I have a Master's Degree In Psychology, but want to teach high school level English in Chicago

Question

Am having trouble deciphering what my first steps should be and where I can get answers. I don't really want another degree but am curious how to get certified.

Answer 1

I know the Chicago area and what is needed to teach.

You must have 40 credit hours in English (undergrad).

You must also take additional classes in teaching and there are three classes of clinical experiences (during school hours, so if you want to work at the same time you are stuck working at night).  One class is 50 hours, the second classes is 100 hours, and the third is a semester of student teaching.  The entire process takes about 2 years.

The good thing is that the Chicago Public School System is in dire need of teachers and you may be able to find a school to sub in and they will help you pay for school.  The bad thing is that the sub work will not go towards your clinical experiences.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Congrats on the masters-must get more certification though, sucks, but yea...i'm not from the midwest, so i don't know what the specific req. are there...i would check u of chicago's education website and see what the req. are. In CA you have to take a test to gage your skills in english and then get a teaching credential. Yea for more school!