Career Change

I teach in Richardson and got my alt. certification through region 10 about 7 years ago. I believe the program is not as time comsuming as before. I wanted elem ed., but at that time they did not offer alt. cert. for this field. However so many things have changed they may now.

Good luck, and I would contact region X for the best info.

Hi K.,

I used to teach elementary, and now I teach part-time at a private preschool where my daughter attends. While I was in college I worked in the Education dept. There is a program at Tarleton State that is called TMATE. It is an alternative certification program for those who already have a degree. I know many successful people who have completed the program. They have lots of their classes in many locations now.
I know our school is expanding next year and we are looking for new teachers (certified and not) - early childhood, etc. I'm not sure exactly where you are but let me know if you want more info.

Have a great one!
A.

Hi, K.,

Whatever teaching program you decide to use, please make sure they are recognized by the districts you are interested in applying to. As an elementary teacher in Richardson, I cannot tell you how many times we had substitutes in our building who were working toward alternative certification only to find that their degree was not even recognized by Richardson, Plano, Garland, etc.
You might try contacting Region X or XII or whatever area you plan to teach in so that they can guide you to a good program. You might also try www.taae.org or www.tea.state.texas.us
Good luck on this new journey! I hope it is rewarding for you.

I have a B.S. in Criminal Justice. I didn't figure out that I would rather be teaching until a few years after I graduated college. I went through the Alternative Certification program offered through DISD 7 years ago (there may have been some changes since then). But here is my experience: It is a VERY intensive program. You begin in May taking college level classes that they provide you with. During the summer you continue taking classes and observe Summer School. Come Fall, you will have a job as a teacher. It is in your best interest to really market yourself to schools and grade levels you prefer or you run the risk of being placed somewhere geographically & grade level out of your control. In the Fall you continue taking courses during the week after teaching and on some Saturdays. In late Spring you take the ExCet exam which you must pass to get your teacher certification. The program can be very draining, emotionally and physically, as you are NEVER done at 3:00 when the bell rings. After you get your cert in DISD, you are not obligated to stay there. I moved to Mesquite ISD after 2 years in Dallas. I taught Kindergarten and let me tell you, it is not just coloring and taking naps as many people believe. It is very tough but rewarding and I find that everything I learned through my courses and on the job I am able to use with my toddler. So, even though I now stay home, I don't feel that all I learned is "wasted". And, with a teaching certificate I feel that I can almost certainly find a job pretty easily if I must. Good Luck! Let me know if you have any further questions.

I am not sure about online schools, to me its a way for "just anyone" to get a degree. I do know that most schools offer an eearly childhood-4th grade teaching certificate/degree. It's a pretty easy program, it takes about one full year- summer to a summer, going part time. That is what i'm doing right now, and is very very easy!
Good luck to you!

From what I understand from my teacher friends, is that it's pretty hard to teach early childhood without the certification. School districts just won't hire you without the certification completed (unless they are desperate to have a position filled and you have some good internal connections), and even then, alternative certification is not entirely welcome in an elementary setting (though it's much more accepted in Jr High or high school). Your best bet might be to work in a daycare setting or private school (like Montessori or Primrose -- "daycares" with an educational design and focus) while getting your certification.
That way, when you do get your certification, you will also have had recent, tangible experience in understanding and managing a large group of young children.
Also, as far as teaching groups of young children (the ages you mentioned in your post), the Montessori method is making its way into mainstream/public schools. Educators are learning that a lot of the "montessori ways" are more developmentally appropriate in the younger ages, so some of the tactics are already being employed in public school kindergarten and first grade (though they would not officially be referred to as montessori).
You might want to look into Montessori certification. It may not take as long and you could possibly get a job more quickly.

I am going to school for teaching through Texas A&M Commerce. They have classes all over the place (Dallas, Mesquite, Midlothian and more) for people who already have a degeree. The classes are one night a week. But Iteachtexas is aon the internet. I have a friend who is going through that and doesnt have his teaching certificate and is already teaching 7th grade Science. It really depends on what kind of leaner you are.