How do you go about becoming a teacher without an education degree but with a degree in another field?

Question

I want to teach but do not have an eduation degree. I have a degree in international relations. Where is it possible to do this and is it hard to find a job without an education degree?

Answer 1

I'm a teacher but I do not have an undergrad degree in teaching. I got in by applying for an alternative certification route. Many urban school districts always look for prospective teachers from other fields. These programs will probably pay for your master's and certification expenses as well as offer a little support. Some programs include teach for america (all over) and nyc teaching fellows (nyc). Just remember you will probably start teaching in a hard to staff district and/or subject area. Good luck.

Answer 2

In Los Angeles we have the District Internship Program, in which degreed teachers who have passed the CBEST exam (general competency) can take night classes in education, paid for by the District, until they earn their teaching credential. It is demanding, but very possible. Especially if you are interested in teaching English language learners or special education, you will be more than welcome here. I am sure other school districts have similar programs, though.

Another alternative is to teach in a private school. They don't require education degrees or teaching credentials. Although it doesn't pay as well, it is valuable for gaining teaching experience in a more sheltered disciplinary environment.

Answer 3

You need to contact the state department of education in the state you plan to teach. Every state has their own rules for certification. In Florida, you would have to provide copies of your transcripts. The DOE would then give you a letter of eligibility that states which subjects you would be allowed to teach (maybe social studies??). Once you are hired, you would be eligible for a temporary teaching certificate. These are good for 2 years (I think!). You would need to take the certification exam before the 2year period is up. They may also require you to take a few education credits before giving you a regular teaching certificate.

The good news is, once you have a certificate in Florida, you can take the test for almost any other subject and add it to your certificate without taking any other classes! (In other words, a Science teacher can be eligible to teach Math just by passing the Math certification exam!)

Answer 4

apply at private schools and charter schools

Answer 5

get a units for education....post graduate units....here in our country it is only 24 units. and then get your license

Answer 6

ask the board for a temporary license while you work on gettin a teaching degree.

Answer 7

you can major in education in graduate school OR to be a teaching fellow http://www.nycteachingfellows.org/  

thats if  you live in NY