<p>Hi, I am a parent, soon to be an empty nester!</p>
<p>Have been researching teaching programs (MA and Certificates) from Universities/CC.</p>
<p>For instance I saw Foothill College, Los Altos has a 27 credit certificate course for special ed which I found interesting.</p>
<p>The issue is I will be moving from Asia to CA since both the kids will be there. I am flexible on location and so far have done some research on SJSU, MAT@USC, Glendale CC, Pasadena CC, De Anza and Foothill. I like the Valley more than LA. One kid is in SF and one in LA.</p>
<p>Anyone here can tell me if they know whether the certificate program will be good enough to start off in the field? I have a Masters from City Uni of NY.</p>
<p>Teachers certification depends on the state where you intend to work. If you plan to begin your career in CA, you need to start by finding what the requirements are there. Some states do indeed have certification programs for high-need categories, like Special Ed, that are offered through community colleges.</p>
<p>I teach at a community college- we do not offer graduate level degrees. I looked at that certificate at Foothill College; it is an A.A. level certificate that qualifies one to work as a para-professional (assistant), not as a special ed classroom teacher. What is your Masters in? Perhaps you can use the degree you already have to teach at the community college level (good luck finding a job, however- most CCs in California are laying off adjuncts, not hiring). Or get a teaching credential from a university to teach at the high school level (depending on what your degrees are in).</p>
<p>My MBA is in CIS and Bachelors in Accounting. I do not want to teach right away but learn first and then go forward. </p>
<p>The MAT@USC looks great but then again is the location unsafe (it is held in the City Center of ATT building on Olive st). 2 miles from the USC campus.</p>
<p>The only public school job this certificate program will qualify you for is a teacher aide position. It doesn’t pay well, but it would get you into the school system as a para-educator. Many of these jobs are very part time, filled by college students and others without college degrees. In fact, if you have good language skills in an in-demand second language, you probably could get one of these jobs without this certification, or after taking just a few of the courses.<br>
To find out the details regarding getting a special education teaching certification, go to:
[California</a> Commission on Teacher Credentialing](<a href=“http://www.ctc.ca.gov/]California”>http://www.ctc.ca.gov/)
You will need to get a regular credential first, then get the special ed credential. Depending upon your current qualifications, it could take as little as a year of full-time schooling to get your special ed certification, if you already qualify for a regular credential. The job market for special education teachers is still pretty good, but not as great as it used to be.</p>
<p>Even though many states have certificate programs that will get you certified to teach (along with passing whatever teacher tests they require) I would recommend going for an MAT program that includes a student teaching component. Many of the post baccalaureate programs that will get you certified require twenty something credits. Why go to all of that trouble when, for a few more credits you can get a degree? I also feel strongly that teacher training should include student teaching and practicum components. Nothing prepares you for teaching like being in the classroom.</p>
<p>Right. And you CAN get certified without getting a degree. Actually ince th OP already has a a master’s, a post-bac program might be a good option. Although, I would still look for one that has student teaching as one of it’s components. Teaching is a very challenging job and without on site training, it is even more challenging.</p>
<p>Look for colleges that have teacher licensing programs or something called post baccalaureate teacher licensing. Many of them have student teaching included. They are usually around 25 credits. Of course, you could do a MAT with student teaching and it will give you another master’s degree.</p>
<p>Many states have one or two state colleges that are their teaching flagship college. They are not always the large, well-known schools, so look for ones that have that reputation. I have found that the Dean’s office for graduate studies at these smaller schools is usually very helpful at steering the student toward the program that is the most suitable.</p>
<p>I too have a master’s degree (chemistry) and want to teach in high school; I did not need any core classes, but I did need all the education classes required by my state. My only words of advice are:
this really is state-dependent (what works in Wisconsin may not work in California!)
when you’re looking for a post-baccalaureate program, shop around - different universities in your area may have slightly different requirements. I was able to sidestep one or two classes because one school let me substitute some life experience for coursework.</p>
<p>I am almost done with my classwork for my post baccalaureate teaching license - one more class and then student teaching!</p>
<p>Not only are state requirements quite variable, you will have the best shot at getting a job if you do your student teaching at the place (or in the district) where you most want to work. I got my certificate in Massachusetts and transferred it twice (California and Washington) and found work in various public and private schools over the years. In all places, locally-certified teachers surrounded me (and were more trusted than I was, initially).</p>
<p>Your’re best to find a program that includes student teaching. That kind of experience is invaluable. Firstly, it makes you more attractive to employers, as you have been “tested”. Secondly, you will see for yourself whether or not you want to do this for real.
You need to visualize yourself doing this day after day, year after year. Teaching is tough job–you need to try it out over an extended period of time.</p>
<p>^^^
Yes. In my state you can get an initial license by simply taking the teacher’s tests. i think they implemented that as a way to bring “talent” into the profession from the corporate world and the science labs. IMO, it is unwise to hire someone who has never spent significant time in charge of a classroom. If I were in a hiring position, I wouldn’t. My D wants to get her MAT in fine arts so that she is qualified to teach. i think she has all of the ingredients that a great teacher needs but i am still encouraging her to look only at programs that require student teaching.</p>
<p>Check out the Cal State Schools. I received my credential after a nine month program that met nights and weekends (not including Student Teaching which was M - F for 20 weeks). The California Teacher Credentialing website mentioned earlier will give you good information. I had my BA but was short one prerequisite class which was a classroom observation class I took before formally entering the credential program. I also had to pass a couple of subject matter tests before entering the program.</p>