how long before teaching certification granted? (Allentown, Bethlehem: employment, school, colleges)

[operalph]

I live in the Lehigh Valley, and have experience in law (I was a member of the CT Bar), teaching and singing (I'm a professional opera singer). I have the most experience, though, in teaching: I taught many years overseas, mostly math in HS and MS.

Recently, I sent my teaching certification application in to the dept of education, and took (and passed) the Praxis I and II (in MS Math) tests. I was wondering if anyone knew how long I should expect to wait until my application is reviewed (it's been "on hand" for about 6 weeks, now).

Or, for that matter, if anyone has any other ideas for employment in the LV for someone with my qualifications?

Thanks in advance!

[toobusytoday]

My daughter is waiting for her certification as well. She was told that it can take up to three or four months. However, if a Principal at a school wants you, they can rush it through in a week or so. We both think they should hire more people in the certification office - it's ridiculus that something as important as that is held up because of a permanent backlog of paperwork. You certainly chose the right areas to get certified in, I would think that you could sub while waiting for permanent certification.

Have you tried the local intermediate unit? http://www.ciu20.org/resources/employment/ I know a couple of people that work for and understand that they need more people.

[graysmom8]

You might also try Carbon-Lehigh Intermediate Unit #21 and see if they have any openings. Are any of the local colleges looking for someone to help them? I think Moravian (in Bethlehem) has a good music dept if I remember correctly. Maybe the Allentown Symphony Orchestra could have your name on hand in case someone wants lessons?

[psugirl2000]

certification takes forever-especially if you submitted at the same time that many college grads did....