Teaching without a BA in teaching/raod to certification

Does anyone know what teh certificcation process is if you don't have any credits in ed. I took the LAST a few years ago but I held off on taking the other test (the name escapes me now). I've been working in theatre, but I always wanted to be a teacher, I figured I would do it much later after i got my MFAm and maybe at the college or HS level, but now I see I probably need a "real" job.

Has anyone taken an alternate path? Thoughts?

Are you still thinking about the Fellows program? That is the only route I know of (in addition to TFA, which you could also apply for.)

The alternative certifications are mainly to get people into schools/districts with shortages. Unfortunately, for someone in your position, things have gotten harder in NYC in terms of getting a job. Five years ago, you could get emergency certification without being in a Fellows-type program, but now, my understanding is that postions in NYC are harder to get, unless you are bilingual, math, science or special ed. And the priority is to place Fellows and TFA people first, and even some of them didn't get positions.

In my experience, and personal opinion, I'm leery of the Fellows and TFA programs. You really are NOT prepared to walk into a room and teach after their crash courses. The ones in my school are struggling, even with support from the coaches, lead teachers and mentors.

I came in with my masters in ed, and I still struggled, but the knowledge that I was well prepared (degree and a semester of student teaching) made a HUGE difference. Sometimes knowing that I was prepared and ready was the only thing that kept me going, especially since I started out in a REALLY tough school.

It also seems (though this is an observation and nothing I have data on) that TFA and Fellows are more likely to quit mid-year than first year teachers with credentials.

You could get a master's in a year and a half- and I bet you could start this semester (in terms of getting into a program; I don't know what your personal situation is.) And while I know you probably don't want to take on student loan debt, the DOE does have a program that will reimburse you up to $13,000 over four years.

I started my masters in 9/02 and went full time and ended in 12/03. I also did it without a bachelors in ed. It can be done. I'm in NYC, and although I thought it was going to be a last resort, I love my job! NYC is harder to get into, primarily for the good areas, but there are going to be a lot of retirees in the next 2 years.

I just graduated with my masters in education/special ed...my undergrad was in communications. My university had a career change program....45 credits which included everything I needed to be certified...and I just received my certifications in the mail!!

Well, let me put it this way, I'm going to in a few years go back for a masters in theatre, so I am NOT going to pay for or go full time for my master's in Ed. It's really a stepping stone so I CAN teach, rather than a degree I really want, if that makes sense. I guess the fellows program is the best route. it seems they changed their requirements though, and I'm not sure if I am still eligible for math or science immersion. but I would be willing to do that or, possibly special ed.

maybe I will go take a few courses part time in the fall no matter what, I don't know. I won't have any problem being accepted into a master's program. I have a good undergrad GPA and excellent recs. I'd also probably do really well on the GRE.

I just have the same concerns you all do about the fellows program. They are throwing the least prepared teachers into the most difficult situations.

What about catholic school>

I went through the fellows program to become a teacher. I've been in the classroom now for 5 years. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to help

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Posted by sarahbelle

I went through the fellows program to become a teacher. I've been in the classroom now for 5 years. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to help

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