Thinking of becoming a teacher..any advice?

Hi,

I've recently thought about how I would love to be a teacher..I actually started as an education major in college and switched to mass comm. I am so unhappy in my field and really have been thinking more and more about going into education (teaching K-5 preferably).

I live in VA...I have a BA and started researching what it would take but still unsure of how to proceed.

Has anyone switched out of their careers to become a teacher? If so, how did you do it...how long did it take.

Thanks in advance for any help!!

Re: Thinking of becoming a teacher..any advice?

I am in the process of doing it now in NJ.....the best place to start is your state dept of education...i am sure they will tell you what exams you will need etc. Right now I have to take an exam and get my certificate of eligibilty for alternate certification (I have my BS in Business). Then I have to apply through my county and when I have my certification I can start teaching. I am then going to get my MA in Ed. It can take several months because of the tests, applications etc...

Re: Thinking of becoming a teacher..any advice?

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Posted by Johnny&Maur

Hi,

I've recently thought about how I would love to be a teacher..I actually started as an education major in college and switched to mass comm. I am so unhappy in my field and really have been thinking more and more about going into education (teaching K-5 preferably).

I live in VA...I have a BA and started researching what it would take but still unsure of how to proceed.

Has anyone switched out of their careers to become a teacher? If so, how did you do it...how long did it take.

Thanks in advance for any help!!

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Re: Thinking of becoming a teacher..any advice?

I don't have any advice but I am thinking of leaving the law to become a HS teacher. Good luck to you!! (Perhaps VA has an alternate certification route like NJ or fellowship program like NYC that you can check into.)

MrsTC...I am interested in the alternate certification route that you are going through in NJ...I live in NJ too. Does it apply HS teachers or only elementary? Also, do they pay for your Masters (sort of like the NYC fellowship program)...I already have law school loans and don't want to be burdened with more tuition!! Thanks!!

Re: Thinking of becoming a teacher..any advice?

I switched careers 4 years ago...I was in Media...a bunch of things happened that led to me wanted to become a teacher. I was working in an awesome PR company (very tiny just me and my boss) and my boss decided she wanted to sell it and move to CA...so then I started working at a HORRIBLE publishing company...I ended up getting fired! They were so awful to me...I decided to go back for teaching as soon as I was fired...Oh and my last day the VP of my department asked me what I was going to do next and I said become a teacher and he replied "yeah thats what you think" CAN YOU BELIEVE THE DAMN NERVE????"

I started school and got a job as a teaching assistant...which I highly recommend while you are in school. It gives you so much insight AND you can see if teaching is really for you!

NOW I am working in the city and I hate it...not teaching NYC BOARD OF ED ...but you have to pay your dues..because teaching jobs on LI are not easy to get!

Re: Thinking of becoming a teacher..any advice?

Thanks to everyone for your help!! I am in arlington, looking to teach here or in DC which is right next door. Just unsure of what to expect...its so overwhelming. I have been in the PR/Media industry and then switched to television and I just haven't been happy with it. I really feel I was meant to be a teacher but of course was stubborn and thought I would conquer the world of media!! Oh well...thanks again for the replies!!

Re: Thinking of becoming a teacher..any advice?

its so funny b/c in college i was a communications major.. a year and a half into it i switched majors to become a teacher. i had to take an extra year of classes but it was worth it. I love my career and wouldnt change it for the world!

Re: Thinking of becoming a teacher..any advice?

i worked in publishing and when i got laid off i went back to school to be a teacher... best thing i ever did!! it took me about a year to get my certification and an extra 6 months to finish my masters! I LOVE my job!!!

Re: Thinking of becoming a teacher..any advice?

Check out Mason, UVA's nova campus, or Marymount. All three have good masters programs for teaching!