I am sure many of you brides out there are teachers. I've always wanted to become a teacher but unfortunately I never followed that dream when I was younger and in college. I have been doing a LOT of thinking about it lately and think I want to go back to school to finally do it. I would like to be done with school and have a job by the time we start a family.
My question to you guys is: WHERE DO I START?
I live in Suffolk - are there any schools around here besides Dowling? How long would it take me to get certified and get a job? I have many questions and would really appreciate ANY information. THANKS!
missmmpr
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Re: Not Wedding Related - Teaching
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vamdep
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Re: Not Wedding Related - Teaching
Darlene,
Where you start really depends on where you have been. If you have some college or a degree already you may start differently than someone fresh out of HS.
Also, depending on what you have been doing, you could be eligible for 'life experience' credit.
You should probably first decide what college you would go to - dowling has a good program, CW Post -Brentwood campus is also in suffolk (I can't think of others at this time.)-and go there with your transcripts and they will tell you what you would have to do.
Also, in Nassau county there is someone at BOCES at the Salisbury center (or maybe the street is salisbury) that is a NYS certification specialist - she may be able to help. OH and don't forget to check out the state Ed dept website.
Good luck!!!!!!!!!!! Being a teacher is great!!!!!!!
Oh yeah - I have to add that you may want to work as a classroom aide (although the pay isnt great) to see how you feel about being in a classroom.
First...what subject do you want to teach? If you have 36 credits in some discipline you can work on 7-12...for elementary you need 6 credits in each of the core subjects plus reading...
that being said there are programs (I know Queens College might be far from you, but it is inexpensive and a great program) that has certification programs...so within a year, you would be certified...you would not have another degree, but you would have extra credits that would eventually go to a higher salery...then you would also have to earn a masters..it just depends on how fast you want to get your certification....
I know there is a horrible stigma about teaching in NYC, but I did it for 3 years and it was the BEST experience of my life...I left for money unfortunately and have been miserable!! but with the new raise and the best pension probably in the country NYC...is looking more attractive...(remember there are neighborhoods like LI in the outer boroughs)
Sonicstef
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Re: Not Wedding Related - Teaching
Im not a teacher but know many - it seems its a lot easier to find a teaching position in NYC so you may want to start there. Particularily, you can substitue teach without any teaching credits as far as I have heard while you become accredited.
And if really don't care about the money, Catholic schools are always dying for teachers because their pay is not competitive so they lose many to the public schools.
Dawny
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Re: Not Wedding Related - Teaching
I went back for my masters degree in elem. ed after graduating with an english degree. It took me 2 years to complete the program. I also live in Suffolk, but attended Hofstra.I went part-time, but also took summer classes.
Sice graduating in December 2000, I have worked as a perm sub. It is VERY difficult to get an elementary position on LI!!! And the interview process can be brutal.
I've begun looking into NYC programs-private aand public schools. If you have any questions about Hofstra's program, feel free to email me.
just to add...NYC subs get $125 a day...best per diem in the area I believe..
aug9bride
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Re: Not Wedding Related - Teaching
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jeannad67
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Re: Not Wedding Related - Teaching
on this same topic, if there is anyone who works in a public school in suffolk and knows of any openings- sub, part time, full time, anything, can you let me know? I've taught for 4 years in NYC but the commute is too far since I moved to sufolk.
St Josephs in Patchogue has teaching degree programs.
darlene2003
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Re: Not Wedding Related - Teaching
Well I do have my Bachelors degree so thats a start. I know that I'd have to go for certification and my masters which is fine with me - I've wanted to go back to school ever since I graduated! I want to teach elementary level although I am not exactly sure which grade. I love the younger children
I know the start will be slow, but at least I'd enjoy doing what I do -- as opposed to now where I can't stand the 9-5 office job. And now is the perfect time to get a start on it before starting a family and while I'm still young. I don't want to be in school starting my career AFTER having kids...
NYC is far and I don't think I would be able to do the commute. I've tried talking my FI into moving closer to the city so we could both work there and make more $$ but the housing costs more $$ and its crowded - so he's against it - he says it all balances out....
Thanks for all your input girls!
metphan
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Re: Not Wedding Related - Teaching
I'm currently getting my Masters in Elementary Ed at Pace University (downtown). I've really liked the program at Pace so far. I just finished all my classes in May and will begin student teaching in September. It's pretty scary considering I have to quit my job and make NO money for the next few months. I went back for teaching 2 years ago and worked full time while taking night classes. It went very quickly and now I'm almost done. Yay! Can't wait to finally get into the classroom. After student teaching I'll apply for jobs on Long Island and in the city. Hopefully I'll get something. I live in the city so it really makes sense to work here at least for a year or two. We'll see what happens. Go back for teaching, you won't regret it!
HappyEverAfter
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Re: Not Wedding Related - Teaching
I have been thinking about this for a long time as well, I am hoping to try out teaching as a classroom assistant in the future to make sure that its for me (my mom is an asst principal so she has connections to get me in). The only problem is finding time to do it :) Does anyone know (roughly) how much the certification and masters programs cost?
metphan
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Re: Not Wedding Related - Teaching
cost depends if you go to a state or city school or not. I chose to go to Pace where it's over $500 a credit and I need 36 credits all together. If you go to Hunter it's only about $150 a credit. If you're really interested you should call different schools and find out what their programs involve. That's what I did and I found the people at Pace to be very helpful so I chose to spend more money and go there. They also let me start with grad school classes right away and not take a few undergrad classes to make up some credits. Hope this helps.
Sasha96
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Re: Not Wedding Related - Teaching
I work for Nassau BOCES as a Speech-Langauge Pathologist. I just wanted to respond to the post that mentioned BOCES. BOCES central offices are no longer at the Salsbury Center. They are now located at 71 Clinton Ave. in Garden City. To contact the Administrative Center check the website: http://www.nassauboces.org
Buttafli1277
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Re: Not Wedding Related - Teaching
I just graduated from St. John's University with my MA in elementary ed. It is a very expensive, but good school. I got my BA in Speech Language Pathology and decided to get MY MA in elementary ed. after taking a semester off in between. I loved SJU, qeens college is also a good school for education, and is much more reasonably priced. FYI: If you get a teaching position in a catholic school, (doesn't pay too good but does the job) they will pay for your MA if you go to a catholic university. I could kick myself in the butt for not doing that. As I was getting my MA I had a p/t job and on my days off I was a per diem sub. It's great for extra $ and a great experience.
I am now in the hunt for a teaching position in NYC. Have my resume everywhere! I really need to leave my job now and start working f/t. If anyone knows of any teaching positions available please let me know. If anyone has any info. or any questions please drop me a line at [email protected]. Thanks!
MissLinda
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Re: Not Wedding Related - Teaching (long sorry!)
Darlene,
I too always wanted to teach but but didn't follow my heart when I went to college and got a BBA in Management. 2years after being out in the workforce I decided I really hated it and started the ball rolling for my Masters in Elem. Ed.
I went C.W. Post in Old Brookville full time (4 classes a week) and worked a 35 hour week (I had to stop working for the last semester to do my student teaching), and attended summer school. It took me a year and a half. It was crazy but well worth it! The advisors and professors. . . .actually everyone was very helpful and I had a great experience there.
I worked as a permenent sub for a year in a Nassau public school and last year I taught kindergarten part-time and subbed the other half for the same school. I have the same deal this upcoming year if I don't find something full-time. It's a pain looking for a Elem. Ed teaching job But don't lose hope something will eventually come through (That's what I keep telling myself! )
Making the move from the business world to teaching was the BEST thing I have ever done for myself! I wish you the best in whatever you decide to do
Best of luck to all of you who are looking!! Hopefully we will all have good news come September!
