<p>I had some questions regarding becoming a high school teacher. </p>
<p>If you have a undergraduate degree in a specific area of study (perhaps that you wish to teach) like math, biology, chemistry, etc. Then what else do you need? Say specifically for NY (though hoping other states are similar or that it wouldn't be too bad to teach in another state).</p>
<p>I've heard that you need just a teacher prep program and to take some exams? How long is the program? And what about the exams?</p>
<p>Now, what about your masters? Do you need to get a formal education in teaching? Like a masters of arts in teaching. Or is the preparation course and exam for certification enough? And if you can simply get the job outta undergrad after passing some certification tests... you'd then get your masters while working, and I'm assuming the school you work at pays for it?</p>
<p>Any other further information I could get would be great. Thanks!</p>
<p>I would check out the Teach for America site. Not because I’m saying you should apply for the program, but because it has all the requirements required for each participating state, including NY.</p>
<p>Both my aunts have been teachers for 15+ years. Neither have a degree in Education. They did have to take specific prep courses and are constantly having to take exams and earn certifications…</p>
<p>You can graduate with a BS in Biology but you have to pass the Praxis test in Biology to teach it. States have different rules so it all depends on the licensing requirements in the state you want to work.</p>
<p>if you are already in college and did not major in education, the fastest way to get certified is to go through an accelerated masters program. takes 1 year</p>
<p>NY: Also check out “TeacherU” at Hunter. Very good – but new – program that has a partnership with three of the most respected charter school networks in the country: KIPP, Uncommon Schools, and Achievement First.</p>
<p>If in DC: Check out the Center for Inspired Teaching or the KIPP Teaching Fellows program ([Welcome</a> to KIPP DC! | KIPP DC](<a href=“http://www.kippdc.org%5DWelcome”>http://www.kippdc.org)).</p>
<p>Other options: The New Teacher Project (TNTP) is excellent.</p>
<p>Try to avoid typical “ed degree” programs, if you can. You’ll be a better teacher if you master the subject area you want to teach in college (science, math, English, history, etc) and then do an alternative certification program like TFA or TNTP. These will provide you with phenomenal mentor teachers and won’t waste your time or money like ed schools do.</p>
<p>In regards to the accelerated masters… other than Bard College, are there others in NY?</p>
<p>And for teacher preparation programs that are not masters programs, TNTP and other ones you mentioned cover that? Then you take certification tests and you can teach?</p>
<p>Can anyone give me lists of all the possible teacher preparation programs that can be taken? I’m assuming these will be less expensive, less time-consuming, and more effective than a masters degree perhaps? Since they are geared to prepare you for teaching… more so than masters programs I’d assume. </p>
<p>Thanks for help, just need further clarifications and ideas here.</p>