Which school districts are "high need" in math or science?

Question

I am currently an accountant, but would like to get into teaching high school level courses. I have a bachelor’s degree in Accounting & Finance and am also taking science (pre-pharmacy) courses now. Since I do not have a teaching license or any other teaching qualifications, I would like to get into a high-need area because I know they don't require much more than a bachelor's degree. Any suggestions on places I can apply or things I can do to make myself more qualified?

Answer 1

most areas are at high need but your best bet is with big city schools

Answer 2

In CA, teachers in general need no more than a Bachelor's Degree AND a teaching credential certifying you to teach the content area of study- in your case, that would be science. Almost all of the largest school districts in the state are "high need" in this subject AND will pay an additional stipend as a carrot for teachers to fill these positions:

However, a few "reality checks" to consider

1. Having mastery of your content area does NOT make one a teacher- you will have to have some schooling in pedagogy- the craft of teaching.

2. The Feds have considered that in the No Child Left Behind Law, requiring that any teacher hired must be "highly qualified" (see the CA requirements I outlined above) This means you will have schooling to do

3. You will be an "intern" teacher until you finish certification requirements- which will affect your pay

4. You will also be assigned a mentor teacher from the district for two years, requiring you to fulfill many tasks (observing other teachers, be observed, mock lesson planning, etc.) before your district can say you are a "highly qualified teacher."

Didn't think it was that complicated "just to teach" huh?

Good luck. As far as as sugestions:

1. Apply to any large urban district

2. Read up on their support systems AND expectations regarding folks in your situation (Districts are desperate to make teachers out of folks like you- but most end up quitting because its not an easy job with working conditions people in the private sector just aren't used to!)

3. Ask the HR people if the district has a program that will allow you to enroll in a local college to be certified (they may even foot some/all of the bill- may).

4. Visit schools in the area you want to teach- get a sense of the students you will be teaching...further reality check.

5. Read/Purchase the book the link below will lead you to- I can vouch for its usefulness as well as The First Days of School. Save that one for when you get your first assignment.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Just about any district, especially inner city public ones, need math teachers!  You can "pick and chose" pretty much.  In most cases, you can probably negotiate for your salary!!!  (something us Social Studies teachers cannot do)

Good luck and welcome to the profession!!!

Answer 4

http://gmcs.k12.nm.us/personnel/vacancie...

But be aware, in New Mexico you can get a pre-level 1 license with a Bachelor's degree, but you will HAVE to be taking education courses to reach your level 1 license within 3 years.  Pretty much any other high need area is going to be the SAME.  With all of the federal mandates, schools have to make sure that teachers either are or are on their way to being highly qualified.  They won't keep an unlicensed person around for long if you're not working toward your license.