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Hi I am thinking of changing careers. Can't take the corporate world anymore. I have a B.A. in English and minor in education. I was wondering if anyone knew the best way for me to become a teacher in NJ. I would prefer to teach in the union county area pre-k through 3rd grade. I know my next step is to pass the Praxis II exam in early childhood education. Thanks for any and all help/suggestions!!
Look for the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) graduate program. I googled "Master of Arts in Teaching in NJ" and found that there are several universities that offer the program, as well as on-line options. It's also known as the alternate route for education certification. If you've never student taught, that's the biggest part of the program.
Honstly, I can't think od a worse time to do this. Teachers are being laid off all over the place. I would try to find a NJ teacher's forum and see what people are saying. I don't know for sure there is one, but there seems to be a forum for just about everything so I am guessing there is.
I do not mean to sound like the harbinger of doom but this maybe the worst time to be switching careers to elementary ed with an English degree. Even Phd's in physics are having a hard time getting jobs.
At least think about looking at middle and high school English over elem ed.
This year is not the best to start looking into a teaching career. My district, and I know many others as well, just did the first round of layoffs for our non-tenured teachers.
I agree with others about bad timing. Have you considered special education? Not everyone can do - it takes a special person to teach kids with special needs. But if you think you can do it, I would definitely explore this option. Unfortunately, as more kids are diagnosed with developmental disabilities, such as autism, more sp ed teachers will be needed. Since special ed class sizes are mandated by IDEA law, they can't lay off special ed teachers. Also, there are many private schools in NJ for kids with special needs. Just a thought.
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