Has anyone done the texas teachers alternative certification program? easy to find a job?? prepares you? tnx!!

Question

Has anyone done the texas teachers alternative certification program? easy to find a job?? prepares you? tnx!!

Answer 1

I am enrollled in the alternative program called A+ Texas Teacher's as well but I have not started any of the training. However, I have landed a teaching job for the 2008-2009 school year. It was a blessing because I know people who have finished the alternatve programs and still have not found jobs because of all of the reason's that the previous poster said. The only thing I could tell you about my alt. cert. program is that the people have been really helpful and they made it really easy for me to get everything in order for teaching!

Answer 2

I am currently in an alternative certification program A+TexasTeachers.

Great program thus far in that they are very supportive and "lay out" the plan/steps required to become certified.

There are a number of steps you'll need to take including a year of teaching before actually becoming fully certified.

As far as being "easy" to find a job in teaching that's one of the biggest misconception out there.

Yes, teaching offers more job security in Texas than many other jobs currently out there.

However, you have to realize that you'll be competing with other people that have gravitated towards teaching because

1) They haven't been able to land a job in the corporate world.

2) Have experienced multiple lay offs and are tired of the merry go round hence deciding to pursue a career with more job security.

3) Students coming out of college that have a interest in the field

4) Career changers that have always wanted to teach but for one reason or another couldn't at other points in their lives

5) Career re-entry (like myself) after being a stay at home parent for many years and raising kids deciding to go into teaching because that's what they are drawn to. In other words a "calling".

I recently attended "Pedagogy" training through my program and out of 300+ people there, only about 35 of us had actually landed positions for the 2008 school year.

Curiously, the majority of the 35 that landed positions were in "critical needs" teaching positions in the areas of :

Special Education

Science

Math

Bilingual (Spanish & English)

ESL (English as a Second Language)

As for me, i've had a desire to teach kids with language disabilities (Spec. Ed teacher) for a long time now. My son is Dyslexic and I taught him how to read because at the time, the school he was in failed to do so. My son is now in High School reading at grade level. Having experienced the world of Special Education through my son, i developed a passion for helping other kids with reading disabilities.

In addition to getting certified to teach Special Ed, I will also be a "generalist" in 4-8th grade. In this way, i am also able to teach kids in other subject matters like Science and Social Studies.

Furthermore, I am also Bi-lingual and so am able to communicate with kids in Spanish as well as English.

My advice would be to seek a teaching position in a critical needs area or one in an inner city school.

That is--if you're up to the challenge;)

Answer 3

yeah. i completed an AC program 2 years ago, and I have had at least 10 different friends from 2 other AC programs.  Generally, it's not that hard to get a job, but it does depend on your certification area and the need of your district. for instance, bilingual, special ed, math, and science teachers are always in high need in TX.  The programs do prepare you to a certain extent.  The life of any teacher is full of surprises.  The programs give you the basics, but it's up to you to make it work...

Hopefully, that helps.  Good luck!