I have a four year degree in Criminal Justice what do I need to do in order to become a preschool teacher?

Question

I worked as a teacher assistant for two years at a preschool and really miss it. I was wondering what do I need to do in order to become a preschool teacher? I currently have a degree in Criminal Justice (yes I know odd decision to become a school teacher after that).

Answer 1

Honestly it depends on what state you live in.  

Answer 2

you need the required ece units

Answer 3

Normally just a teaching certificate one you have your bachelors depending on the state.

Answer 4

A lot of states have "alternative Certification' programs that allow you to teach with a temporary certificate, but you must also complete formal instruction, usually the regular teaching curriculum at night school.  Find the Dept. of Education for whatever states you may be interested in, and you should find a section explaining the different ways to obtain a teaching licence.

There is a program called "Transition to Teaching" which is explicitly geared toward older people looking for a second career teaching, but it is not in every state [I know it is in West Virginia], and you are limited in the districts you can teach in--it is intended to get teachers into districts that are hard-up for teachers--you can interpret that as poor and very rural, or poor and very urban and not be too far wrong.

Here's the link to the WV site, as an example:

http://wvde.state.wv.us/transitiontoteac...

Good luck!

Answer 5

Ha- having a criminal justice degree me be the best thing for that!

Just kidding- for Texas at least, you just have to get your teaching certificate.  Go to the local community colleges around you to see if they have a program for that, or contact a school district to see if they are hiring teachers without certificates (sometimes they do and you get your requirments filled while you work)  or they may can direct you to the proper place to get one, like thru the region or other places.  In TX, we have quite a few avenues for this- and I can assume most states do too.