Thread: College Student who wants to get into teaching, question

Some areas of high demand are math, chemistry, physics, foreign language and special ed. I can't think of any area where Social Studies is in demand -- not to burst your bubble, but it would be disappointing to not be able to get a job. I had a double major -- math/english. I've always taught math. I was yearbook advisor once

What I did was get the degree -- a plain old BS. I worked in another field. Later, I went back to school and picked up the education courses. I got a teaching job before I finished my first class (but it was because I was in math). That way, I got to student teach in my own classroom. My principal was my supervising teacher. Every state is different.

don't want to discourage you- but Social Studies seems to be the smallest pond with the largest amount of fish.

I graduated last year with a license to teach HS social studies in my state- let's just say I'm still looking. It could be different for you, you might time it right with a bunch of retirements, etc.

I have a friend that had to wait 2 years to find a job. Hopefully that's the most I have to go.

I say go with what you want to do, I love teaching social studies.

But Bitsy pretty much hit it on the head- foreign languages, special ed, sciences, and math (especially math)

good luck

ditto on the social studies. i have a BS in Social Science and am about to complete my Master's in American History. i've been married ten years and have 2 kids. it is NOT easy. but it is workable. just don't plan on sleeping much and get super organized.

i lucked into my first job right out of college. i had to be patient when we switched states and sub for 2 years. some states have an alternate route for licensing, check into it. it would make things a little easier financially. when i did my internship i had been married 2 years and had a 1 year old. it was tough. mainly financially b/c i was working a full time job for no pay. but if you find a way to save for it and then cut expenses you can make it. it IS worth it if it is really what you want to do.

about the sped certification, you REALLY have to love it, but you would almost be guaranteed a job. my only advice is know what you are getting into. if you don't you will be miserable. i LOVE what i do, but i am not one to say everyone should teach. firm believer in pursuing a career that you enjoy.

ESL (english as a second language) certification is a big deal where i am.

I have thought about what you have all said, I definitely appreciate your advice on this. I am still thinking about what I want to do.

I definitely can not afford to sub teach, since they do not get benefits, and I would not have a guaranteed income, so that is unfortunately out of the question (I would LOVE to be able to do that so I can really get an idea if teaching is for me).

I have thought about doing Special Ed, and it is something that I am thinking seriously about, but also, I'm affraid to committ to that degree as it will kind of pigeon hole me in only that area. With the high burn out rate of Special Ed I'm affraid that if I find I can't handle it there will be nothing else I could do with my degree.

I do love to write, have really enjoyed by English courses, so my next thought is getting a degree in journalism. Then I can look into doing the teaching credentials after I have that degree. That way I have more options open to me. I wouldn't mind teaching LD students, do you have to have a Special Ed degree to teach LD (like the PALS program - it's called PALS in VA, not sure what it's call in other states)?

I know I seem like I am all over the place, I'm just trying to figure out what my options are, and what is the best route for me to take to hopefully be employable ASAP after I graduate (a million years from now).

Thank you again for your advice, it has helped me immensely.

Debra

Hi! I just wanted to tell you that it is not impossible to work while studying for certification. Of course, it may depend on where you live. I'm in Texas. In Texas, there is an online program called [url="http://www.iteachtexas.com"]www.iteachtexas.com[/url]. It allows you to take your certification by way of online classes while you work. I will recommend that you work in the school district meanwhile to gain experience. I used this route because I couldn't afford to do the student teaching with no pay. You do have to finish the program in 6 months time, however. So, you must be disciplined when you come home from work. I am working as a guest teacher or substitute in my school district, and it is helping me to know what class and what grade level I like. I am tired when I come home, but I still have to do my online courses. So, it may be an option for you if you are in Texas. If not, I'm not sure. You would have to do some online searches for online alternative certification programs. Okay. Good luck. Oops, just noticed that you are in VA. Well, I'm sure there is some online alt. certification program there as well. Since you cannot afford sub teaching, you should work in some other professional position in your school district. Also, you said that you have an associates, meaning two years of college I presume. If you are planning to go for two more years, you can get a degree in education which will put you ahead of the game when you get out. I wish I had double majored, but I only did a BA in English.