Should I get a reading specialist certification or a library media specialist certification here in NJ (credit, 401k)

[marinomelissa2]

I will finish a masters in education program in September. I am cosidering going for a certification as a reading specialist or a library media specialist. Which career is more in demand in New Jersey?One concern I had was that either administrators hiring for a reading specialist or library media specialist, would expect me to have an extensive career in teaching. Or that they would choose to hire someone who has an extensive teaching history, rather then me because I don't have an extensive teaching history. Any information from those people in either field will be helpful. I don't want to get a certificate in a field that is not hiring or only hires previous teachers.

[iarch]

Neither is in demand as there are a glut of each, as well as the fact, the many schools budgets can't afford to hire them.
If you are going to Rutgers, the that's 21 credits and that doesn't even get you an MLIS degree.
I am assume you have NJ teacher certification, as this is necessary to become a library media specialist.

[maf763]

How much teaching experience do you have? And how much further coursework would you have to do?

[izannimda]

I have a MLIS, and do not work in the field. The only reason I went and got one was to be prepared for that day when corporate america tells me to take a hike, because I'm too old, overpaid, and not as willing to work as hard as a new college graduate for 1/2 the salary. Hopefully, I can work in a public library when I'm old and gray since I'll likey have no 401K left after this financial industry meltdown.

[marinomelissa2]

I have never been a full time teacher in a public school. I have substitute taught, taught for the American Red Cross as a health and safety instructor and as a GED instructor in Americorps. I am earning a masters in education.

[maf763]

It can be tricky trying to get a job as a reading specialist without classroom experience. If the subbing was long-term (like six months in the same classroom), that might help, but the value of the masters diminishes without experience - a district can hire somebody with a bachelors and no experience more economically than they could hire somebody with a masters and no experience. You might want to look into adult ed since you have some experience with GED.

Maybe it's different for library media specialists, but it's tough to get hired as a reading specialist without teaching experience.

[thedwightguy]

I never heard of a "reading specialist" but I can tell you that you're badly needed on Utube, instructions on anything from China, (or Italy), and SOMEONE needs to spell check just about every post I read on every internet site. !! Millions of jobs should flow from this demand!