Becoming a teacher

Welcome to A2K, loveyellow.

A lot depends on what state or even city you live in. Teacher certification rules vary from state to state and some of the larger metropolises like NYC have their own rules and guidelines. In general terms, if you major in Elementary Education for your last two years of undergrad work, you will have satisfied the basic requirements for a temporary teaching certficate (again, check the regulations in your state; you can get that information right at the college you're attending; most schools of education have one person designated as liaison between the college and the board of education). Then, before you're fully certified, you'll have to do what in my day was called "student teaching" but is now generally referred to as "practicum." In sum, need more information about your specific situation to give any more of an answer.

In CT older people with work experience can complete a intensive 8 week course and earn a teaching certificate.

Thanks for the info



Thanks for the reply. I live in Little Rock, Arkansas, so I don't know if you'd know how things are done here. Your information was very helpful, so thanks again.

Hope that this helps:

http://arkedu.state.ar.us/teachers/index.html

Hi! I have found that the career development offices at my University has been extremely helpful in pointing me in the right direction. Also, when you change you major, the counselors in the department should be able to schedule the correct classes, and streamline your schedule so you can gain the most knowledge for the age groups that you want to teach. They will also be able to help you schedule dates for state and county tests if applicable. I hope this helps. Both of my parents are educators and I think it's a great field to go in to!

Congrats in choosing elem. ed.

i too have picked that as my major. As others have told you, a lot does depend on the state in which you are attending college along with the state you are planning to teach in. I would advise you to talk to your advisor at your school.

I go to school in Montana...and therefore i'm sure the requirements are different...but many of your general ed. classes should still be applicable but check with the department of Eduaction on campus for complete course requirments.

I am in my first year of Elem. Ed. but my 3rd year here on campus. I am planning on an emphesis in psyc. since psyc was what i wanted to do first. That way i can also be a school psyc. or at the very least understand children a little bit better

So go into what you love.....and go with it. Good luck- and feel free to ask anymore questions.