In my last year of College- How Do I Become A Teacher in MD?

Question

I'm a senior Visual Arts major, concentrating on Graphic Design at University of MD Baltimore County (UMBC, good school). I want to teach high school art when I graduate. How do I begin the process? I know I have to take the Praxis, but have no idea what it is and what's on it. Do I have to do student teaching before I can teach myself? ANy help would be appreciated!

Answer 1

You have 3 options.  They are outlined for you on the MD department of education website.  It explains what you need to do for each option.

http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSD...

You want to click on number 6 (I believe that is the one that pertains to you).

You are going to have to take some additional classes.  Depending on which route you choose, the number of classes will vary.  You will need to take two Praxis exams (at least).  Depending on which route you take, the point at which you take your Praxis exams will vary.  Praxis I is just a test of basic skills, similar to the SAT.  Then you take a Praxis II in the area of your intended certification.  Some areas have more than one Praxis II.  Once you know you are ready to take the Praxis you will need to register.  Use this site:

http://www.ets.org/portal/site/ets/menui...

You may or may not have to do student teaching.  If you go through an approved teacher preparation program you will need to student teach (and won't be able to actually teach for a while).

If you go through an alternative certification program you can teach right away (while receiving reduced pay) while you take the necessary classes.  You will not have to do student teaching because you're already in the classroom and being mentored.

You may also want to contact the department chair for education at your school.  They can probably help you a lot.