When I was younger I worked for the Board of Education (now Dept. of Ed). My major is in media because I wanted to work in entertainment but I was interested in teaching and have 12 credits in education.
Anyway my husband is a teacher and everyday he comes home very fulfilled and loving his job. Honestly sometimes I get a little envious because I feel like I'm not accomplishing much with my life. Plus I think about future children and how to have a career that will enable me to spend more time with them.
So here's my question. Please give me all the positives about teaching? How long have you been a teacher? My other question is I need to find a school that will enable me to get certified at the master's level. (I already have a B.A. and some programs only let you pursue a master's if you're already a teacher).
Please help?! Thanks.
sha11209
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Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.
I can't believe how many of us there are!! I, too am in communications and I'm trying to get out and into teaching. I work at MSG doing sports production and people always think I have the best job in the world and I always say it's not as glamorous as it sounds! I don't feel rewarded and I feel at this point in ny life I need more. On top of that, I am also worried about raising a family. I can't imagine doing it while working here. I feel like I would miss out on to much. Irene, I'm telling you, we have soo much in common!! I've started the process by taking a class through a program called CITE. They offer classes in Bklyn, Bronx, Oueens, and NYC. Each class is for 5 weeks and meets on Sundays from 8:30am-4:30pm. It's tough, but after 5 weeks you have 3 credits and you don't have to quit your job right away. You can make sure it's what you want. It is very reasonably priced, $495 a class for the first 6 classes. After 6 classes, you become matriculated into Touro College for the other 18 credits. Masters in Ed is 36 credits. The second 18 credits are $900 per class(still cheaper than most schools!) For me, this was the only way to go. Also, in the meantime I got fingerprinted and took the LAST exam and registered for ATSW. On top of your Mastersin Ed you need a year of teaching experience. That's where I run inyo problems b/c that's when you have to quit. I think subbing counts if you do it for a year. You also have to pass the LAST & ATSW exams and take 2 workshops on child abuse and violence prevention. Once you do ALL of this, congrats, you are certified! Most schools now won't hire uncertifieds b/c of all the change w/BOE. Like I said, this is what the requirements are now, I heard they are going to change next Febuary!!! It's a lot, but I think it's worth it!! Also, another option is applying to the NYC teaching Fellows program. I also did this and I'm waiting to an answer. I got invited for an interview and they tell you within a month in you're accwpted. In that program they pay for your masters in exchange for you teaching in a SURR school for 2 years. You go through intense and time comsuming prepartion and you get placed in a classroom in Sept. You go to school at night. I don't know if I can handle a SURR school...we'll see! Anyway, I know that was a lot, if anyone has questions about any of it, let me know!
MichelleW
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Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.
Another Communications major here working for an entertainment company. I have ALWAYS regretted not becoming a teacher and now am REALLY considering it as well. Once we move to Ronkonkoma I would like to enroll at Dowling in order to become a reading teacher
My DH is a NYC fireman and beside me having a more rewarding career I can also have a better home life and be there for our son
HappyEverAfter
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Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.
I cannot express how EXCITED I am to read all of the great responses from all the teachers. My mom is an assistant principal, taught for over 20 years, and also has amazingly wonderful feedback. I know in my heart that this is what I am meant to do, to have an impact on children and really touch their lives. I think that this is why I feel SO unfulfilled in my current job, b.c it is just not what I want to do. I was planning on sticking it out until after the wedding when we move, so it will be like a whole new life next year- being married and changing careers. But I think I am going to start the process now, instead of just suffering through everyday at my job now. I am just concerned about starting the process in NY, then moving to CT and having to start over again. Have to decide next steps on that. Thanks to all for your great feedback, I will be sure to keep you all updated as I begin my journey!
ILT1221
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Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.
I cannot believe these posts!
I worked for one major network and small television station working promotions (movies, concerts etc) and I ended working in nonprofit because I wanted to help people. I have a cushy job but I still go home and feel empty about the work that I do.
I am looking into Queens College. I'm ready to do this...I'm not getting any younger. So those who are thinking about it...let's do it!!!
ILT1221
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Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.
Shannon,
What does CITE stand for? I actually read in the QCollege brochure that they require you to take the LAST prior to 12 credits in the master's program so I have to do that soon. Thanks for all the great information...Wow...so much to take in!
Curley999
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Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.
Wow, I was looking for a post just like this!.....I have a BBA in Computer Infomation Systems, and have been working for the past 5 years in Network support. While the $$ is good, the job is very unrewarding. I have been looking into teaching for a while now but have been scared to make such a huge change. I am looking at Queens college to get a Masters in Education, but I wasnt sure of the requirements. Reading this has inspired me to at least register for some education classes. If anyone has done this program at Queens College with a non-education bacholer degree, please post if you had any problems! Good Luck to Everyone!
WithThisRing
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Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.
english major communications minor with absolutly no direction
i just dont know what i want. i am an admin and i like it. i work 9 - 5 dont have the pressure of intense deadlines, working weekends, making x amount of money for a quarter, etc...
but i dont know what i want. i have actually thought about teaching, but it would be on the HS level then thought ok these kids would be bigger then me and thought about teaching kindergarden as i felt everything i need to know about life i learned in kindergarden.
so no direction, but teaching is on the back burner and if i ever do decide to go that route i think it would be kindergarden.
on an ironic twist, growing up my good friend emil was the class clown. he was the goofball. we went from k -12 together. i saw him recently and he is a teacher. i looked at him and said but you hated school, he said i know but at least i am one step ahead of these students because whatever they try to pull i've already done it.
ILT1221
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Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.
Melissa,
That's a perfect story about your friend!!
Maybe my career change will inspire you too.
NuBride
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Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.
I saw this website on the subway!!
www.nycfellows.org
Hope this helps!
NuBride
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Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.
Opps I sorry try I don't think I have the correct address.
For those seriously considering making this move, do any of you have second thoughts about starting before your weddings? We are getting married in August, so the timing is tough. I dont know if its best to start when I am obviously distracted by the wedding details, and the stress of one major lifechange (becoming a married lady ), so should I wait before starting another? On the other hand (internal debate) there are always going to be life adjustments, we plan on looking for a house after the wedding, and hope to start our family not too long after that. This internal debate has been going on for what seems like forever. In addition, we are paying for most of the wedding. I will be taking a large paycut to move to teaching, soo FH would like it if I waited until we paid off the debt before changing careers. AAGGHH. So many questions, glad I am not the only one debating the future. I attached a great link to help anyone interested (and more together than me get started with the process
Irene, CITE stands for the center for intergrated teacher education. They don't have a website, but here is the #877-922-2483. If you go on the united teacher federation website, I think there is a link for the LAST/ATSW. I know they are offered May 10th. There is one in March, but we've missed registration for that one. FM me if you need to. GOOD LUCK!!!
I really want to be a teacher too. All my life I've wanted to, I used to play 'teacher' when I was little and if I had finished my BA when I was supposed to I think I would be teaching now. Anyway, I'm finishing my BA at NYU, and can't wait to graduate so I can start a Master's program. (BA certification programs usually meet during the day, when I'm working, or I'd get certified now).
I love this post!
Buttafli1277
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Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.
I just thought you ladies might want to check this site out: www.teachny.com It gives alot on info. on the requirements that you need to teach. If any of you already have a BA, you can get your MA in teaching. You don't need to get another BA. Any questions feel free to FM mail.
ILT1221
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Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.
Thanks guys for the info. WoW!!!! There are so many of us out there...let's keep this thread going!
If anyone wants a test buddy for the LAST exam in May as Sha11209 mentioned let me know.
I looked at the Queens College bulletin and if you already have a B.A. they have a Master of Arts in Teaching designed for students with undergrad degrees in other professions.
Here's the requirements a)Bachelor's degree with GPA of at least 3.0 b)no fewer than 30 credits taken in liberal arts according to them specializations such as 'business administration, advertising, sales management, accounting, design and nursuing do not usually meet these requirments.' (Don't let that discourage you every case is different). c)Provide a writing sample and participate in a focus group (I'm not really sure if this is during or prior to admission)?
Good luck!
junebride04
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Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.
I graduated with my Master's in Elementary Education last month from Hofstra. To get certification on a master's level, the program is 37 credits and you have to take the LAST, ATS-W, and CST tests. These tests are given by the state and are given i think 3 times a year. To get permanent certification you also must have 2 years teachering experience. Hofstra's program was excellent and I complete my Master's in a year. I went full time and took summer classes. Right now I am subbing for the district I student taught in and I am looking for a job for Sept. Good luck to all you future educators out there. It is such a rewarding experience!!
dkga1026
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Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.
Even though I work in an entirely different field and I am currently enrolled in a part-time MBA program, teaching has always been at the back of my mind. It was all I thought about this past Wednseday night when I was sitting in a 3 hour accounting class. I guess I am just scared to make the leap and afraid to take the pay cut - I still have BILLS and we are trying to save for a house But, the higher up I move on the corporate ladder, the more turned off I get by the phoniness, politics and a$$-kissing!! Can any one you girls give me a real picture of what teaching is like? Especially when you are starting out??
