Teaching in Chicago (Elgin, Wheeling: day care, neighborhoods, to buy)
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Again I should state I've completed requirements to apply to med school, in addition to a couple upper level bio classes. I'm not sure what is required for an undergrad bio degree, but I'm probably only a course or two short from it. I guess I would still have to go back to school just to take a course to qualify for the degree.
Again I should state I've completed requirements to apply to med school, in addition to a couple upper level bio classes. I'm not sure what is required for an undergrad bio degree, but I'm probably only a course or two short from it. I guess I would still have to go back to school just to take a course to qualify for the degree.
Again I should state?
You have yet to state anything of the sort, how can you do it again?
You have zero knowledge of NCLB, have the name 'PootieTang,' and have over and over again stated that you really do not want to put the work in to becoming a teacher.
I think its probably best that you take earlier advice and avoid becoming a teacher.
Ok, Ok...if I didn't make that clear before, well there it is. You sound very embittered...I'm just seeking information here.
I didn't recognize the acronym at first but I know about the legislation. The screen name is just that...a name, big deal (and it was actually the name of a comedy movie that came out several years ago, if that matters). I just made up something quick awhile back to access the forum with no intention to do much posting. Never stated I did not want to put the work in, I just don't think I'll have time to complete the 'education program' requirement. I could probably pass a few of the tests right now but can't afford to wait an extra 4-5 months to get certified. I do not live in Illinois now, so it may not be feasible at the moment.
I'd actually love to teach and would rather teach in the inner city schools. It will not be my long term career, but I can definately gain a lot from it. This is no pipe dream and I know what I would be getting myself into. I'd accept the challenge and try to make a difference in some kids lives. With the state of education in some inner city schools, I'm confident I could do a better job than many who complain about wanting to get out.
It will take longer than a year considering the OP most likely does not have a degree in the subject he wants to teach.
you don't need to have a degree in your subject area to become endorsed in that subject. to teach a subject at the high school level you need about 24 semester hours. middle school endorsements are about 12-15 semester hours.
Ok, Ok...if I didn't make that clear before, well there it is. You sound very embittered...I'm just seeking information here.
I didn't recognize the acronym at first but I know about the legislation. The screen name is just that...a name, big deal (and it was actually the name of a comedy movie that came out several years ago, if that matters). I just made up something quick awhile back to access the forum with no intention to do much posting. Never stated I did not want to put the work in, I just don't think I'll have time to complete the 'education program' requirement. I could probably pass a few of the tests right now but can't afford to wait an extra 4-5 months to get certified. I do not live in Illinois now, so it may not be feasible at the moment.
I'd actually love to teach and would rather teach in the inner city schools. It will not be my long term career, but I can definately gain a lot from it. This is no pipe dream and I know what I would be getting myself into. I'd accept the challenge and try to make a difference in some kids lives. With the state of education in some inner city schools, I'm confident I could do a better job than many who complain about wanting to get out.
you seem to have good intententions and have your heart in the right place. however, since you don't have any training in education, i'd be wary about being 'confident that i could do a better job' (what hubris!). anyways, i'm not sure if you're into statistics...
-About 50 percent of students in low-income communities will not graduate from high school by the time they're 18 years old.
-At Phillips High in Bronzeville the average ACT score is 13.8
SEVEN MILES AWAY--
-At Lincoln Park High the average ACT score is 21.8
it is a lot easier to show exasperation and say "i want to make a difference" on a forum than take real substantive action. i'll take you at your word that you actually want to make a difference, so do it - here's what i would do:
1) acknowledge you're not really qualified to teach right now
2) if you are planning to go to med school, you presumably have good grades and leadership and have a chance at getting accepted to one of the 'corps' style programs. i'd apply to tfa or the chicago teaching fellows and let the process play out until next year
3) in the year you're waiting, get a job/do americorps/live with the parents and VOLUNTEER. schools need a lot of help from people with science backgrounds for tutoring and other leadership positions. if you really want to make a 'difference' here's your chance to start today. look into big brothers/big sisters etc...
4) if/when you get accepted to tfa/chicago teaching fellows you will have a two year comittment - work you ass off and make a difference in those two years. they'll take care of certification and everything for you. and then go to med school. you can do all this in three years
again, it's a lot easier to say you want to make a differnce on a forum than take real steps toward action and change. if you just want a line on your amcas, you should probably avoid teaching - it will make you miserable
don't forget: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
you don't need to have a degree in your subject area to become endorsed in that subject. to teach a subject at the high school level you need about 24 semester hours. middle school endorsements are about 12-15 semester hours.
Very true, however it is more than just a '24 hour' requirement. You need to have specific courses taken depending on where you are going to get your certification. Example, as a social studies certification only student North Park required me to take Western Civilization as my last requirement whereas National Louis would have required me to take a geography course. So for me, even having a degree in my subject did not mean I was good to go. I still had more classes to take, which I am willing to be the OP will have to do.
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again, it's a lot easier to say you want to make a differnce on a forum than take real steps toward action and change. if you just want a line on your amcas, you should probably avoid teaching - it will make you miserable
Bingo.
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don't forget: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
Very true,
Except the OP only wants to do this to fill a couple years (his words).
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I could probably pass a few of the tests right now but can't afford to wait an extra 4-5 months to get certified.
Yes, you could probably pass the tests as they are not that difficult. However, I find it kind of funny that you assume you can do it when you have no idea what tests you actually have to take.
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I'd accept the challenge and try to make a difference in some kids lives.
Your willing to take the challenge for a couple years, thats not enough time for you to:
A. Make the difference you think you want to make.
B. Become a very solid well rounded teacher (particularly in a inner city school.)
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You sound very embittered...I'm just seeking information here.
Well, no. I am not embittered. And no, you are not 'just seeking information'. You have made quite a few assumptions about teaching (particularly in inner city schools) and many on here have tried to let you know that it takes alot more than you are looking to put into it (that is how I perceive it.)
Last edited by skipcromer; 08-20-2009 at 05:56 AM..
I am seeking information, and I've made that very clear. I was not aware of some of the requirements even after reading the Illinois statutes on becoming a teacher, which I found a bit confusing, as others have agreed. Illinois has different requirements than other states I've looked into. The tests I was referring to are the subject exams, which I could probably pass. I'm not sure about the education exams, which is part of the information I gained from this thread.
Perhaps I won't become as 'well-rounded' a teacher as I can be in a yr or two, but I could definately make an impact. If you recall, the TFA appts are typically for only 2 years....guess all those students are not making an impact either? I'm not using it to get into school...the only reason I mentioned med school was to stress that I have a science background outside of my degree. But like I said, I don't think I will have the time to complete the requirements. Like I have also mentioned, I would be moving from out of state and will need to be earning in order to support myself in the meantime. Jobs are scarce everywhere and it's hard enough to find any full-tme job.....but I would much rather be teaching than working any desk or random corporate job right now.
Ha, I didn't mean for the 'I could do a better job' comment to come across as bad as it did...I was moreso directing that statement to ones who complain about being there among other issues I won't get into right now.
So in conclusion, I not sure if I will pursue this opportunity given my circumstances, but I appreciate the information some have given me in this thread.
Interesting...thanks for the info. I actually do not have a bio degree; I graduated with a non-science degree. I plan to go to med school sometime in the future (next yr or the year after) so I have taken all the basic requirements in addition to a couple of upper level courses. I'm hoping that would be enough to qualify me for one of these positions.
How much do subs make? I would be coming in from out of state, so I'm going to need to make enough to live somewhat comfortably for the meantime.
A long term sub would make less than a tenured teacher, but more than a day by day sub. I don't know what the salry wwould be, but CPS and NS teachers can make very good salaries.
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