Path to become a science teacher

[bignickel]

I've done IT for over 6 years, went off to teach the English language in Japan for almost a year, and have just come back.

I want to teach HS Science in Missouri.

I can get a Temporary Authorization to teach English, but not science (my university degree was in English literature). I'm not exactly sure what path I need to take to get into a science classroom.

I've been looking for info through MO gov web sites; any additional info you think would be helpful would be super. Reply, or PM me, if you'd like.

[Tsukasa Buddha]

Hey, me too :D !

But I graduate high school later today, so I am getting a science dagree along with a teaching one. I am also looking into a different than usual route. Trying to get information is difficult, but I am pretty sure that you need a science degree in upper level classes. Actually, at my school there is only one Physics teacher because you need a Physics degree to teach that class.

Maybe I'll know more in a week or so, as that will be when I do orientation :) .

[cbish]

You can "test out". See if Missouri has something along the lines of this; http://www.cset.nesinc.com/

Some of my co-workers went this route particularly if you have a specialized field or a degree such as Forestry, Environmental Science etc. In California, if you are credentialed this way, you have to take all the tests (Chem, Bio, Physics, Earth/Space) which IMO is ridiculous (they just want the money). The tests are not hard, per se, but there is a great deal of breadth. And, it may have been years since you had any of this material, if ever.

Good Luck!

[Overman]

Note to reread this thread in 5 years....

[cbish]

Note to reread this thread in 5 years....

????.......care to elaborate?

BTW, nice website. My son is a drummer.....but he's only 10 years old! And, it would be a long commute to Chicago. And, he has to be in bed by 10:00 pm.

[bignickel]

You can "test out". See if Missouri has something along the lines of this; http://www.cset.nesinc.com/
I was told this by some people I knew 2 years ago; it seems that this is not the case, however.


"I have a bachelor's degree, but I have not completed a teacher preparation program" leads to:
Since you have not completed a teacher preparation program we cannot evaluate your transcripts. It will be necessary for you to contact a Missouri institution which offers an approved teacher preparation program. A certification officer at the college or university can further advise you about the certification requirements which must be met in order for them to recommend you for a Missouri certificate.
http://www.dese.mo.gov/divteachqual/teachcert/noprogram.html

There seems to be something called a "Temporary Authorization" which you, AND the school district that hires you, fill out. It seems however that the program that you are undertaking while teaching is only for certification in the subject you're teaching (which would be English, if the district is going to hire me)

[cbish]

You said you taught for six years prior to Japan. What was your credentialing status then? Where did you teach? The only thing I can think of is to move here, get credentialed and try to get Missouri credentialing with an out of state credential. Of course, this means you would have to become a Sharks, Giants, A's, 49er fan!

You can skip the Raiders!

[bignickel]

Sorry: IT stands for Information Technology.

I keep forgetting that not everyone says I T in casual conversation.

[Scottch]

You should probably contact the closest college - or the college you want to go to - and they can usually design a program for you depending on how old your degree is. After 6 years, your credits may not transfer and you may have to re-register as a freshman. If they have an alternative certification program - that may help - but you need a degree in the field you are teaching as per No Child Left Behind legislation.

Remember that the content knowledge is wonderful - make sure you get it - but the pedagogy is just as, if not more, important. Learn how to teach and you can really reach kids with the content. If you only know content...well...you'll make a great Trivial Pursuit partner.

I know many individuals believe that having knowledge of the subject is the only prerequisite to teach - but the research shows that teachers who concentrate on teaching students...not the subject...reach the students.

Scott

[Hindmost]

Definitely good to check with a local university...that is what I did when I became a teacher. In CT, one needs to have 30 credits in the subject they plan to teach and 9 credits of a related subject--for me that was math. I was able to get a master's in education and certified to teach physics.

There is an alternate route that the CT govt runs as well, but the requirements are such that it would be difficult to use and english degree to teach science.

glenn

[thomps1d]

I've done IT for over 6 years, went off to teach the English language in Japan for almost a year, and have just come back.

I want to teach HS Science in Missouri.(snip)

Not to rain on your parade, but I seriously doubt that it will happen, and it's a very good thing, too.

It's not that I doubt your capacity to teach the subject - I don't know you well enough to make any kind of a judgement about that. However, what you've said in the thread is that you have a degree in an unrelated field, and no experience in teaching science. That makes you highly unqualified for the position, no matter how genuine your desire to teach science may be.

If people were allowed to occupy a high-school level science teaching position without qualifications, think of the ramifications: young-earth creationists, 9/11 conspiracy theorists, and moon hoaxers could all flood to the positions, teaching all manner of wacky ideas to the students.

Evaluating the complete scientific literacy of each potential candidate would require extensive testing and screening, and still not guarantee that the candidate is well-suited for the position - not to mention that most teaching positions (in my part of Canada, at least) require participation in an internship program where you teach for several semesters under the guidance of an experienced teacher in the field, to ensure that you're able to handle the pressures of teaching at that level.

In other words, the best way for most places to assure that their teachers are qualified is to have them complete teaching degrees in the appropriate subjects. Unfortunately, this means that well-intentioned and possibly highly desirable potential teachers in your position get passed over, but it also means that the state is able to assure a minimum level of competency in its teachers by screening out the lunatics that want a fast-path to corrupting young minds.

[quixotecoyote]

Actually you can teach without being certified as long as you have a BA or BS. eta:Well, technically they give you one when you start the program.

Here's the link from my university:

http://www.missouristate.edu/certification/9027.htm

You may have some issues teaching science with a english degree, but I'd bet they could tailor a program for you.

[bignickel]

young-earth creationists, 9/11 conspiracy theorists, and moon hoaxers could all flood to the positions, teaching all manner of wacky ideas to the students.
That isn't happening now? :)

One of my high school teacher's main themes for his American History class was "How Liberals are Destroying America".

[cbish]

And, I have to add that we have a science teacher (with a Science degree) who is a YEC!

[quixotecoyote]

Getting to be a teacher, like most jobs beyond entry level, is more a function of networking and politicking than qualifications. My father couldn't get a job teaching so he became a janitor, and after several years of making friends with teachers and administrators, they found him a spot. My mother had the opposite experience, as despite being one of the most experienced and qualified elementary teachers in the school, she was forced out do to her inability to play politics (she always thought the best of everyone and took comments at face value, not the way to get ahead).

[thomps1d]

Actually you can teach without being certified as long as you have a BA or BS. eta:Well, technically they give you one when you start the program.

Yes, but aren't you normally restricted to teaching a subject which your degree was in? For instance, I had a teacher in high school with a BA in English literature and a minor in mathematics. After pursuing the proper certifications, she was given permission to teach English and math classes, but nothing else.

That's mostly what I'm getting at - I have no issue with someone with a BA in English getting a fast-track certification to teach high school English, but somebody with a BA in English teaching high school biology? That's a different matter entirely.


One of my high school teacher's main themes for his American History class was "How Liberals are Destroying America".


Which, I suppose, goes to prove that even theoretically qualified teachers can be nutbags. Of course, I had a math teacher in high school who enjoyed bursting into song, singing that "Fractions are your friends!", so I already knew that. :D

[quixotecoyote]

Yes, but aren't you normally restricted to teaching a subject which your degree was in? For instance, I had a teacher in high school with a BA in English literature and a minor in mathematics. After pursuing the proper certifications, she was given permission to teach English and math classes, but nothing else.

That's mostly what I'm getting at - I have no issue with someone with a BA in English getting a fast-track certification to teach high school English, but somebody with a BA in English teaching high school biology? That's a different matter entirely.


Depends on the program. There's a Teach For America program through Americorp which, I believe, lets you get around that.

[Hammer_of_Thor]

I live in Denver and the Denver Public Schools have a "Teacher in Residence" program. Not all school districts have this but Denver Public Schools is hurting for teachers so they do it. The TIR program allows you to work for them and they pay for your teaching cert. I dont know how it works with specific subjects though. You could look into something like that.

good luck