More and more folks from a variety of professional backgrounds are making the switch to a career in education. Getting started, however, can be a daunting task.
Changing careers is never easy. And while switching from your current profession to teaching can be a rewarding move, there’s a lot of murky water to navigate on the way to your destination.
Some guidelines to get you started:
Get Your Feet Wet
Teaching, like hang-gliding, is not as easy as it looks.
Spend time volunteering in classrooms. Start out as a substitute teacher or teaching assistant. Talk to other teachers who’ve been doing it for a bit. Get online or go to the library, and read everything you can on classroom management and teaching methodology.
Online chatboards (like Teachers.net) can be valuable, too, giving you practical advice from real life educators. A word of caution: a handful of those educators might not be happy with their jobs for a whole host of reasons that have nothing to do with your future plans – keep this in mind.
Check Out the Certification Requirements in Your State
This can usually be accomplished by going online to your state department of education Web site – more often than not, there are links to certification information. Make sure to look for both regular certification as well as “alternative” certification, which is typically geared toward non-traditional (read: non-education majors) wishing to enter the profession.
If you still have questions (and you probably will) contact your local school district office.
Keep this in mind: requirements will vary greatly from state to state. Florida, for example, has a teacher shortage in many areas, and so only requires that candidates have at least a Bachelor’s degree and pass a subject area exam (such as elementary education) to get started; other requirements can be met while you teach.
By contrast, states like Illinois which have a glut of newly-graduated education majors, are more stringent, requiring a number of hours of specialized university study to even be considered for alternative certification, sometimes even if you have teaching experience in another state.
Whatever the requirements, make sure you get yourself a binder to keep track of all the paperwork. Also, know in advance that there will be application fees involved.
Back to School
The bad news: turns out you need to go back to school to complete an intensive teacher prep program. The good news: in this era of job-changers, you have options.
Traditional universities are wonderful environments where you can make connections with (and gain support from) other folks in the same boat. If you don’t happen to live near a university, check with the local community college to see if extension programs are offered on campus.
Online programs, through outfits like the University of Phoenix, Walden University, and Nova, might be an option, especially if you must continue working at another job until you get your ducks in a row.
Again, the state department of education, or your local district, can help you determine what program will satisfy your particular certification requirements.
Test Anxiety 101
It may have been a few years since you’ve faced a bubble sheet and number two pencil, but be ready to do so again. Most states will require you to pass some type of test; study guides are usually available either online or in print form, for a minimal fee. Test fees will apply as well.
Other teachers can be a great resource in figuring out what you need to study, and the more reading you do and hands-on experience you have in a school setting, the better off you’ll be.
As with any new venture, being prepared for what lie’s ahead is key. Once you’ve made this journey, the real adventure, teaching, begins.
