<p>There are few, if any, straight reciprocity agreements between/among states. By this I mean that certification in one state is automatically accepted by another state, no additional tests, requirements, documentation. A degree from an accredited teacher education program, regardless of in what state it was earned, is the cornerstone requirement in pretty much all states (there are very few alternative routes for elementary education). After that there is a mix of various tests, mostly Praxis I and several possible Praxix IIs, along with other things, such as criminal background check. I live and teach in Delaware and at one time or another looked into also getting certified in neighboring states (NJ, PA, MD). None of them required the exact same mix and also have certification processes of differing lengths and rigor. In my case, PA would take significantly longer (several months) than the others (usually a few weeks) while NJ would be significantly more expensive (sizable application fee, a couple of expensive tests). The bottom line is that a degree from an accredited teacher education program will allow your daughter to get certified in all states, but she will have to jump through hoops and it will take some time (which might mean a year delay in starting her teaching career). The best thing to do is to go where she likes the university and the program and when going through the certification process during her senior year, get certified in that state and all the neighboring states - the process is a lot easier when you are still a student and have your university’s ed. department staff helping you. </p>
<p>On the “getting students into classroom situations as early as possible” movement, it is a good idea but has practical limitations. Ed schools already struggle to find student teacher placements so some sort of new system/infrastructure has to be put into place that provides these hands-on opportunities without overburdening the schools and teachers.</p>
<p>As a teacher (5th grade), I’m usually willing to have a student teacher for a few weeks a year (I have one who is great right now who is in her last week with me and I will have another one in the second half of the year - unusual in my school to have two in one year) and occasional practicum students for a week or two at a time, but not at the same time and not week-after-week all year long. I also would have reservations about a constant succession of 18- and 19-year-olds in my classroom. It just becomes too disruptive to the routine of the classroom and often makes significantly more work for the cooperating teacher, especially if you get a dud. I’ve been lucky but I’ve had colleagues with real horror stories.</p>
<p>On the jobs issue, I don’t see many of my colleagues working past 65, actually very few going to 65, many retiring between 55 and 62. All the baby boomers are going to start retiring in droves so there will be jobs. The current economic woes have put a freeze on but a recovered economy and mass retirements will open the floodgates in the near future. And, teaching is a job that is not easily outsourced overseas.</p>
<p>I came to teaching late - 17 years in business and now in my ninth year of teaching - and teaching is what I was meant to do. But I wasn’t ready to become a teacher at 18 or even at 22. Let your daughter find a school where she fits in and feels comfortable, has a reasonably good program, and let her see what happens. Elementary education may be in her future . . . or maybe not. Whatever happens, good luck!</p>