I want to become teacher, isn’t their a certificate?
My husband is a handyman and he went to a teachers house to do work. He got into talking with the owner of the house and found out that she was a teacher. He casually told her that I am currently going to school to become a teacher, but because i am also a full time employe, mom and wife, it is taking FOREVER. She mentioned to him that she didn’t go to school. She just paid $800 to take a course to become a certified teacher (Hillsborough County, FL). Is anybody familiar with this course and how I can do this???
The above is extremely bad advice that completely misrepresents that program.
That program ABCTE is only accepted in 9 states (fl being one of them) – but to say its 800 bucks and you have a credential is wrong.In fact, many states have similar – where you dont have to pay anything. My state has a program where you pay *nothing* and when its done, you have full certification…AND you have been teaching all the while earning it.
Its called alternative certification. all states have similar – its reserved for those larger districts who need extreme amounts of teachers.
the typical program is as follows:
1. to start you need a bachelors in your subject area – All states require a major equivalent in the area you wish to teach (NCLB rules)
2. take a few tests – basic skills, subject matter verification
3. enter a program that provides mentored student teaching. the best programs find you a position and mentor you for the two years you have the job. (note that that abcte program makes you find your own position)
4. methods and curriculum courses – all alternative programs hold these after school, on weekends and during yourvacations for the years of the program. It is *highly* stressful for a new teacher anyways, these programs are extremely hard on their candidates. A note to the above poster – While the abcte program does not require these classes…the *state does*. once you get into their program, your district will require you to do these parts of the alternative program.
5. once the program is complete, the district applies to the state on your behalf.
I would avoid that above program, and simply look on your own to a districts hr office to see if they offer an alternative program if you wish to go this route. I mean why pay them if they are not going to find you a job, you can do it on your own without their extra requirements?
to show you how common these are: here a few *real* programs:
UCla alternative: pay a bit, but start with only a bachelors and some tests…
http://gseisweb.gseis.ucla.edu/centerx/teacher-education
My districts alternative program: pay nothing, start with simply a bachelors…but work extremly hard…
http://www.teachinla.com/cert/di_faq.html
a final note: abcte in its first four years produced 52 teachers. the website is extremely misleading, and if they are not being completely honest with their candidates about state specific requirements – I would avoid it.
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It is called the American Board of Certified Teaching Excellence (ABCTE) program.
Here are some facts on ABCTE program process and requirements:
Candidates must:
Hold a Bachelor’s degree in any subject area from an approved college or university
Pass a background check
Pass the ABCTE Professional Teaching Knowledge exam
Pass the ABCTE subject area exam (in the candidate’s chosen subject area)
ABCTE Program Highlights
Candidates study on their own time and at their own pace using a variety of resources, including CD-ROMs, online refresher courses, and our Prepare to Teach workshops. An advisor is assigned to the candidate to help create a study plan and provide additional support.
The cost is extremely reasonable compared to most other programs—only $850. You can inquire about a possible scholarship or special payment plan to cover this tuition. This varies on the state and your circumstances.
You can also email or call their Washington, DC office if you still have questions before enrolling (their contact information is at the very bottom of each page on their website)
Good Luck!
References :
ABCTE’s website
The above is extremely bad advice that completely misrepresents that program.
That program ABCTE is only accepted in 9 states (fl being one of them) – but to say its 800 bucks and you have a credential is wrong.In fact, many states have similar – where you dont have to pay anything. My state has a program where you pay *nothing* and when its done, you have full certification…AND you have been teaching all the while earning it.
Its called alternative certification. all states have similar – its reserved for those larger districts who need extreme amounts of teachers.
the typical program is as follows:
1. to start you need a bachelors in your subject area – All states require a major equivalent in the area you wish to teach (NCLB rules)
2. take a few tests – basic skills, subject matter verification
3. enter a program that provides mentored student teaching. the best programs find you a position and mentor you for the two years you have the job. (note that that abcte program makes you find your own position)
4. methods and curriculum courses – all alternative programs hold these after school, on weekends and during yourvacations for the years of the program. It is *highly* stressful for a new teacher anyways, these programs are extremely hard on their candidates. A note to the above poster – While the abcte program does not require these classes…the *state does*. once you get into their program, your district will require you to do these parts of the alternative program.
5. once the program is complete, the district applies to the state on your behalf.
I would avoid that above program, and simply look on your own to a districts hr office to see if they offer an alternative program if you wish to go this route. I mean why pay them if they are not going to find you a job, you can do it on your own without their extra requirements?
to show you how common these are: here a few *real* programs:
UCla alternative: pay a bit, but start with only a bachelors and some tests…
http://gseisweb.gseis.ucla.edu/centerx/teacher-education
My districts alternative program: pay nothing, start with simply a bachelors…but work extremly hard…
http://www.teachinla.com/cert/di_faq.html
a final note: abcte in its first four years produced 52 teachers. the website is extremely misleading, and if they are not being completely honest with their candidates about state specific requirements – I would avoid it.
References :
You need to find out if she has a degree. You need a bachelor’s degree and take the required certification testing. No matter what, you need a bachelor’s degree, you will also be required to student teach to prepare you for the rigors of teaching and the demands of the teaching, how to interact with parents and students as well as the other teachers and school personal.
I just completed my TEACH program with LeTourneau University and I feel that the program is well developed, teacher preparation was great. The time you spend in class is worth it in the end and you will well trained and prepare to be a great teacher. Stick with it. You are teaching your children to better themselves and to study hard. That in its self is testimony enough. Keep going- stay with the program:) Best wishes fellow teacher to be.
Blessings
References :