alternative teaching license/agreeing to teach in a high need district (Santa Fe: schools, community college)

[lemon&lime]

Has anyone on the board done this?

Teach NM: About Transition to Teaching (T2T)

[Nedely]

If I make a mistake, sorry!

Everything that you read on that web page is correct.....

You have to already have a Bachelors degree in something. There is no exception to this rule. Basically, you have to find a college that takes part in this program. You are given three years to complete the program and earn your Masters in teaching the subject you want to teach. During that time you are allowed to teach on a waiver and you must attend college.

I know quite a few teachers that are doing this right now. There were times when they would have to take classes at a school right after work, and there were times when they would take classes online. You also have to take all the exams required by he state to become a teacher. I'm not clear on whether the tests need to be passed before you can start this program or not. Once you have done everything you need to do, it's a matter of looking for vacant teaching positions and applying. Make sure you (or the person interested) goes into a field that is in high demand, such as Special Education, secondary math or science, and possibly elementary bilingual education. This is what is meant by "high need district". I recommend calling the district you will be working in. They will give you phone numbers and websites that will give you a list of colleges you can attend.

Good luck.

[GregW]

I have a BS (how appropriate) degree in environmental science that included basic math, physics and chemistry. Part time teaching would make retirement a lot more comfortable. I'll look into this.

[hogfarmer]

Greg,

Interesting! My BS is in Chem Engr (yes, lots of BS) and I always thought it would be neat to teach math or science before I hang it up. If I read this info correct, looks like a decent opportunity to do something good while living in the mountains. Would like to hear if anyone is/has gone through the program and their thoughts on if this makes sense or not....

[lisdol]

*slight hijack*

In case anyone is interested in alternative licensure but does not want to teach in any of the high need districts Teach NM: Transition to Teaching Candidate Supportthat are part of the program (for instance, I would want to teach in the Moriarty Edgewood District, which is not considered a high need district)...and is willing to take 18-21 hours in a post-Bacc program....

Santa Fe Community College (as well as a few others) has some completely online (save for the student teaching) alternative teacher licensure programs. You graduate eligible for a Level 1 provisional license, and can teach anywhere in the state that will hire you, not just high need districts.

Obviously the T2T program is a faster way to start teaching, but wanted to throw out another option.