[VM1138]

Hello,

I very, very recently had a change of heart and am now thinking I might want to become a teacher in Michigan. I am nearly completed with my (non-teaching) History Bachelor's, so the 4 year undergrad in education route is out. I was intending to get my Master's in History, but am seriously thinking a teaching certificate would be better right now, enabling me to find work while I (later) get my Master's.

Now, since I'm new to all this, I was wondering if someone could help me make sense of my options and what is required by the state of Michigan.

I can take a post-bachelor's certificate program at a university to get an Initial Certificate that is good for 6 years, correct?

My local universities (CMU, SVSU) both offer programs. SVSU offers a 1 year accelerated program, CMU offers a 2+ year program.

I also read that there are online programs that give you certification. However, how would these work with Michigan's strict certification guidelines? Are there any online programs that actually meet Michigan's requirements and wouldn't be a waste of my time?

One of my concerns is, I've already spent 5 years for my undergrad, and I'm in quite a bit of debt thanks to student loans. I really don't want to spend another 2+ years at 300-400 bucks a credit hour to get a certificate in teaching if I can do it cheaper and faster elsewhere.

So naturally SVSU's program looks attractive to me. But a cheaper, faster, online certification program would be best for me, I think. Can anyone help me make sense of my options here?

I'm getting a little too old to keep working at my part-time job not making any real money and continuing to rack up debt, which is why the faster, cheaper option is so attractive to me.

Thanks for the help!

[zthatzmanz28]

Good luck in your venture...

[VM1138]

What do you mean by that? Is teaching in Michigan a dead-end?

[bluebelt1234]

Originally Posted by VM1138

What do you mean by that? Is teaching in Michigan a dead-end?

Well....teaching is getting to the point that it is dead-end everywhere unless you are the type who knows someone who can help you get a job or don't mind subbing for 4-5 years until you find a real job. Of course, special education still has openings but that is about it. Alaska still has openings.

[malamute]

Originally Posted by VM1138

What do you mean by that? Is teaching in Michigan a dead-end?

Not if you can get in. Teaching in Michigan pays a whole lot more than it does in other places.

[Bydand]

Originally Posted by VM1138

What do you mean by that? Is teaching in Michigan a dead-end?

Originally Posted by malamute

Not if you can get in. Teaching in Michigan pays a whole lot more than it does in other places.

And there lies the key. It is a tough field to land a job in because of the pay and benefits. Teachers hang onto their positions in a District and just don't leave. My cousin waited 7 years after graduation for a full time position to be offered to her (she had looked all over the area during that time.) Our crossing guards and playground attendants have teaching degrees and are biding their time for an opening. We had 3 teachers who retired after the last school year, combined they had been with OUR district for 100 years.

[VM1138]

Wow, that's unfortunate. I'm really regretting getting my degree in history a bit at this point.

[atlspartan]

Finding a position in Michigan is very difficult. I had to leave Michigan in the mid-nineties to find a job in CA. I now work in GA. Right now it is tough anywhere to find a teaching job. I can't imagine finding a job in Michigan. If you were to get certified, I wouldn't choose History unless you intend to be a basketball or football coach or have another skill (coaching) that you can offer a school. Special education would be your best bet, but even those jobs are becoming scarce. Now if your uncle is a superintendent or you have other connections in the local school districts then go for it! You will have a job. I have friends that I graduated with in 1995 that have never used their teaching degrees. They either pursued other career choices or started families. I would love to be able to move back to Michigan and enjoy the great benefits and salaries that they earn. I know that will never happen as I now have a Master's and Specialist degree. Way too expensive for any district! I hope I haven't sounded too negative but I would seriously consider other career paths if you want to stay in Michigan.

[zthatzmanz28]

Originally Posted by VM1138

What do you mean by that? Is teaching in Michigan a dead-end?

I have SpEd endorsement and had to take a teaching position out of state..and I have 12 years certified experience..

[VM1138]

Man, things are pretty bad here in Michigan. I really hate my current job, and with graduating coming up in a few months, I really need an option. Unfortunately, I've focused so much on doing well in my undergrad years that I neglected developing any skills outside of knowledge-based things like research and writing.

I've tried job searches for absolutely any keyword type of job I could get with a history degree, and other than professorships (which require Masters for a start) there's nothing in Michigan. I guess this is what all college graduates feel. Sounds like I'll put off pursuing a teaching degree. I signed up for substitute teaching in my district, at least that'll give me a taste to see if it's something worth pursuing.

What I do about getting a good full-time job where I can use a little bit of my mind after December is the next big thing that's eluding me.