Job Discussion Forums

[greg]

I want to teach high school in the United States.I have a Master's degree in sociology and seven years experience teaching ESL in Asia.My problem is that I don't have any type of teaching credential.Is there any state that will allow me to teach even though I don't have a credential?Does the state require I pass some type of test,i.e. California requires the CBEST?Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,Greg

[Ann]

With new policy of "No Child Left Behind" teaching creditation has become very standardized and rigorous.
Your Masters will hold you in good stead and the experience will come in handy when you get your license to teach and the pay scale is calculated (experience is given credit).
But you will need to take courses (depends on the university/college you go to) to pass the teacher licensure/accreditation program. You will need to take the PRAXIS exam (some states don't have this and I don't know about CA) in order to get your license.
You may want to look at the NCATE website (sorry, I don't know the address) for state-to-state requirements. In my state, we can't get licensed in ESL because its an add-on-licensure. You have to have some sort of degree in English, Linguistics, or a related field. If you have a degree in sociology you may end up taking more courses in English/ESL/Linguistics and education. You will also need to student-teach in a high school for a semester (without pay, of course).
These are some of the requirements for my state. Again, all states differ. NCATE: National Council of Accreditation of Teachers in Education (I believe that's what is stands for) will be a useful place for you to start. Or look at the DPI (Department of Public Instruction) in CA or whichever state you're planning to teach.
Hope this helps!

[MindTraveller]

The California CBEST test is easy - but you should use an SAT or ACT study guide to prepare for it. I needed to review the math.

There is a Los Angeles program that hires teachers without certification, and, within the program, the teachers earn their certification. However, this is for inner city schools. High stress areas.

Some other states may also do that. I'm not sure if some rural areas do that too to attract teachers.

And, as someone said, a Masters without certification may be acceptable at private schools.

I had to jump through the hoops and spent lots of time and money getting my certification. It was okay..... probably would have been better at a better college than where I got mine from. The quality of classmates do make a major difference in the college experience.

[fluffhead]

I know someone who got a teaching job in Ga. with a B.S. in some sort of social science and 3 years experience esl. Apparently, they're having a teacher shortage crisis and are offering a 4 week licensure course to those who have at least a B.A./B.S. She said they pay better than any other southern state, but that might not be saying much.

Good Luck!

[Irish]

Like the others said, you really need to research specific states to get this answer.

As for Hawaii, there simply isn't much happening for ESL teachers. Right now it's all about special ed and math/science.

Best of luck, wherever you go.

[Sherri]

You can find almost everything you need to know about teaching in state schools in the US here.

http://www.recruitingteachers.org/index.html

[Buck Turgidson]

I am in the same boat. I have an MA in history with no certification and three years ESL experience. I have been offered a job teaching German (my undergraduate minor). In my state you can teach without a certificate as long as you are enrolled in a teacher certification program.

Buck

[nighthawk]

Buck, what state are you referring to? Just wondering. Thanks. -Mark

[Ann]

Nighthawk,
Most states let you teach (especially when there is a shortage of teachers) in school as long as you're enrolled or are planning to enroll in a teacher accreditation program. They give you a certain time limit to do so and finish. This is called the lateral entry program.

[Buck Turgidson]

Missouri, the Show-me state!

[nighthawk]

Buck, thanks. I hope you get to catch a Cardinal's game.

[nighthawk]

Ann, thank you too.