Thinking about switching careers to teaching Middle School or High School Social Studies.
Could you help me with a few questions:
- is there a certification website for NY State - do you enjoy teaching - what is they pay like (ball park figure) - in your opinion, what is a reputable LI college that is good at placing teachers once they get their degrees. - do you have a contact at a college that you could recommend to answer my questions - honestly, is it going to be impossible to find a social studies position in Suffolk / eastern Nassau?
nov04LIbride
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I work at Stony Brook, which does have a program for social studies certification. Yes, it does seem to be those teachers that have the most difficult time finding positions. What is your undergrad degree in? NY State requirements changed so that you must now hold an undergrad. degree in the subject area you want to teach. For social studies that is history. If you have the history bachelor's degree, you can go straight for the Master of Arts in Teaching degree program for the teacher certification. There are 2 schools of thought to the teaching/salary/ease of finding jobs--with a bachelors degree and provisional cert., the district can pay you less, and therefore if they want to save money may hire those teachers. With the Masters they must pay you at a higher level, but you have a greater background in the field...
2. I went for my degree in school counseling. It was very difficult to find a job in the field. I am going back to school to find a job as a librarian, maybe in a school. I know several teachers and they enjoy it.
3. it ranges from $45,000 depending on your degrees and location on LI
4. This I don't know. I don't know if you can really rely on a school to help you find a job. Hopefully I am wrong. I do know a lot of teachers though who went to St. Joes and Dowling and liked it.
5. no sorry
6. probably for Social studies. If you were willing to do Math, foreign language, or certain sciences, you may find a job a lot easier. I don't know where you live in LI but if you are willing to start in NYC, you may be able to get a job easier, then work later on LI. It doesn't hurt to try but you should know this up front.
swags1016
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Re: Teacher Advice Needed
Yes I love teaching!
There is a website with all the requirements.
Pay varies greatly (suprisingly) from district to district- For example I am in a district that people say is fabulous, but we are the 3rd lowest paid in Nassau so go figure.
Molloy is the college of choice for our district
Not easy but not impossible.
Word of caution, I am a middle school teacher and I will never change but Middle school is definitely not for everyone! When it comes times for your observations of teachers really watch and see if Middle School will be up your alley.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Good Luck
Ronkonkomonga
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thanks ladies - all the info is very much appreciated.
Didnt know that about the new state certification requirements - ouch.
palebride
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- is there a certification website for NY State yes, i think someone gave you the website already....
- do you enjoy teaching love it - couldnt' imagine doing anything else. seeing those kid's faces every day makes mine! they're brats sometimes....but they can also make teaching more rewarding than any other job i've ever had
- what is they pay like (ball park figure) totally depends on your education level and the district you're in....i was offered $44,000 in one district and $56,000 in another (guess which one i went with)
- in your opinion, what is a reputable LI college that is good at placing teachers once they get their degrees. I went to Hofstra and had almost no trouble finding a job - I have heard it has a great reputation (however, it's quite costly)
- do you have a contact at a college that you could recommend to answer my questions I have the name of a social studies professor at Hofstra, if you're interested...I can email you his name
- honestly, is it going to be impossible to find a social studies position in Suffolk / eastern Nassau? not at all - districts are hiring all the time.....there are always teachers retiring, or swtiching schools, and social studies teachers are always going to be a necessity in a school...
Good luck!!!
Crismicka
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Ugh...not Alan!
cjb88
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I switched careers to teaching and could never be happier!! I love my job! I went to Dowling for my Masters and certification... it was pricey, but super easy... i have heard Stony Brook is A LOT more work and can be a bit frustrating, but it is cheaper. When I decided to make the switch I just made an appt at Dowling with a graduate education advisor to see what I needed to do to get my certification...
I do have a few friends who have been searching for SS positions for 2 years now with no luck... but there is always a job subbing... you have to pay your dues some way!
