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I think most of my problem earlier was not having a lot of positive experience with the students. Substitute teaching was apparently just a difficult job. I'm enjoying my internship working with the ESL students, and I've enjoyed other teaching internships. I've even enjoyed subbing for a foreign language class. It's a whole lot easier when you have a game plan.
This brings me to another set of questions. I want to gain teacher certification in other fields so that I can become more marketable. I actually kind of hate being an English teacher. I love writing, and the students hate it; I can't seem to get them to see things my way. I want to teach something else, something that the students and administrators consider meaningful.
1. Biology and general science. I love science, but I don't have the coursework required to get a degree in it. I know that under normal circumstances they don't allow teachers to test into certification, but they do complain about not having enough science teachers, and there is an alternative certification route. Perhaps I should look into it? Unfortunately, most of the teaching field science classes are held during the day, so it would be inconvenient for me to take them because of my job. Plus, since I already have one degree, I doubt financial aid would cover it.
2. Middle School Math. Again, it's the same situation with science. I'm not the best math student, but I'm pretty sure I could make a decent score on the Middle School Math Praxis and come up with some fun lesson plans. It might actually work to my advantage. Since math is not intuitive for me, I look for fun ways to learn it like the students may need.
3. Spanish. I'm not sure what the rules are for becoming a foreign language teacher in this state, but I know that native speakers of the language do not have to take the foreign language classes, so perhaps they would accept someone who has an okay command of the language. I know for a fact that I love teaching foreign language classes, and the kids generally love learning about the language and culture.
You will have to look at your state's certification requirements or whatever specific state that you are considering employment. In Pennsylvania, you can become certified by passing the Praxis test in all areas except for Cooperative Education, Health and Physical Education, Reading Specialist and all Special Education areas. These areas require completion of an approved college program.
I would not recommend teaching a subject you neither personally enjoy nor possess a solid mastery quite a bit above the level at which you plan to teach.
Recognize that most schools want teachers who can teach multiple areas in their subject. Spanish teachers are often certified in French and vice-versa. Schools can then hire one person to teach 4 periods of Spanish and one period of French. Bio teachers are a dime a dozen and most will also be able to teach chem or another area. Schools want someone who will be flexible so that they can switch you around, if necessary. Combine your current certification with something that will enhance it for marketablity, eg English with reading/literarcy or English/ESL and of course a special ed cert. goes with everything. You might also want to look into gifted education. Much depends on your state requirements and how they issue the certification. Also, while the Praxis is used for NJ state certification, other states have a different set of testing requirements and do not recognize Praxis scores.
Most states recognize Praxis scores, but they may want different tests, or expect higher test scores. You can look here to see what tests different states require: https://www.ets.org/praxis/pa/requirements
As a parent, and someone involved in our school system, I would really prefer a teacher that has more than just a passing competency of a subject.
I live in a bistate area, and needed to be certified in both states...I remember being kind of horrified at how low the score cutoff was in each of the states for Praxis II when I added my special education endorsement to my existing certification. The state touting as having the "better" schools was actually the one with lower certification standards.
I live in a bistate area, and needed to be certified in both states...I remember being kind of horrified at how low the score cutoff was in each of the states for Praxis II when I added my special education endorsement to my existing certification. The state touting as having the "better" schools was actually the one with lower certification standards.
Thank you for all of the information. It's just a scheduling issue for me, not that I don't want to become an expert in the subjects I want to teach. In fact, if I could find a place that offered online or night courses in math or science, I might try to go that route. Foreign language, though, requires a fair amount of fluency just to pass the certification test, I would imagine, so it's probably okay to just take a test. I was just looking for something that, again, might get me a quick foot in the door. I'm thinking, though, that I should stop trying to open this locked door.
We had two German teachers in our school district that were dual certified in Social Studies. When the board decided to drop German they were switched to social studies, a subject that neither teacher especially wanted to teach, but did to keep their jobs. I get the multiple certification justification, and in a small district like mine, it makes a lot of sense, but as a parent, I would much prefer a teacher with a passion for their subject.
1. Biology and general science. I love science, but I don't have the coursework required to get a degree in it. I know that under normal circumstances they don't allow teachers to test into certification, but they do complain about not having enough science teachers, and there is an alternative certification route. Perhaps I should look into it? Unfortunately, most of the teaching field science classes are held during the day, so it would be inconvenient for me to take them because of my job. Plus, since I already have one degree, I doubt financial aid would cover it.
I love and am good at science. I have enough credits to put it on my license but will not. Teaching secondary science is one of the most time intensive positions you can teach even if you work in a school that keeps their class sizes down. If you care at all as to the quality of education for your students, you will be first in and last out with a disproportionate amount of work done at home after school, weekends, and holidays.
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2. Middle School Math. Again, it's the same situation with science. I'm not the best math student, but I'm pretty sure I could make a decent score on the Middle School Math Praxis and come up with some fun lesson plans. It might actually work to my advantage. Since math is not intuitive for me, I look for fun ways to learn it like the students may need.
This is my area of expertise. I can tell you that unless you work in a school with highly motivated students, expect a great deal of work here also. My minimum day is 10 hours. And that is to do the bare minimum - like if I'm sick or something. And with the ushering in of Common Core, it's become dreadful. I would strongly urge you to take a long-term subbing gig in an area where you would likely end up teaching math if you pursue this. I don't mean to discourage you, I just want you to know what you are getting into.
We had two German teachers in our school district that were dual certified in Social Studies. When the board decided to drop German they were switched to social studies, a subject that neither teacher especially wanted to teach, but did to keep their jobs. I get the multiple certification justification, and in a small district like mine, it makes a lot of sense, but as a parent, I would much prefer a teacher with a passion for their subject.
One doesn't necessarily cancel out the other. I'm an English teacher who added a special ed certification because I saw an unmet need and because I'm passionate about BOTH developing reading, writing, and critical thinking skills, and in supporting children who learn differently access material and learn to the best of their abilities. Don't assume that choosing to broaden one's skills set and scope means that a teacher isn't dedicated to teaching any one subject. People can gain mastery in more than one area.
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