Job Discussion Forums

[JZer]

Has anyone done an alternative certification program? How was it? Should there be any problem securing a job as long as one can pass the Praxis 1 test? I am willing to go anywhere in the US. Currently I am considering New Mexico.

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

[timothypfox]

Sorry GambateBingBangBOOM, but JZer's post is grammatically correct. It is "has done."

Now please keep in mind that since JZer was asking about Praxis 1 this must mean that JZer was talking about teaching an area likely other than ESL such as math or science. Correct if I am wrong.

Let's keep this in mind, and also keep in mind that not all teachers are native speakers.

Now back to JZer's question which is what we should be discussing for this particular posting.

Jzer, I did the alternate certification program in New York City called the New York City Teaching Fellows program. At the time I did it, some 3 years ago, they offered a guaranteed postion and heavily subsidized MS program in the area you were going to teach. Unfortunately, now they do not guarantee a job because of the bad economy.

There are, however, several of these programs across the country in most major state urban centers. So, you might even try a search for a teaching fellows program in cities in New Mexico. Unless there is a hiring freeze going on there, I wounldn't let the bad economy discourage you as there is always a need for teachers. Private schools are always a reasonable fall-back if things don't work out for you in public - but they don't pay as well.

Hope this helps.

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

[JZer]

[jdl]

Gambate+*&^%$#,

To quote that great American Philosopher, Bugs Bunny, "What a maroon". Lighten up bro.

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

[Chancellor]

[JZer]

Thanks!

[ramble right]

If you're open to moving anywhere, there is a site, http://www.teach-now.org/, which lets you search the requirements of all alternative teacher certification programs in the US. Factors that can vary significantly between states/programs, for example, are prerequisites, the length of your teaching commitment after finishing the training, and what kind of training is actually offered. I know that NM requires you to stick around and do 3 years of teaching in a high-need district (which is most of the state!). Most states require a 3 year commitment; Teach for America and a small handful of states require 2; Texas requires 1.

Behold Texas, the lone-year school. For me, I relocated to Texas to enroll in one particular program, http://www.texasteachers.org/. Would I recommend it? Well, yes, though it's not for everyone. I picked this one because I kept running into one problem with other programs: they wanted me to re-enroll for more undergraduate coursework to get some special number of units in the subject I was to teach. I see their need to err on the side of quality; however, I find the idea of returning to undergrad after receiving a BA for classes that are just prerequisites to be misguided, and at least, expensive. However, not all programs are the same, so keep hunting around until you find a program that suits your background. The program I did in TX required passing state content tests and attending an admittedly brief training period. The pro? If you already have teaching experience and don't want a lot of BS training, this is great. If you want training, though, join a different program. Which is not to say that what can pass for training adequately prepares one for the jungle of the overcrowded American classroom....

JZer, you said you wanted to do elementary teaching. I have heard that elementary teachers overwhelmingly follow the 'traditional' certification track, rather than the 'alternative', meaning your competition will be somewhat more stiff than if you sought a secondary certificate.

It's possible to score a decent paying full time ESL/teaching job in the states. It's just not likely! ;) If you get certificated (and don't go into debt or spend time/money going back to school to do so), and target the cities/districts that pay high rates, then you have a chance.

[JZer]

ramble right, what did you get certified in if you don't mind me asking?

According to Teach for Texas they do hire a few elementary teachers and ESL teachers.

Should I be looking to get certified to teach ESL instead?

[americancolleen]

In some states and universities, it is possible to get certified in elementary education with an ESL endorsement. Multiple endorsements definitely make you more marketable. In any case, your experience with "English language learners" would likely be an asset.

Your best bet is to join a "teaching fellows" program like those in NYC, DC, and, I think, Baltimore. There are also some Master's level "teacher internship" programs where you earn your master's in education while you teach in a high-needs area. I know Mercy College and Fordham in NY have or had one of these, and I think the University of Maryland does, too.

You're better off finding a program that lets you earn your certification while you teach. It will be a tough first year, but if you go to school full-time you run the very real risk of not finding a job when you finish. In many areas, positions in elementary education, English, social studies, and some foreign languages like French are pretty scarce. Elementary schools are often looking for male teachers, but many education graduates struggle to find full-time positions.

If you find a program that lets you study on the job, your salary will help to defray your tuition costs and you will get a year of experience under your belt.

Good luck!

[JZer]

Yes, I would really only consider studying on the job. I would not want to spend the money to go back to school for two years without any income.

[Chancellor]

[JZer]

Chancellor wrote: