyways. You would take the path of English. After student teaching, you will need to be finger printed($125), Pass 3 state exams ($125 each) and take your SAVE workshops. Then you can apply for your Initial certification..(which is about $100) After you have taught for about 3 years you can apply for your professional license (another $100)

Here is a link.

http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/

You will be certified in 7-12 ELA after completing all of the prerequisites. Depending on what you have for undergard it'll probably take you a few years to complete the course work.

[khaled]

Re: Thoughts on being a teacher...

I don't know if it's the right time to get into teaching, at least not in Texas. The state fired thousands of teachers and cut the budget. But teachers will always be in demand, no matter how bad the economy gets.

I'm currently in college and I want to eventually become a teacher. I've had teachers that really impacted my life. I've always loved helping people so I thought why not?

[Chrisksaint]

Re: Thoughts on being a teacher...

The county my parents live in FL is one of the few counties if not only one in the state that is actually hiring teachers now firing.

With all my family that are teachers kind of almost pushing me to reconsider i've moved past and am very much looking forward to hopefully becoming a teacher(my program at FSU only takes 25-30 students, so still not a lock yet).

My 4th grade teacher really had a big impact on my life just on the fact of how nice she was to me no matter the situation and I want to have that impact on others. She even almost cried when I told her that last year when I worked at the elem school for aftercare when she asked what my plans for the future were. I just want to have that kind of impact on someone's life, whether it's inspiring them, teaching them, or just being there for them,etc.

[24]

Re: Thoughts on being a teacher...

My mother was a teacher (recently retired after 27 years) and she loved the job. Sure the report cards were a bit of a pain in the *** but hell what paperwork isn't? Dealing with parents can also be somewhat of a hassel butb only the ones that think their child is the greatest thing since sliced bread. To be honest with you a public school teacher is a great route to go in life especially in New York. You get

1. A Pension
2. Full Benefits
3. Summers Off
4. Eventually make 6 figures (I think its by year 20 I can ask her on that though)

[CMH]

Re: Thoughts on being a teacher...

To get your teaching degree in ELA in NY, you will need to take an approved Teaching path either through undergrad or MS. In your case a Graduate degree will be the best in English. You need to get a Masters in NY anyways. You would take the path of English. After student teaching, you will need to be finger printed($125), Pass 3 state exams ($125 each) and take your SAVE workshops. Then you can apply for your Initial certification..(which is about $100) After you have taught for about 3 years you can apply for your professional license (another $100)

Here is a link.

http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/

You will be certified in 7-12 ELA after completing all of the prerequisites. Depending on what you have for undergard it'll probably take you a few years to complete the course work.

This is super helpful.

Now I need to figure out how I go about getting the Masters Degree in English.

I'm assuming that online school is not going to be an approved method by the NY DOE. Do you know?

I haven't checked the link you sent (no time right now to read through the material), but do you know if there's a way to speak to someone at the DOE to get these answers?

For example: if I took online courses with University of Phoenix/other online school, would the NY DOE accept those credits?

Night school would be impossible. My work schedule is way too erratic.

Last resort would be leaving my job, going to school full-time and either picking up a ridiculous loan that would make the process stupid or finding a flexible job that will help me pay for school and any bills (except the last time I tried finding that job, no one wanted to interview me and I assume it's because I was always too over qualified - unless maybe I do Temp jobs).


edit: What is the difference between English and English Language Arts? Want to make sure I'm focusing on the right thing. Never knew there should be a difference but both are options when reviewing the link provided.

[Jr.]

Re: Thoughts on being a teacher...

This is super helpful.

Now I need to figure out how I go about getting the Masters Degree in English.

I'm assuming that online school is not going to be an approved method by the NY DOE. Do you know?

I haven't checked the link you sent (no time right now to read through the material), but do you know if there's a way to speak to someone at the DOE to get these answers?

For example: if I took online courses with University of Phoenix/other online school, would the NY DOE accept those credits?

Night school would be impossible. My work schedule is way too erratic.

Last resort would be leaving my job, going to school full-time and either picking up a ridiculous loan that would make the process stupid or finding a flexible job that will help me pay for school and any bills (except the last time I tried finding that job, no one wanted to interview me and I assume it's because I was always too over qualified - unless maybe I do Temp jobs).


edit: What is the difference between English and English Language Arts? Want to make sure I'm focusing on the right thing. Never knew there should be a difference but both are options when reviewing the link provided.

I would recommend staying away from online programs (especially through Kaplan, Phoenix, Ashford, etc.) because most states will not accept their programs and they will not help you with student teaching.

Depending on what kind of school you teach at once you're certified, the government may pay off your loan for you. So I wouldn't throw that option completely out of the window. You can also apply for work study with your loans and work on campus. That's what I did while getting my MA.

[CMH]

I would recommend staying away from online programs (especially through Kaplan, Phoenix, Ashford, etc.) because most states will not accept their programs and they will not help you with student teaching.

Depending on what kind of school you teach at once you're certified, the government may pay off your loan for you. So I wouldn't throw that option completely out of the window. You can also apply for work study with your loans and work on campus. That's what I did while getting my MA.

I'm beginning to think this is the best route for me.


Sent from my mobile device.

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: Thoughts on being a teacher...

I would recommend staying away from online programs (especially through Kaplan, Phoenix, Ashford, etc.) because most states will not accept their programs and they will not help you with student teaching.

Depending on what kind of school you teach at once you're certified, the government may pay off your loan for you. So I wouldn't throw that option completely out of the window. You can also apply for work study with your loans and work on campus. That's what I did while getting my MA.

I guess each state is different. In SC, accredited online programs are equal to traditional campus programs. They pay the same increase in salary.

I'm probably gonna go with u of phoenix for a teaching administration masters.

[CMH]

I guess each state is different. In SC, accredited online programs are equal to traditional campus programs. They pay the same increase in salary.

I'm probably gonna go with u of phoenix for a teaching administration masters.

This is one of those things I'm gonna ask at the information meeting next week.


Sent from my mobile device.

[tabarnes19_SDS]

Re: Thoughts on being a teacher...

I received my BS from SUNY Brockport with teacher prep. NY required a Masters after and I took mine online through Walden University.

Since then, NY will not accept out of state Masters online programs to complete the Masters requirement.

Your situation is unique in that you want to gain teacher certification is an area that you do not have an undergrad in. Student teaching is 15 credit hours. You need the prep work and practicum hours as well.

My wife followed a similar path as you are looking to take. She had a Business Undergrad degree and decided to go back to become a business teacher. She had to take 3 undergrad courses to be accepted into a Masters teaching program in Business education. Then she had to take a 2 year fulltime Masters program, plus go to summer school. She took her masters classes at St. Rose in Albany.

Your path will be similar, but may require even more education, since you do not have the under grad background. Good luck

Edit:
Here is a list of approved programs and Universities to gain 7-12 English certification

http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/certificate/teachrecommend.html