<p>Hi! I'm currently a 3rd year mechanical engineering student, but I've realized that my true passion lies in teaching. I really want to teach high school math, and I'm trying to navigate my way around the certification process. I am currently on track to graduate with a B.s. in ME, a minor in math, a year of work experience (through a co-op), and roughly a 3.7 GPA. I live in South Carolina, and it looks like I have a couple of options for initial certification. Right now I'm leaning towards getting a M.AT, as that would give me a lot of training that would make me a much more effective teacher. However, on the site they recommend I submit a resume with 3 years of experience. From the way it was worded, it didn't sound like the 3 years was a hard requirement, though. </p>
<p>I need some advice here. Would it be wise (or even possible) to go straight into the master's upon graduation? Is there a better way?</p>
<p>Just out of curiosity, are you still contemplating on teaching? Sorry for being all random and stuff, but I ask because I’ve also had similar thoughts about teaching instead of pursuing medicine since I feel more ecstatic about teaching, but am not sure, lol.</p>
<p>First, I’m not sure if you can be accepted into an MAT program as a noneducation minor/major (BUT IM NOT SURE ABOUT THIS-I’m just pretty sure that for my school you need to have completed the minor program, there is, however, another masters program in administration that I believe allows you to become a teacher)</p>
<p>Teach for America is another option that allows you to become a qualified educator. I would highly recommend looking into this option although it can be competitive.</p>
<p>Is there any way that you can take some education classes before you graduate? To become a certified teacher at my school, you have to take some classes and pass a certification test. Even if you have to take most of those classes after you graduate, it would be cheaper and faster than going the masters route.</p>