Anyone ever gotten teaching certified late in life?

[vi5]

I'm a 37 year old man. I have a bachelor's degree and a master's degree, both in English. More and more lately I've been thinking about going back down the line to get certified to teach (I live in NJ). But I'm unsure whether the process of doing so this late in the game involves me taking a lot more actual classes or if it's more hands on stuff (student teaching, etc.). Also wondering if it's possible to get this certification part time while still working or if it ould have to be however long devoted full time to doing so with no income.

I realize every state is probably different but I'm sure the basics of the process are similar so any anecdotes or advice would be appreciated.

[Shine]

1. Sorry, I have no experience to draw from in this situation...

but I wanted to pop in and give you encouragement to follow your dream, if teaching is what you really want to do....and btw buddy, 37 yrs old is HARDLY "late in life" or "late in the game"! :D You'll bring more to the table, in terms of life experience, than the 20-somethings that might be in the same program. ....and that's a good thing.

I personally think it's inspiring to see people following their bliss....regardless of whatever age they are.

:thumbsup: Good luck! :hi:

[femmocrat]

2. Inside please....

It depends on your state's requirements. Go to the NJ Dept. of Education website and check out the requirements for teacher certification. Some states have alternative paths for certification for people with a college degree and career experience. There was a poster here a couple of months ago who was taking this route in CT (I think).

My son also had a degree in English and went back for his certification. It took him a couple of years, working and going part-time, but he just finished his student teaching last fall.

Thirty-seven is hardly "late in life" and is a great age to make a change. The years are going to go by anyhow, so you might as well do something with them! Good luck!

[ChoralScholar]

3. The state of Arkansas

has an alternative licensure whereby you can start teaching now and work on your licensure. It is a rather grueling program - so much so that some applicants prefer to go back and get traditional licensure through a University.


But, it CAN be done.

[hellbound-liberal]

4. I got certified as a Special Education teacher at the age of 45.

I received my Master's in Spec. Ed at 48. You probably won't have to take a lot of classes. Femmocrat had some good advice. Most states do have alternative pathways to teaching and it is certainly worth looking into. I also don't think 37 is too late to make a career change. Just think about all of your life experiences that you can share with your students. They would be lucky to get you rather than someone fresh out of school. Go for it!

[LostInAnomie]

5. I just finished my MAT program in August.

I can tell you how the process goes in Indiana. The first thing you will have to do is make sure that you have taken the right classes to fill out your content areas (which I am guessing is English). I would check with an adviser though because you might be one or two credits away from gain another content area, which makes you a much more marketable candidate.

After you take the undergrad classes to fill out your content areas, you will have to take a few tests to meet you state's certification standards. In Indiana, I had to take the Praxis 1&2 and a couple of other tests that I can't really remember. I'm sure NJ will have more tests than IN does.

Once you have the tests out of the way you will start the MAT program. This program almost always involves student teaching. My student teaching took 18 weeks, but different programs vary. You will also have to do course work during your student teaching, and more than likely develop an action research report that you will have to present to a board.

After that all there is to do is apply for your license.

Hope this is helpful.

*on edit - There is such a thing as emergency license, where you are allowed to teach before getting your actual teaching license. For English though, it is kinda rare.

[riderinthestorm]

6. I'm not sure where you are but in Illinois, you can start teaching now if you want.

There is a program where you are assigned to teach a classroom in the inner city schools for a year. During that year, you take classes to get your teaching certificate AND you teach the class. It's for folks like you with post-grad work who need/want to get into the field immediately.

I hear it is VERY tough for that year but if you can get through it, you are certified and can move on to some of the more champagne districts if you like.

If you aren't from Illinois, check into your own state's programs for teachers. Most states are doing everything they can to get more qualified teachers into their schools....

[noamnety]

7. University of Phoenix has an online program

You can take the classes one at a time, part time, around your own regular work schedule. Some have observational hours required, but the coursework is all on the computer in discussion forums kind of like DU. The certification gets transferred then to the state you're residing in.

[lutefisk]

8. Here's a link for a NJ alternative certification program:

http://web.njcu.edu/sites/nptnj/Content/default.asp

http://www.nj.gov/njded/aps/heqi/alt.htm

There are plenty of options out there, especially if you are willing to move...

[Kerrytravelers]

9. I have a Professional Clear Multiple Subject CLAD in California.

Here are some FAQ in NJ.
http://www.state.nj.us/njded/educators/license/faq.htm

Here is a list of colleges you can look into. It is organized by discipline.
http://www.nj.gov/cgi-bin/education/aps/pelp2.pl

Here is some credentialing information.
http://www.state.nj.us/njded/educators/credentials.htm

When I earned my credential, I was a sub during the day and took the classes at night. I went to Chapman University. They have a program that is meant to allow the average working person to transition into teaching by having the classes at night. Chapman is a one year program. Chapman has satellite campuses all over the US, so you could look into them. I'd also suggest looking at your local state colleges for similar programs. In CA, several years ago, you could be hired full-time if you were in a program earning your credential. Then, when it came time to student teach, you would do so in your own classroom. I don't know if NCLB (No Child Left Behind... you'll learn to hate these four letters... NCLB) allows this any longer. It also may vary from state to state.

I am in California. Our DOE is a mess. I have had to resend my application for my 5 year renewal three times now because they keep making errors (losing pieces, not posting after six months... things beyond my control.) My advice, be very mindful of deadlines and what documentation is needed. Get everything in writing and the names of everyone you speak to. There is so much mindless paperwork, it will make you crazy.

I also have a MA and am dreaming of getting out of the K-12 game and moving to adults. Community College is something I would love to teach.

For the purposes of full disclosure, I am leaning very strongly toward making a career change and leaving K-12 teaching. Best of luck to you. Feel free to respond here or PM me with any questions. I'll help you as much as possible.