How Do I Get Certified In Teaching After Just A BA In History?

Question

I graduated in 2005 with just a Bachelors of Arts in History however did not know what I wanted to do with it until now. I know I want to teach but have heard many different things. I heard I can just take the Praxis 2 and become certified without going back to school and getting another degree. Which should I do?

1. Get Another Degree But In Education

2. Get My Masters and Get Certified

3. Take Praxis

If anyone has been down this path I would really like your help. Thanks!!!

Answer 1

I don't know what state you are in, but here in Texas, with a bachelor's degree, you can enter an Educator Certification Program - which is about a year long program, that prepare you to take the state exam.

Answer 2

I know Ohio is a big Praxis state, do you live here in Ohio?  If you do, you still need to go back to college and take a teacher prep program (I think it is 32 credit hours).  You will need to take praxis 2 before you can student teach in Ohio, and then praxis 3 during your first year.  It is different in every state though- check with your state's department of education or even an accredited university near year that offers teacher education.  If you are in Ohio, you may want to wait or find out when they are changing the licensure bands- right now they are preK-3rd, 4-9 and 7-12.  They are changing them to help graduates more employable and to make sure their teachers are highly qualified (because of NCLB).

Answer 3

most states offer a non-traditional certification route for people holding a degree. Call your state Dept. of education and ask.

I would recomend if you are willing to... get your masters in education. It will put you in a higher pay grade when you start.

Answer 4

You really need to know what you want to teach in.

Are you planning on teaching History?

What your should do is go on the GTTR website (type that into google and you'll be fine)

Search what subjects you plan on teaching, be it primary or secondary.

You also need to know if you want to get a PGCE or a SCITT , the TDA website will help you with that one, their number is 0845 6000 991. They'll be able to answer any questions you have on teacher training.

Hope this helps.