|
|
|
Home::All
Easy Credentialing due to Teacher Shortage
Author : Brian Stocker
Do you work well with children? Enjoy helping others? Teaching
is one of the most important jobs for society and also one of
the most fulfilling. Demand is high right now and the supply is
low. According to the National Commission on Teaching and
America's Future, over two million new teachers will be needed
in the U.S. over the next decade. Job opening in elementary and
secondary schools are estimated to be between 150,000 and
250,000.
The demand for English as a Second language teachers is even
greater.
How to become a teacher
Traditionally, teachers have an undergraduate degree in
education and then take a series of standardized tests to obtain
a teaching certificate.
Since the current demand for teachers is so high now, some
States will fast-track certain individuals, called emergency
licensure. If you have a degree in high demand areas such as
math, sciences, or special education, you may qualify for
teacher certification. Although exact requirements vary from
State to State, usually a bachelor's degree plus some intensive
teacher training courses and a passing mark on the State teacher
certification exam are all that is required.
In some jurist dictions with shortages of teachers, if you
already have some college, you may be able work as a substitute
or teacher's aide and go work on your credentialing while
working.
If you meet certain requirements, one-year master's degree and
credential programs are available. Taking this route, you can
earn your credential and be eligible for a higher salary. Be
very careful that the certification program is accredited and
make sure the credentials you are earning are valid in the State
where you wish to teach.
Another option, if you are a recent undergraduate, or a
mid-career professional, and live in a major city such as
Washington DC or New York, you may be eligible for special
programs of intensive teacher training. Teach for America
(www.teachforamerica.org) and the Teaching Fellows projects
(www.dcteachingfellows.org) both offer programs like this.
If you have thought of becoming a teacher, the time has never
been better. Below are some websites with information that could
make your dream of becoming a teacher a reality -- and faster
than you think!
__________________________________________________________
Resources Online
Websites with information on education requirements and
certification
National Council of Accreditation
for Teacher Education
Teacher Education Accreditation
Council.
Website with information on emergency licensure
National Center for Education
Information website
National Association for
Alternative Certification
National Center for Alternative
Certification website .
Related articles
|
|
|
