If I major in “Chemistry Teacher Education,” do I still need to spend two extra years earning my credentials? I do need to talk to my chem teacher about how to become one but school doesn’t start for awhile and I want to start my application early .
Take a look at the department of education for the state where you want to teach, since states vary in their requirements. They may be different from the states where the schools you’ll be applying to are. The websites should have information about how to get certified to teach the varied subjects and grade levels. Some states require a Master’s to teach, others do not. Some will require you to major in the subject (like chemistry) as well as education. Some colleges offer a 5-year program where you come out with a Masters as well as a teaching credential. It can get confusing.
My D is planning on teaching elementary school, and even in the same state, some schools she’s looked at offer different programs with different certification options. You may run into that as well. There are several teachers on CC who can give you more specific information Hopefully they’ll reply.
Thank you so much!
Also look at chemistry department curriculum. There may be a secondary education track that prepares you to teach with a BA. At D2’ university, for instance, there was a track for math major who wanted to teach secondary math and then you add an education minor to get classes needed for certification. I think that options available for most majors. The was also an option to add a 5th year and come out certified and with masters.
You’re in Calif, right? I think that at least one extra year is needed for credentialing.
thank you!
Thanks!! 
In many states, you can begin to teach with your BA in secondary Chem education, but then will need to go back for your Master’s. In NY you have something like 5 years.
In looking at the CA website http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/CREDS/secondary-teaching.html it appears that it’s the same for you-- you could begin teaching right out of college.
And you’re fortunate that, in a brutal job market, Chem is one of the few subject areas where it’s typically hard to find qualified teachers.
If I major in solely Chemistry instead and get my certification, I can teach with only a Bachelor’s, right? that’s what i’ve read online, but maybe you read something different.
That’s the way it typically works, though you’ll want to check the state education website. In NY, at least, that would be true-- you would have 5 years to get your Master’s
But check and see what that certification would require. It’s entirely possible that you’ll need some coursework-- that you could pick up as electives-- in order to get that provisional certification. (For example, some states want every teacher to know the basics of their state history.)
Thank you! And lovely icon you have
You’re very welcome. The best of luck to you!
And I needed something mathy