Can you teach in Public school without a teacher's licence? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

dawnoffawn · 03-10-2006, 12:49 PM

Hello,
Can you teach in public school without a teacher's licence?
Specifically in NJ, if you're asking?
I'm a graudate but i do not have a teaching licence.
Do you know if they'll accept me?
How much are the salaries if they would?
How do I apply? do I call the school number or go in person? Who do I go to exactly and should I just tell them thatI'm looking for a job as a teacher or something?
Thanks for any help as i'm clueless and VERY new to the workforce.
Thanks.

JustJess · 03-10-2006, 01:33 PM

From here: NJ Labor Dept, it says you do need a certification. However, check out the individual school you're interested in - I know that in NY, they'll let you work while getting the credentials they require. And it says NJ has a major teaching shortage.

Most schools advertise individually. Most starting salaries are awful - around $30K if you're lucky. Private/parochial schools sometimes have different requirements, but also often pay less.

Put a resume together, no one will consider you without it. Highlight education and any honors, internships, anything to do with kids, etc.

Consider signing up to be a substitute teacher in your local school districts - lots of places have lower requirements for those (though some require actual certification as well). Also, think about advertising yourself as a tutor.

hunnychile · 03-10-2006, 02:59 PM

You can teach in California without having a teaching certificate. You do have to have a BA or BS degree in most cases. You will be required to take the CBEST Skills test and prove that you do not have TB or are a child molester or felon. If you speak English AND Spanish, you'll get hired right away.

The pay isn't great, by the way....

dawnoffawn · 03-11-2006, 08:04 AM

Thanks, Justjess and Hunnychile!
I really appreciate it!

dawnoffawn · 03-11-2006, 08:07 AM

Anyone know how or where to get a teacher certification and how long it takes and do they accept financial aid?
What is the program called?
Thanks

amonkie · 03-11-2006, 08:42 AM

Lots of questions you're asking - without more specific information, I'm afriad we will be of little help.

Where are you living?

What age/or subject do you want to teach?

What educational background do you already have?

Depending on your answers to the above questions, where your certification comes from and how long it takes will vary. Many universities and community colleges offer programs and courses for those aspiring to be teachers. Look at the program offerings for those in your areas.

Financial costs and aid will depend greatly on where you are, your current academic strengths, and what program you choose to pursue.

dawnoffawn · 03-12-2006, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amonkie

Lots of questions you're asking - without more specific information, I'm afriad we will be of little help.

Where are you living?

What age/or subject do you want to teach?

What educational background do you already have?

Depending on your answers to the above questions, where your certification comes from and how long it takes will vary. Many universities and community colleges offer programs and courses for those aspiring to be teachers. Look at the program offerings for those in your areas.

Financial costs and aid will depend greatly on where you are, your current academic strengths, and what program you choose to pursue.

Oops, lol..sorry!!!
i assumed since i'm speaking about a teacher's certification that oyu know I have a BA.
Anyways, here are the answers to your questions:
Where are you living? NJ

What age/or subject do you want to teach? children/ math, English, foreign language, science, or any thing related to psychology.

What educational background do you already have?
BA in Psychology
Almost an Assiciate degree in Science

amonkie · 03-12-2006, 06:47 PM

When you say children, are you saying elementary age? I know for post secondary, in Arizona, at least, it was approximately 2 years for a teaching certificate - you are essentially going back for a Master's in Education, but also have to do the student teaching in the classrooms, which adds on extra time.

Your best bet if you decide to go to a local program is to go yourself and investigate, and make up a list of questions about the program you want answered from each place you go. Weigh the pros and cons, and then make your decision.

I am not aware of the programs in NJ, and that will heavily depend on what places/schools are nearby that you are considering.

snowy · 03-12-2006, 10:22 PM

Here's the website that has all the information you could possibly need regarding the certifications needed in NJ: http://www.nj.gov/njded/educators/license/

It appears that to receive your permanent certification you have to complete some kind of teaching program--either their alternate program or a teaching preparation program.

Here is Rutgers' page for their certification programs: http://www.gse.rutgers.edu/academics...erCertList.asp

That should at least give you a start of what you need to be looking for. It looks like the Rutgers program is 2 years, which isn't uncommon for semester schools.

Here in Oregon most teacher certification programs take approximately 1 year from start to finish--either you start in summer or fall and go until the next summer or fall. My question is--do you want to stay in NJ in the long-term? Once you finish the Master's, is that where you're going to want to stay for 2 years or more? I ask because generally schools set you up to get certified for the state that they are in, and if you want to move within the next four years, it might be easier to move now and apply for a program in the state you wish to relocate to. And like I said--every state has different programs with different lengths, but in almost every case the result is a Master's degree--either in Teaching or in Education.

But this is my overall advice in selecting a program, and it is advice my father (high school principal) gave me: Choose a program with an emphasis on actual classroom experience. Actually being in the classroom and working with students will help you much more in the future than repeated classes on classroom management. Teaching is one of those things that is best taught hands-on and by (good) example.

Good luck.

Stompy · 03-20-2006, 01:11 PM

I have an old friend who teaches tax classes in Michigan, but doesn't have a teaching degree. She's not even going into teaching. I think she just has a Master's in Accounting.

I think it's just something you can do extra on the side, provided you have the expertise and can prove it.

I've had teachers in high school that didn't have a teaching degree (auto-shop, for example). Dude came straight from Ford.

dawnoffawn · 04-05-2006, 01:18 PM

Thanks, all, for the help!
Thanks, onesnowyowl, for the terrific links!
I'm thinking of kindegarten or 1st graders. I dont have plans on leaving NJ.

03-10-2006, 12:49 PM	#1 (permalink)
dawnoffawn Crazy	Can you teach in Public school without a teacher's licence? Hello, Can you teach in public school without a teacher's licence? Specifically in NJ, if you're asking? I'm a graudate but i do not have a teaching licence. Do you know if they'll accept me? How much are the salaries if they would? How do I apply? do I call the school number or go in person? Who do I go to exactly and should I just tell them thatI'm looking for a job as a teacher or something? Thanks for any help as i'm clueless and VERY new to the workforce. Thanks.

03-10-2006, 01:33 PM	#2 (permalink)
JustJess Unencapsulated Location: Kittyville	From here: NJ Labor Dept, it says you do need a certification. However, check out the individual school you're interested in - I know that in NY, they'll let you work while getting the credentials they require. And it says NJ has a major teaching shortage. Most schools advertise individually. Most starting salaries are awful - around $30K if you're lucky. Private/parochial schools sometimes have different requirements, but also often pay less. Put a resume together, no one will consider you without it. Highlight education and any honors, internships, anything to do with kids, etc. Consider signing up to be a substitute teacher in your local school districts - lots of places have lower requirements for those (though some require actual certification as well). Also, think about advertising yourself as a tutor. __________________ My heart knows me better than I know myself, so I'm gonna let it do all the talkin'.

03-10-2006, 02:59 PM	#3 (permalink)
hunnychile Alien Anthropologist Location: Between Boredom and Nirvana	You can teach in California without having a teaching certificate. You do have to have a BA or BS degree in most cases. You will be required to take the CBEST Skills test and prove that you do not have TB or are a child molester or felon. If you speak English AND Spanish, you'll get hired right away. The pay isn't great, by the way.... __________________ "I need compassion, understanding and chocolate." - NJB

03-11-2006, 08:07 AM	#5 (permalink)
dawnoffawn Crazy	Teaching license? info? Anyone know how or where to get a teacher certification and how long it takes and do they accept financial aid? What is the program called? Thanks

03-11-2006, 08:42 AM	#6 (permalink)
amonkie Drifting Administrator Location: Windy City	Lots of questions you're asking - without more specific information, I'm afriad we will be of little help. Where are you living? What age/or subject do you want to teach? What educational background do you already have? Depending on your answers to the above questions, where your certification comes from and how long it takes will vary. Many universities and community colleges offer programs and courses for those aspiring to be teachers. Look at the program offerings for those in your areas. Financial costs and aid will depend greatly on where you are, your current academic strengths, and what program you choose to pursue. __________________ Calling from deep in the heart, from where the eyes can't see and the ears can't hear, from where the mountain trails end and only love can go... ~~~ Three Rivers Hare Krishna

03-11-2006, 08:04 AM	#4 (permalink)
dawnoffawn Crazy	Thanks, Justjess and Hunnychile! I really appreciate it!

03-12-2006, 06:47 PM	#8 (permalink)
amonkie Drifting Administrator Location: Windy City	When you say children, are you saying elementary age? I know for post secondary, in Arizona, at least, it was approximately 2 years for a teaching certificate - you are essentially going back for a Master's in Education, but also have to do the student teaching in the classrooms, which adds on extra time. Your best bet if you decide to go to a local program is to go yourself and investigate, and make up a list of questions about the program you want answered from each place you go. Weigh the pros and cons, and then make your decision. I am not aware of the programs in NJ, and that will heavily depend on what places/schools are nearby that you are considering. __________________ Calling from deep in the heart, from where the eyes can't see and the ears can't hear, from where the mountain trails end and only love can go... ~~~ Three Rivers Hare Krishna

03-12-2006, 10:22 PM	#9 (permalink)
snowy Kick Ass Kunoichi Location: Oregon	Here's the website that has all the information you could possibly need regarding the certifications needed in NJ: http://www.nj.gov/njded/educators/license/ It appears that to receive your permanent certification you have to complete some kind of teaching program--either their alternate program or a teaching preparation program. Here is Rutgers' page for their certification programs: http://www.gse.rutgers.edu/academics...erCertList.asp That should at least give you a start of what you need to be looking for. It looks like the Rutgers program is 2 years, which isn't uncommon for semester schools. Here in Oregon most teacher certification programs take approximately 1 year from start to finish--either you start in summer or fall and go until the next summer or fall. My question is--do you want to stay in NJ in the long-term? Once you finish the Master's, is that where you're going to want to stay for 2 years or more? I ask because generally schools set you up to get certified for the state that they are in, and if you want to move within the next four years, it might be easier to move now and apply for a program in the state you wish to relocate to. And like I said--every state has different programs with different lengths, but in almost every case the result is a Master's degree--either in Teaching or in Education. But this is my overall advice in selecting a program, and it is advice my father (high school principal) gave me: Choose a program with an emphasis on actual classroom experience. Actually being in the classroom and working with students will help you much more in the future than repeated classes on classroom management. Teaching is one of those things that is best taught hands-on and by (good) example. Good luck. __________________ If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

03-20-2006, 01:11 PM	#10 (permalink)
Stompy Banned from being Banned Location: Donkey	I have an old friend who teaches tax classes in Michigan, but doesn't have a teaching degree. She's not even going into teaching. I think she just has a Master's in Accounting. I think it's just something you can do extra on the side, provided you have the expertise and can prove it. I've had teachers in high school that didn't have a teaching degree (auto-shop, for example). Dude came straight from Ford. __________________ I love lamp.

04-05-2006, 01:18 PM	#11 (permalink)
dawnoffawn Crazy	Thanks, all, for the help! Thanks, onesnowyowl, for the terrific links! I'm thinking of kindegarten or 1st graders. I dont have plans on leaving NJ.