How do I become a high school teacher if I didn't take education classes?

Question

How do I become a high school teacher if I didn't take education classes? I am a sophomore but with my triple major, my schedule is already completely planned for the next three years. I am a writing/literature/theater major. I took the first class in secondary education and I have passed the Praxis 1 tests in Math, Writing and Reading. Upon graduation, what do I need to do to become a certified teacher?

Answer 1

Yes...that will vary depending on your state. But in many states, once you have your Bachelor's degree, then you can enter into an "Alternative Certification" track or program. Usually, once you do this, you can begin teaching pretty quickly. Sometimes, they'll even put you in the classroom, and THEN provide you with some coursework to get you certified within that first year.

In my opinion, if you were going to jump into teaching high school without any education courses, you would at LEAST want to read a book on classroom management...If you don't have some strategies for dealing with potential behavior issues, those high schoolers will walk all over you!

Good luck!

Answer 2

It is going to depend on the state you live in, all you have to do is go to the education department and ask, they will be happy to tell you.

Answer 3

One thing I wish I had done was get a bachelors in an area, then get my master's in education. Like a previous person said, contact the education department at your school - they can help. It's very specific to each state.

Answer 4

You'll have to take probably about 4-5 more education related classes and since you are high school, you'll have to take the Praxis II test in the subject area in which you are trying to teach.  Check with a school district to see exactly which classes you need to take.  Most of the time, you can take those classes on line or through a distance learning situation.