<p>Hello! I'm trying to decide on some fairly basic college major options. I'm interested in teaching/or being a program director for alternative education - like charter schools, Waldorf, etc. I'm also interested in policy, reform, etc. </p>
<p>Can anyone recommend college programs that might fit this? Should I look at getting a regular bachelors in education?
Looking at schools in Oregon, California, and Colorado.</p>
I have the same question but for colleges in the northeast. We live in NH and are looking in ME, MA, VT, etc. My daughter wants to teach younger kids, probably in Waldorf, Friends (Quaker), Montessori or a charter / private school – “education for the heart, the head and the hands.”
I think you are referring to “Education”, The interest in alternatives to traditional educational approaches would be covered by any education curriculum. “Charter” refers to funding sources not to educational approaches.
Many undergraduate programs do not provide much opportunity to train in alternatives such as Waldorf, Montessori, Quaker. Colleges also may not emphasize the possibilities for providing such alternatives in public charter schools or in the private area. For one quick example, Clark University, which has a highly respected education program, does not work with any internships outside of the public system in Worcester where they have cultivated relationships. Also, I was told by Clark that there is no one on the faculty to support my daughter’s interests in these educational approaches.
I am not criticizing any colleges for their choices in this area. I am just trying to find a good match for my daughter. Thanks.