If i already have a bachelors degree, how do i get my teacher's certification? do i have to go back to school

Question

i would actually love to be a school counselor...i have a ba in journalism and a minor in psych.

thanks!!!

p.s. i live in kentucky.

Answer 1

Every state has different rules- here is the link to the certification page for the Kentucky DOE: http://www.kyepsb.net/certification/cert...

This page has specific rules for different types of teacher and their certificates:

http://www.kyepsb.net/certification/cert...

You may not need to go back to school to become a teacher, but in order to become a Guidance counselor, I think you will. I don't know the rules in Kentucky, but the American School Counselor's Association has certain guidelines that states follow to give Guidance Counselor certification. I am fairly certain that Kentucky will follow them too! Anyway, you will most likely need to get a Masters in Guidance and Counseling because there are several specific courses that must be taken in order to qualify for certification!

Here is the rule for counselors from their page: http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/kar/016/003/0...

Good luck!

Answer 2

It varies from state to state, so you'll have to deal with the State Board of Education in Kentucky, or wherever you want to teach.

Some states allow provisional contracts, where they allow you to teach awaiting your certification.

Answer 3

Contact your state board of education (or local school board) and ask about the requirements. Some states require you to take a few extra classes, but that can be done while you're working.

Answer 4

Certification requirements may be different if you are in a state where demand for teachers is high.  Where I live you must be certified and a minor in psych wouldn't cut it at all.  You also wouldn't be able to teach here with just a BA or BS.  You would need to be certified to teach and, then, you would be required (everyone is) to take a number of additional credits within a specified time period and then a course every few years.

Best advice:  Search for universities around you and contact the grad department and talk to them.  Have your transcripts ready.

Answer 5

talk to the school district that you would like to work for and they can tell you what certifications are required.

Most of the rules regarding certification are set by the state, but the local districts know the state laws and they will be easier to deal with.

Once you know what you need, then you can look for a college that offers a state-approved teaching certificate.

Answer 6

The Education dept at your local university can help.  I most states, you will take a couple of semesters of methods classes as a post-bac student (most of these are c**p-diculous) and then a semester of student teaching. Most counselors also need a Masters in school counseling. So there's 4 more semesters.

Answer 7

you can apply for an alternative certification program.  Typically, there's a fee, but you train and take tests while you're completing your first year of teaching.  I'm a teacher in TX, and I did an AC program 2 years ago.  I also have lots of friends who have done AC programs.  It's a good thing.  You should check out this site.  It tells info about alternative certification programs in Kentucky.

http://www.alt-teachercert.org/program_s...

I hope that helps!