How to become a coach in middle or high schools? (middle school, college)

[wiscormin]

I read on the Minnesota High School League website that Head Coaches need to go through a class and get licensed, but couldn't find information on non-head coaches.

Does anyone know if there are state regulations on required education or licensing for middle school or assistant high school coaches? If so, how do you get licensed? I couldn't find anything on the MDE website either. I'm thinking of pursuing coaching opportunities in girls basketball and/or cross country skiing.

Any other advice on how to get into coaching as a first-timer in the metro area would also be welcomed! I am a licensed teacher (social studies 6-12) searching for my first full time position in an obviously saturated market , and am wondering if adding coaching experience would be a help in my teaching job search. (yes, I know it might take a miracle for me to get a job!) Plus, I love sports and think they teach kids a lot!

I played 4 yrs of varsity girls basketball in high school and was the team captain, and participated in cross-country and track, but do not have any prior coaching experience. I'm thinking schools looking for middle school or some asst. positions in the high school won't mind about this. (??)

Thanks for your advice!

[golfgal]

Typically teachers get a minor in coaching while in college. You could probably pick up the courses you need over the next couple summers. Your coaching certificate is an endorsement on your teaching certificate. You have to be a certified coach to coach at the varsity level--although some exceptions can be made in extreme circumstances and sometimes in more rural areas where certified coaches are harder to find.

Getting a middle school coaching job would be easier--don't HAVE to be certified but it is desirable--but again, you will probably have to get a job in a district before you do that. Some rural/smaller areas might be a good option as they have a hard time finding assistants and will probably hire you as a coach if you sub in the district which can then possibly lead to a job.

The best way to get both a teaching job and coaching positions is to sub in several districts. If you have the stomach for it getting certified to teach driver's education and behind the wheel might give you an in. I know that there are 2 driver's ed instructors in our district that WANT to retire but the school keeps enticing them back because they can't find someone to teach driver's ed.

[ozzie679]

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