Monday, January 30, 2012
New Changes to Earning a Teaching Credential
With in the New Year well under its way, many states are changing their credentialing requirements in order to align their practices with the latest research suggestions. Additionally, with education being such a hot ticket item these days, and, the public wanting more bang for their buck, the requirements to becoming a teacher is becoming that much more difficult. It is increasingly important to deeply consider those factors that play into your decision to become a teacher. You have to want it. And in the end, as the requirements become more stringent, hopefully the pay will increase for the professional teacher.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Why and How To Be A Teacher
Becoming a teacher is not an easy decision. It's not a job full of financial glory or much appreciation at times. However, it is one of the most rewarding careers that anyone could ever have. The purpose of this blog is to walk you through some relatively common steps a person would have to take to become a teacher. Let's explore two questions: How to be a teacher, and, Why be a teacher?
Minimum Requirements
No matter which state you live in, there are some common, core, and fundamental requirements in order to become a teacher. The first requirement is that you must have Bachelor's Degree (B.A., B.S). Most school districts view a bachelor's degree as the minimum requirement in showing mastery in a particular field. If you do not have a B.A. or a B.S. degree, it is never too late to earn one. Bachelors Degree - CollegeandUniversity.net has over 150 schools that offer Bachelors Degrees.
How to Be A Teacher
If you have already earned bachelor's degree, then hopefully, you were so passionate about the content of the degree that you are now wanting to pass all of this wonderful knowledge on. However, one thing that stop some people at the door when they move to the next step is their reputation. Because you will be working with children, most states and school districts will scrutinize your past. If there are any criminal, legal, or financial proceedings against you, you may want to clear those up first before moving on.
If your reputation is relatively clean, usually the next step is to pass a basic state test of educational achievement and/or of content knowledge. For instance the State of California has the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) as well as the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) as two exams to prove mastery of basic skills and content knowledge. Passing exams like these are normally requirements in entering and exiting you from the next step, the credential process.
Earning a Teaching Credential
If you do not have a teaching credential, then you must ask yourself three questions: 1) Do I really want to teach? 2) Am I willing to continue my personal education? 3) Am I willing to give a little now to earn more later? If you can say yes to all of these, then continue on! And what's important to think about next is the type of teaching credential that you wish to peruse. Do you want to be a special education teacher or a general education teacher? Do you want to teach at the elementary, middle, or high school level? What content area matches your credential best? These questions will help you focus your efforts.
Once you have answered these questions, please visit the state Education site for the stay you plan to teach in for additional information.
And once you have decided what areas match your passion for teaching, then you must find a good teaching credential program. Some programs are much more expensive than others, some are offered online, some have a Master's Degree built into the curriculum, and some will allow you to teach with good pay while you are earning your credential. CollegeandUniversity.net features top online universities and campus-based colleges in your area. Enroll today.
The average credential program will take about two full school years to complete. And there are always various forms of financial aid to see you through financially, including loans that are forgivable as well as grants. Search for student loans from competing lenders at SimpleTuition
Landing a Teaching Position
Whether you are fully credentialed or still in the credentialing process, the day that you land a teaching position will feel magical! You will be clear to help shape the minds of tomorrow through the gifts and talents you bring to your classroom. What is important however is that you attempt to apply to school districts and schools that match your philosophical and ideological values. You will be a much more effective teacher working in an environment in which you are comfortable. And ultimately, go for the job you want. Make sure to have friends, family, or professionals read over your resumes and letters of intent. Brush up on your interview skills and practice using active listening and concise speaking during interviews. And most of all, be honest, be yourself when applying to teaching positions.
So the big question: Why Teach? The only answer to question is that you strongly believe that you have knowledge of and love a content area or areas to the point that you find enjoyment sharing this knowledge with others. Teaching can be TOUGH, and if you do not have a passion for what you are teaching neither you nor your students will benefit from your lack of passion and you and they will give up! And if you do feel as if you have a passion for teaching, don't delay! Follow the steps above right away and contribute wholeheartedly to society!
Minimum Requirements
No matter which state you live in, there are some common, core, and fundamental requirements in order to become a teacher. The first requirement is that you must have Bachelor's Degree (B.A., B.S). Most school districts view a bachelor's degree as the minimum requirement in showing mastery in a particular field. If you do not have a B.A. or a B.S. degree, it is never too late to earn one. Bachelors Degree - CollegeandUniversity.net has over 150 schools that offer Bachelors Degrees.
How to Be A Teacher
If you have already earned bachelor's degree, then hopefully, you were so passionate about the content of the degree that you are now wanting to pass all of this wonderful knowledge on. However, one thing that stop some people at the door when they move to the next step is their reputation. Because you will be working with children, most states and school districts will scrutinize your past. If there are any criminal, legal, or financial proceedings against you, you may want to clear those up first before moving on.
If your reputation is relatively clean, usually the next step is to pass a basic state test of educational achievement and/or of content knowledge. For instance the State of California has the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) as well as the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) as two exams to prove mastery of basic skills and content knowledge. Passing exams like these are normally requirements in entering and exiting you from the next step, the credential process.
Earning a Teaching Credential
If you do not have a teaching credential, then you must ask yourself three questions: 1) Do I really want to teach? 2) Am I willing to continue my personal education? 3) Am I willing to give a little now to earn more later? If you can say yes to all of these, then continue on! And what's important to think about next is the type of teaching credential that you wish to peruse. Do you want to be a special education teacher or a general education teacher? Do you want to teach at the elementary, middle, or high school level? What content area matches your credential best? These questions will help you focus your efforts.
Once you have answered these questions, please visit the state Education site for the stay you plan to teach in for additional information.
And once you have decided what areas match your passion for teaching, then you must find a good teaching credential program. Some programs are much more expensive than others, some are offered online, some have a Master's Degree built into the curriculum, and some will allow you to teach with good pay while you are earning your credential. CollegeandUniversity.net features top online universities and campus-based colleges in your area. Enroll today.
The average credential program will take about two full school years to complete. And there are always various forms of financial aid to see you through financially, including loans that are forgivable as well as grants. Search for student loans from competing lenders at SimpleTuition
Landing a Teaching Position
Whether you are fully credentialed or still in the credentialing process, the day that you land a teaching position will feel magical! You will be clear to help shape the minds of tomorrow through the gifts and talents you bring to your classroom. What is important however is that you attempt to apply to school districts and schools that match your philosophical and ideological values. You will be a much more effective teacher working in an environment in which you are comfortable. And ultimately, go for the job you want. Make sure to have friends, family, or professionals read over your resumes and letters of intent. Brush up on your interview skills and practice using active listening and concise speaking during interviews. And most of all, be honest, be yourself when applying to teaching positions.
Why Teach ?
So the big question: Why Teach? The only answer to question is that you strongly believe that you have knowledge of and love a content area or areas to the point that you find enjoyment sharing this knowledge with others. Teaching can be TOUGH, and if you do not have a passion for what you are teaching neither you nor your students will benefit from your lack of passion and you and they will give up! And if you do feel as if you have a passion for teaching, don't delay! Follow the steps above right away and contribute wholeheartedly to society!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
The Responsibility of Teaching
Teaching carries a large load of responsibility. Just think about it, as a teacher, you are helping to influence the positive outcomes of an entire nation, if not the world. As a teacher you are influencing what type of care and security that you have within your retirement years. As a teacher you are helping to decide the future of your own children based on how much you are able to positively influence the children of others. The responsibility of teaching cares a heavy load. No one does too well in life without a mentor or a positive influence. Teachers so often are those mentors. And as it is sooooo easy to forget about this as class size grows and resources shrink, it is entirely necessary as an educator to give your all in the classroom and to your student and you may be educating a soon to be President, lawyer, doctor, sergeant, or teacher. Carry your load well, with dignity and pride. Take your responsibility wholeheartedly as it will determine your tomorrow.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Teaching Special Education
There is an enormous call for teachers of students with special needs. The field of special education is open for employable teachers as we speak despite the current economic woes. Most school districts are experiencing a shortage of qualified special education teachers and some school districts offer a bonus to those who have the desire and skill to teach special education classes. Consider teaching special education as a career. It is rewarding and equips you to learn the latest intervention strategies in supporting student learning. It is field in which if learned well will allow you to consult, provide private educational therapy, and be an influence at school sites in relation ti disability rights. Reflect on if special education may be right for you!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Why Teach
Why Teach
There are so many benefits to becoming a teacher. Teaching has had a history of bringing financial stability to most lives. You may not become RICH within the teaching profession, but most teachers are comfortable financially. With this, there are retirement, health, dental, and retirement benefits to teachers that are not found in most professions. But besides the financial benefits, you are able to apply your skills and passion to the classroom in such a way that the very future of the entire country is effected. So when you are pondering whether or not you should teach, just remember that teachers help shape the future!
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