<p>My daughter wants to become an elementary school teacher (grade 2 or 3 perhaps) and I am finding that different colleges offer different paths to certification. Some schools have a straight forward Elementary Ed. major. Some offer a minor in Ed. that must be combined with a major in another subject. Some offer teacher certification without a major or minor in Ed. - the student chooses a major from any offered at the college. I'm wondering which is the best path? My sense is it would be a good idea to attend a college that actually has an education dept with dedicated faculty so that my daughter would actually get an education in how to teach. But, on the other hand, it seems there could also be a career advantage to having a major in another subject. For example, she could minor or major in Spanish which I would think would be a valuable qualification for a new grad looking for a first teaching job. It's something that may make her stand out from the competition. </p>
<p>Also, is it a great advantage these days to also become certified in Special Ed?</p>
<p>Can anyone in the the know please give advice on which is the best path for a future teacher?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>I’m planning to finish my Mechanical Engineering degree and then go to graduate school for a masters in teaching (secondary math). I think this is a popular path. I know a lot of people who majored in math/english/science or whatever and then went on to get a masters in teaching. As for Special Ed, I believe the hiring freeze in NYC does not include that area because there is a very high need for them. I guess, at least for NYC, the prospects do look good.</p>
<p>Thanks lil_killer129. Yes, I know that in order to teach secondary education, you need to major in a subject (math, science, history, etc.) before you can teach it… This is not the case for elementary education, however, since of course at that level all subjects are taught by a single teacher. </p>
<p>So, I’m still looking for some guidance from anyone else.</p>
<p>My daughter will study secondary math education. She plans to get her BS in education plus her BA/BS in mathematics. In our state, science majors must get the degree in the specific science and then get the teaching credentials. Math, english, history and foreign language teachers can either get the education degree with emphasis in their subject area, or the degree in the subject matter with teacher certification. Elementary ed teachers must get their degrees in elementary ed. As far as I can tell, additional certifications in special ed and classroom technology are very desirable. My daughter chose a college where she will get into the classroom in freshman year and have a lot of field experience.</p>
<p>It is definitely a HUGE advantage to have a Spec. Ed. certification! They are the only department still hiring in my mom’s district.</p>
<p>Where does your D plan to teach? Every state has its own criteria/path toward certification. I strongly suggest dual certification with elementary education, either special ed or bilingual. D graduated in 09 in elementary ed and human development and received her MEd in special ed in 10. She had several interviews and job offers. She was a very happy young lady when she signed her contract and knew many friends who had not found jobs. Special Ed certification is a deal maker.</p>
<p>Dodwood, thanks for replying to this oldish post. My daughter doesn’t know what state she will want to teach in. So far she has applied to schools in PA, NY and MD but may want to teach in yet another state. Who knows? We have been told by schools that we visited that she can become certified in any state once she graduates. I sure hope that’s true.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advise about dual certification. We have been told many times that it is a huge leg-up when seeking that first job and for the most part my daughter is now on board. It’s tough to find undergrad programs that offer dual certification though.</p>
<p>I question for you: We have been told that having a masters as a new grad can actually be a DISadvantage when looking for that first job because employers must pay more for the masters degree and would prefer to hire a new grad with a bachelors degree only and pay them less. Did your daughter run into this at all? Or did the fact that her masters was in special ed. negate this problem?</p>
<p>I would be careful with the information your school is telling you about certification in other states. Each school is preparing you to pass their state tests, not other states. I know one young woman who was misinformed about our state’s requirements by her out of state college. She did receive a one year waiver, but was unable to pass our state test and is currently out of education - that may be a blessing:)
My daughter did find dual programs at several schools - Syracuse and Providence College come to mind.
As for a Master’s degree being a disadvantage, I think it depends on the district. My D was fortunate to graduate from a five year program that is highly respected in our state -BC - and those graduates are in high demand. The big push/demand in our state is speech education and autism education - special ed itself is getting highly specialized. I am only saying that due to helping D in her job search. There were so many ads for those two areas. D’s graduate degree is in moderate special ed. The difference in pay is not that great in our district - about $3200 between a BA and a MEd. - so I can’t imagine losing a good candidate over that amount.</p>