Where do I start?? Want to be a teacher!?

Question

Oh wow. Ok so I am a stay at home mom. 27 years old. I would like to start a journey to become a teacher. I have no idea where to start, what to do , who to talk to . I am so lost. If anyone out there could maybe point me in the correct direction? I would greatly appreciate it. Hints, comments, try to talk me out of it , anything is considered.

Answer 1

I would suggest observing some teachers first. It's really important to see what public vs. private school is like.  I would take at least a month to observe every age group in a classroom setting you may be interested in.  For example, spend a few days in a Kindergarten classroom, then a first grade, etc...  Then I'd sit down and talk to a variety of teachers and get their input.  Most states require that you have a teaching credential, which usually takes one year beyond your bachelor's.  A credential program usually requires you to do student teaching, where you are in the classroom and teaching lessons with a mentor teacher.  Also, contact the local state university nearby and ask to set up an appointment with a professor from the education department. However, it's really important that you observe first because if you are not 100% sure if you want to become a teacher, you will save yourself some money!  Teaching is a very rewarding profession-but tons of work!  

Answer 2

Generally to get onto any teaching course you will need experience working with children. Ring round local schools/nurseries can you help out, for this you will need CRB which is your criminal record search.

You generally always need a degree, if you have one already you can do a one years PGCE (post graduate certificate of education) to achieve QTS (qualified teacher status) which you must have legally to teach.

If you don't have a degree you have some options, do a degree then PGCE as above or you can study for a degree and a QTS at the same time I did this! You can do a 3yr combined course where your degree will be in  teaching and you can specialise in a subject (drama PE maths english etc) or you can take a 4yr course where you will recieve degree in your chosen subject but your QTS aswell separate (I did this jut incase I changed my mind about teaching I can use my degree, which is in English, for another career, although I do love it and haven't changed my mind yet)

I would suggest getting the experience first as it is a very demanding job, maybe think about being a teaching assistant first as at a higher level teaching assistant there is only a years course to become teacher.

Lots of red tape in this job, and waste a lot of tie doing stupid paperwork for government to prove doing job properly but you just have to ride with it.

All my info is from my own experiences in the UK but i'm sure it will be similar in US depending on where ur based.

God luck!

  

Answer 3

Talk to your nearest University or College. They can provide a list of classes that you will need to take and how to get started.

Answer 4

OK > here's a thumbs down>> you don't need a certificate or license, if you're willing to teach in some of the inner city schools.  HBO recently did a documentary on Frederick Douglass HS in Baltimore, MD.  Things are so bad there that two-thirds of those teaching are not certified.  

Secondly, check the job market where you'd like to teach.  I live in a state that has 1st & 3rd largest teacher prep colleges in the country > there are very few openings.  75% of those graduating with teaching certificates do NOT find jobs in that field.

Third, if you do still want a teaching job, there are usually plenty as a substitute teacher.  I did this for awhile > made $40 a day with 0 benefits & had to deal with being in an on call status.  But what really was the coup de gras was when I learned that substitute janitors were earning more than me & did have some benefits.  

OK > all of you who feel justified, give me the thumbs down > I'm sorry if the truth offends you.

Answer 5

To become a teacher you must have a college degree and a teaching license. So the first step is to contact your local community college or university. Either 1. be evaluated for admission to a degree plan and start taking courses, or 2. have your prior college-level work evaluated for deficiencies so you can take the courses and licensure exams you need to take. Many moms go back to school and become teachers--great transfer of skills. May take a little longer to meet all the requirements, but you can do so at your own pace. You may even think about becoming a teacher's assistant (which does not take a degree) while you work toward licensure as a teacher. Some districts even offset the cost of assistants becoming teachers and their is financial support available for stay-at-home moms or displaced moms (divorced) going back to school. Good luck!