Questions about Becoming a Teacher after College

College Majors Education Majors
1

Hello. I graduated from college this spring with a bachelors degree in mathematics. After doing an internship in actuarial science I found that I didn’t care for that line of work and think that being a math teacher might be more rewarding for me. Thus, I have done some substitute teaching to see what being in a classroom is like and I have enjoyed it more or less. Therefore, I am thinking of going back to school to get a teaching certificate. I have a few questions about that:

  1. What type of degree should I try and get? Should I just get a teaching certificate or should I go for a master's degree (to get paid more as a teacher)? Also would this just be a Master's in Alternative Teaching or a Master's in Education? I have read about it online and am very confused about the differences between these designations.
  2. How long will it take to receive the degree? I already have a bachelor's degree and would like a program that is as short as possible. Hopefully no longer than 1.5 years, or shorter if possible.
  3. How much would it cost? I have no debt right now but am really nervous about taking on student debt to get a teaching certificate. Ideally I'm hoping that getting my teaching certificate would cost no more than $20k total. Otherwise any more than this would make it difficult to get by on a starting teacher's salary. In my opinion the cheaper the better.
  4. Are there any list of schools that offering teaching certificate programs for people without a bachelor's in teaching? If you know of a link could you please send it. I live in the northwest Chicago suburbs by the way.
  5. Are online certification programs legit? They seem kind of sketchy to me but maybe there are some good ones.

Any other advice on this topic would be appreciated. Thanks.

2

You need to check the teacher credentialing requirements of the state or region you want to teach in, and then check colleges for programs that will help you earn any needed credentials.

Others can better help you if you indicate what state or region you want to teach in.

3

Take a look at your state education department website under “alternate certification.” Whether or not you need a Master’s will depend on the requirements of your state.

Know that in many states-- including NY-- you can teach in a private/religious school without certification. And math can be a high demand area, so it’s possible that the right job is already there, just waiting for you right now. Of course, many of those same schools will want you to get certified at some point, but you can sometimes begin teaching without it.

And as far as religious schools go: you don’t always have to be a member of that religion. I’ve always taught in Catholic schools. When I was ready to return to teaching after 5 years as a SAHM, I wasn’t sure my old school would have an opening, so I looked around. I was offered jobs in schools run by the Society of Friends, and in a Lutheran school, before my old school heard I had offers and rehired me.

I just found this at www.teach.com: (But I would still check the state ed website)

"n Your Illinois Teaching Credential

Important Note: Education licensure requirements, statistics and other information are subject to change. Teach.com makes its best effort to keep content accurate; however, the official sources are the state education departments. Please confirm licensing requirements with your state before applying for licensure or renewal. Last updated: 11/3/2016

To earn an initial teaching certification in the state of Illinois, teaching candidates must meet the following requirements:

Step One: Complete a bachelor’s degree and other prerequisite coursework required.
Step Two: Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program.
Step Three: Pass required exams.
Step Four: Submit a Illinois teaching credential application.
To earn your Illinois teaching credential you will have to complete the appropriate amount of undergraduate coursework and standardized tests, as well as an accredited certification program. Illinois has three levels of certification: Initial (4 years), Standard (5 years, renewable) and Master (10 years, renewable). Learn more about getting your teaching credential by visiting the Illinois Board of Education Educator Licensure External link page.

Learn more about getting your teaching credential.

Step One: Prerequisite Coursework in Illinois

All states require that prospective teachers have at least a Bachelor’s Degree and complete a state-approved teacher preparation program to receive certification. Some states also have specific course and credit-hour requirements.

Teacher education programs generally consist of two elements—curricula and fieldwork. Curricula generally includes instruction on teaching fundamental skills, pedagogy (the science of teaching) and preparing students to research, design and implement learning experiences in their field of study. Fieldwork often includes field observations, internships, student teaching or a combination of all three. Check with your teacher preparation program or the Illinois Department of Education External link for more information about specific requirements.

Step Two: Illinois Teacher Certification Programs

Teacher Certification Programs can be taken online or on-site. They typically include an educational theory and classroom skills seminar and a fieldwork component of student teaching in the area. A list of accredited teacher preparation programs in Illinois can be found on the Illinois Department of Education External link website.

Step Three: Required Tests for Illinois

Illinois uses its own specialized testing system and requires the Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) Test of Academic Proficiency External link , as well as the ILTS Content-Area Test External link in your desired subject."

4

Although legally you can teach many places with just a certificate you’ll want to have the masters degree. You will have an easier time being hired and teaching salaries are based on contracts. Contracts award higher educated employees with higher salaries.

As a math teacher you will have a much easier time getting a job than other teachers. They are in demand! The pay can be fabulous if you are in the right state and especially the right school. In New York teachers public school teachers are paid very well.

Above all, only become a teacher if you like children/students, want to teach everyone (the high, middle, low & special. ed.), will go above and beyond for your students, will do whatever it takes to support their success and can maintain a positive attitude even when the going gets rough.

We need great teachers! Good luck!

5

Agree that the master’s will pay off, but you will still need to satisfy the rules in whatever state you want to teach in. To say it is a patchwork of varied regulations is being kind. I’d start your research there, then figure out the options you have.