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AGoodStory
Joined: 26 Feb 2010
Posts: 738
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 Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2014 12:31 am Post subject: |
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| Welcheronymus wrote: |
| Guerciotti wrote: |
I hope I can ask Dice and Welcher questions about Teacher Ready?
Their website includes pages for qualification in subject areas like math, for example, which requires 30 credit hours of math courses, but I wonder if that is necessary for alternate qualification?
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Guerciotti,
No problem, I'll share what I know from my experience and research (YMMV). The FAQ section at TeacherReady's website is pretty helpful (https://www.teacherready.org/about-teacherready/faqs/); but any question not answered there you could email them with it. I always found the folks at TeacherReady were extremely helpful and responsive.
I took the program to get certified for grades 6-12 in English (my BA is in English). The 30 credit hours of courses in whichever content area is a state of Florida requirement (that is the state you'll get certified in when you complete the TR program and the other requirements Florida has like fingerprinting and what not).
I was under the impression that to get certified in a content area one needs 30 hours of classes and take the Florida certification exam in that content area. But I could be wrong on the credit hour requirement for additional content areas once you are already certified in one content area (English in my case). I have thought about adding social studies since I have almost 30 credit hours in that area (and like Diced260 said, it could be helpful to be certified in more than one content area), so I could know more about this in the future. But calling the FL DoE is an option, probably the best source for info on those requirements.
While it costs $75 (plus cost of getting transcripts to them) for each subject area you are interested in getting certified in, you can get a letter of eligibility from the state of Florida telling you what it would take to become certified in that subject.
http://www.fldoe.org/edcert/apply.asp
If you decide to go with TR, you'll need that letter before you begin TR, IIRC.
| Guerciotti wrote: |
| Do you only sit exams to qualify? And perhaps that is because you previously completed the necessary courses? |
There is applying and getting your letter of eligibility, possibly taking classes (to meet the 30 credit hour requirements, etc), getting fingerprints, and taking the certification tests. You don't have to take Florida's 3 certification exams before you start the TR program, but it wouldn't hurt if you can. I think the test scores and your eligibility are good for 3 years so make sure you can get everything done in that amount of of time.
| Guerciotti wrote: |
As far as other programs, a preliminary certificate from Massachusetts (MTEL) seems the most straightforward. You sit two exams for the preliminary certification, but that is only preliminary. One must then find a teaching position in Massachusetts. Teacher Ready seems the most viable alternative for overseas teachers.
Cheers all |
I started the program in the US but finished it in China, teaching English (speaking) at a high school. You end up doing a week of student teaching that is observed. The vice principal at my school is a certified teacher in China with years of experience so he did my observations. Other assignments for the program can be done in your classroom.
The nice thing about TR is that once you finish the program and meet the rest of Florida's requirements, the TR staff handle applying for your certificate and all that. And, once you've got that, you have a professional teaching cert from Florida that is good for 5 years.
I noticed you used "sit exams" a couple of times. To my American ears, that sounds British (or Australian). But I may be wrong. At any rate, I don't want to assume anything, but I would point out that for non-US citizens, there may be issues getting certified through TeacherReady and the state of Florida. So that could be something to investigate before starting the program for anyone who is not a US citizen. |
This was an exceptionally useful and helpful post, Welcheronymous! Thanks for all the detail, and the personal experience. 
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diced260
Joined: 24 Feb 2009
Posts: 80
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| Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2014 1:46 am Post subject: |
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Guerciotti,
Social Studies is my area. It's low demand. You'd be doing yourself a huge favor by pursuing the Math cert since it sounds like any path requires a bit more schooling.
I would feel more comfortable about job prospects with a Math cert. From other forums, it sounds like one can practically write their own ticket after a few years of post-cert experience. They're talking interviews and offers before the major job fairs. |
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Guerciotti
Joined: 13 Feb 2009
Posts: 842
Location: In a sleazy bar killing all the bad guys.
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| Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2014 2:23 pm Post subject: |
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Diced and Welcher - the long and short of it is I must take some courses, but I expected that. I saved your advice and sent an email to TR so I can get organized to do this ASAP, though it will take time.
Thanks for all your advice, you guys are the best.
Yes international job fairs but my goal is to go home in a few years. I am not a Sinophile. But I admit China is close to Thailand, it does have that going for it. |
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diced260
Joined: 24 Feb 2009
Posts: 80
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| Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2014 4:33 am Post subject: |
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There are some other certification routes you might be interested in. I've seen some advertisements for special programs in Cleveland, Denver, and I think NY, here on Dave's. Might be worth looking into.
Good luck, whatever you decide. |
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munybse
Joined: 11 Oct 2010
Posts: 1
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| Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2014 6:52 pm Post subject: |
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You do not need 30 hours in a subject to be certified. All you have to do is pass the state content exam. I have a business degree and did not have to take the content exam for it because I have the 30 hours. However, I passed the social studies content exam and will be certified in it as well without having the 30 hours.
This is also through the Teacher Ready program in Florida. I finish up in November and looking forward to start the job search. |
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Guerciotti
Joined: 13 Feb 2009
Posts: 842
Location: In a sleazy bar killing all the bad guys.
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| Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2014 10:31 pm Post subject: |
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| munybse wrote: |
You do not need 30 hours in a subject to be certified. All you have to do is pass the state content exam. I have a business degree and did not have to take the content exam for it because I have the 30 hours. However, I passed the social studies content exam and will be certified in it as well without having the 30 hours.
This is also through the Teacher Ready program in Florida. I finish up in November and looking forward to start the job search. |
Thanks muny! I did not see that! I think 'vocational' means welding and carpentry!
So much preparation and admin work in my current job. I must invest more time in this pursuit later.
Thanks and I wish you the best.
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