Is it possible to become a teacher with a degree in a field other than education?
I have a degree in Business Administration (with an emphasis in Human Resources). I was wondering if it is possible to become an Elementary school teacher without a degree in education. If so, how does one with this background go about becoming a teacher in California? Would I have to get a Masters degree or just take a teacher preparation program? Thanks for the help in advance.
I am a California teacher.
here is the exact document:
http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl561c.pdf
1. Your BA – check. no need for another.
2. Basic skills test – take the cbest
3. Teacher preparation program – this will supply you with your needed methods and curriculum courses – usually two years.
4. subject matter competence – this is the test that says that you are qualified to teach the subjects in elementary school. Take the CSET…Here is that documnent:
http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl674m.pdf
5. pass the rica language development test. You may not need this if the program you pick covers it. (they must offer comprehensive reading development courses.)
6. You have your US constitution course most likely in your undergrad.
Good luck!
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yes
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YES, you can, but it depends on the state….I’m not sure about CA but you could look on your state’s department of education website.
Most likely, you have two options…
1. Take a test (in most states it’s called the Praxis II…not sure about CA) in elementary education. You pass, you can teach as long as you already have a degree in anything else.
2. Get your masters in something having to do with education.
If I were you, I would go with option #2. This will give you the tools you need to become an effective teacher. The classes will take will teach you how to teach. Definitely worth it.
Option #1 is the easy way out and these people usually don’t last very long because they don’t know what they are doing.
It’s completely up to you though; and good luck with whatever you choose.
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I’m a teacher
It all depends on your state. They may give you an alternative license IF you can pass the state licensing exams required. However, keep in mind that you are competing against other teachers that have actually gone completed a teacher program with student teaching. If I were an elementary principal I would never hire a teacher that did not have a degree in education- I am not even sure you would be considered highly qualified.
I would either pursue a Master’s in education, which will make you much more competitive for a tight job market OR I would do post- bach work and take the necessary courses to get a full teacher license. Either way, your looking at almost the same amount of time. If it were me, I would get the Masters.
Have you checked into the job market for teachers where you are? I have heard that in California the market is tight.
References :
I am a California teacher.
here is the exact document:
http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl561c.pdf
1. Your BA – check. no need for another.
2. Basic skills test – take the cbest
3. Teacher preparation program – this will supply you with your needed methods and curriculum courses – usually two years.
4. subject matter competence – this is the test that says that you are qualified to teach the subjects in elementary school. Take the CSET…Here is that documnent:
http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl674m.pdf
5. pass the rica language development test. You may not need this if the program you pick covers it. (they must offer comprehensive reading development courses.)
6. You have your US constitution course most likely in your undergrad.
Good luck!
References :