Question for teacher friends: Certificate?

[learnteach]

SO, I really enjoy teaching, especially technology and hard science. To teach in CA I'd need a certificate. I've looked at engineer to teacher programs, and at the SCCOE site, and at CalTeach, and others, and I can't find any options that aren't spend two years and take a bunch of classes to get a CA base certificate (which will then take some number of years to clear.)

Am I missing something obvious? Or I could get a job at a private school, and teach for 6 years, then spend a year or so pulling classes etc. to get the certificate.


I've taught for 2 years in classrooms plus sub time...am I missing something regarding certification?

At this rate, I might as well declare bankruptcy, get some loans, (or do it the other way around) and get a master's in education with a certificate. Preferably from either Santa Clara, thus putting me in line for religious schools, or at National Hispanic University. Or University of Phoenix. I've interviewed enough SJSU students to know I don't want that program.

Comments

[beanolc.livejournal.com]

When I went through SJSU's single subject teaching credential program (oh my dear gods, was it really 14 years ago????), it was two semesters of courses, one year of student teaching. I think... it's been a long time. Regardless, there were waivers against the student teaching requirement in some cases and it sounds to me like yours would be one of those cases. Give them a call & explain your situation.

I vote for yes, credential, by the way.

[dave-orphal.livejournal.com]

You could look at Teach-for-America or a local program like Oakland Teaching Fellow for an alternative route to a credential.

These programs get you right into a paying gig - after a few months of classwork - and you continue to do classwork while pulling a pay check for a year until you get your teaching credential.

[katerit.livejournal.com]

SJSU wasn't bad as a program - I'd just been teaching long enough and had been sent to all sorts of special training while teaching that I knew a lot about pedagogy already. I still got something out of the program.

It could take you only a year with the right set up - and I taught during that year as well. As for clearing the credential, most districts should have a BTSA program that gets you through what is needed for free and mine even pays you for going to the classes, which are hosted by the district. The state gives five years for the process, but the credential can and should be cleared within two. I just didn't get my CPR in for a while...Meanwhile, you are working full time.

There are some cool programs out there that multitask, as was pointed out already.

Recent Grads/students

[learnteach.livejournal.com]

are incredibly unimpressed with SJSU, especially in comparison to NHU, NU and UoPh. At least, the 5 I talked with were, complaining especially about the quality of the mentoring teachers. Since SJSU doesn't lend any sort of special cachet, NHU (for East Side) and Santa Clara have an edge there, and UoPh and NHU (National Hispanic University) both offer evening programs.

Another option I am exploring with LPS is coming on board as an intern with them. I know their pedagogy and systems, and am respected on the campuses, and know the science and math programs, so it would be a good match.

Re: Recent Grads/students

[kahnegabs.livejournal.com]

I'm sure you would be more than able to do it my way. I taught full time at a small private school while also taking classes at St. Mary's in Moraga. I pulled weekenders, night classes, summer classes, etc. It took me a little over two years to finish off both the primary and secondary credentials. There are county credential advisors who will help you select the best classes, sometimes from several schools (mine were St. Mary's. UC Berkeley, Phoenix, and CSUH.

Since I was already teaching, many methods classes were very much worthwhile as soon at I took them. My favorite program was a summer science program at UC Berkeley which involved 4 weeks X 5 days a week X 6 hours per day. I have never regretted doing it this way.

[catagon3.livejournal.com]

Constance is doing a credential program currently, but I don't remember through what school.

[miss-friday.livejournal.com]

Private schools generally do not require a credential, but do want a degree in the field you'll be teaching. (There are exceptions though.) I think most will only consider applicants with real classroom experience.

I highly recommend using a placement service to find a private school job. They almost never advertise on Craigslist, many do not advertise at all. Carney Sandoe has the best coverage, and is definitely worth the $25 fee.

I would go for the quickest route to a public school credential be it traditional or alternative. My experience with the process made me nauseous. Some of the field specific courses were valuable, the education ones were an utter waste of time.

That is my estimation

[learnteach.livejournal.com]

based on discussion with my compatriots. Thanks very much for the tip.

Re: That is my estimation

[seussgirl27.livejournal.com]

Hey dude,
Do you know if you qualify for the State's retraining through Unemployment programs? They pay for you to go to school to earn a Cert., and some options also pay a stipend of unemployment benefits if you qualify. If you didn't qualify initially, you may want to consider re-opening your case.

I know the time commitment is a bummer but if you start, one step at a time, you''ll be a step ahead of where you were.

Hugs