Job Discussion Forums

[Hot2GlobeTrot]

when a job says you need to be certified in your state/ province as a teacher, does this mean...university degree in education, become a teacher or are there courses or something to that effect that will give a teacher cert upon completion?

[natsume]

It means what it means for your state/province. My state, California, will be different from many other states and of course Canadian provinces. I will be eligible for jobs advertising those requirements after I recieve my California state credential, you will be so after earning a credential in Alberta, if that is what you choose to do. California, for example, does not even offer education degrees at the undergraduate level, and has it's own unique system for qualifying subject matter competence, it's own unique core credential courses/units that need to be earned, and does not require any teacher to ever earn an MA (although, personally, I think an MA is a good idea). From what I understand, some states do require an undergrad degree in education, and/or the earning of an eventual MA.

Do a search for Alberta's department of education, I am sure you will find your answers there.

[santi84]

I'm in BC, not Alberta. I believe it is quite similar. You can check UofA or UofC for details.

Here, you need a minimum of 90 credits in specific courses (English, Geography, Math for Elementary Teachers, etc) and electives. That is the bare minimum for K-7, not including first aid, volunteer experience, and preferably French, coaching experience, and child care experience. Most students will need to finish a BA to compete. Once you have done that, you can apply to the PDP (professional development program) and you do about one year's worth of educational theory, practice, and student teaching (about six months teaching). If you have certain TESL courses (and that is specific to each PDP) you can choose TESL as a specialization (or Special Ed, etc).

*Note: I took TESL courses with many already-certified teachers. It is highly recommended for the better jobs in the school district!

Secondary PDP requires the full 120 credits prior to the program, and you specialize in either one major subject (English, Chemistry) or two minor subjects (TESL usually counts, as well as Phys Ed or Business). Some universities specialize in TESL education (such as McGill, where you get a BEd in TESL, not just a BEd)

You are looking at five years, minimum, from start to finish.

After you pass all that, you can apply to the college of teachers.

[santi84]

UofC FAQ
http://educ.ucalgary.ca/dtp/faqs

[Hot2GlobeTrot]

[santi84]

Becoming a licensed K-12 teacher in Canada is quite a complex process, I have a friend who almost had a mental breakdown trying to get through the entire thing at age 32 (the amount of class preparation/assignments required leaves you with little time to actually work and pay bills).

A CELTA is an international industry standard, but does not hold much (if any) weight in the local Canadian market and has no bearing on public teacher licensing (although having a CELTA with experience can really help you get into the licensing programs over other applicants). You will get the pitiful jobs with a BA + CELTA (terrible split shift hours, minimal pay). There is just too many qualified applicants.

TESL Canada (http://www.tesl.ca/), the national TESL organization, is a very different body from the Alberta Teacher's Association (http://www.teachers.ab.ca/Pages/home.aspx).

Either way, if the Middle East is your ultimate goal, you will require an MA in TESOL/Applied Linguistics anyways. A BA, CELTA, and a few years experience can help you get into those programs. You are still looking at five years, minimum (assuming 2-3 years work experience + the MA).

Perhaps you would benefit by giving the Alberta Teacher's Association a phone call. I'm from BC so I cannot guarantee 100% that it is the same.

[santi84]

There are a few licensed Canadian teachers here that an offer more information, I believe Jetgirly is one.

[Justin Trullinger]

Short answer- there are rarely short courses leading to licensing in your state or province.

What the requirement means is that you could apply for, and receive, work as a mainstream education (k-12) teacher in the place where you're from.


It is perfectly possible to have a very successful career as a teacher abroad without home state licensing. But some jobs, like the best international schools, won't be open to you.

Best,
Justin

[Hot2GlobeTrot]

[johnslat]

Dear Hot2GlobeTrot,

"I've seen plenty of ME job postings where they state BA+ CELTA is the requirement..."

I spent twenty years in the Middle East. I can assure you that those jobs that require "only a BA and a CELTA" are NOT jobs you'd want to have - dodgy recruiters, bottom-feeder employers.
If you're interested in getting a decent (or better) job in the ME, get your MA in either TESOL or Applied Linguistics.

Regards,
John

[santi84]

[Hot2GlobeTrot]

[santi84]

I recall in your last post that you have not yet taken your CELTA or other teaching qualification. I would strongly suggest that you start your chosen entry-level qualification (whichever one you decided on) and your teaching practicum.

Before my teaching practicum, I thought teaching English would be a piece of cake. I was WRONG! So, so, so wrong! Even though I have a degree and a certificate (full minor in TESL, 32 credits at 400-level + two months full-time teaching practicum), I am still going back to complete my PDP so I can become a better teacher. I don't feel my certificate is enough! For your own sanity, get the best credential you can.

[santi84]

[Chancellor]