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Easy Credentialing due to Teacher Shortage

By: Brian Stocker, Thu Dec 8th, 2005 08:44:07 PM

Do you work well with children? Enjoy helping others? Teaching is one of the most important jobs for society and also one of the most fulfilling. Demand is high right now and the supply is low. According to the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future, over two million new teachers will be needed in the U.S. over the next decade. Job opening in elementary and secondary schools are estimated to be between 150,000 and 250,000.

The demand for English as a Second language teachers is even greater.

How to become a teacher

Traditionally, teachers have an undergraduate degree in education and then take a series of standardized tests to obtain a teaching certificate.

Since the current demand for teachers is so high now, some States will fast-track certain individuals, called emergency licensure. If you have a degree in high demand areas such as math, sciences, or special education, you may qualify for teacher certification. Although exact requirements vary from State to State, usually a bachelor's degree plus some intensive teacher training courses and a passing mark on the State teacher certification exam are all that is required.

In some jurist dictions with shortages of teachers, if you already have some college, you may be able work as a substitute or teacher's aide and go work on your credentialing while working.

If you meet certain requirements, one-year master's degree and credential programs are available. Taking this route, you can earn your credential and be eligible for a higher salary. Be very careful that the certification program is accredited and make sure the credentials you are earning are valid in the State where you wish to teach.

Another option, if you are a recent undergraduate, or a mid-career professional, and live in a major city such as Washington DC or New York, you may be eligible for special programs of intensive teacher training. Teach for America (www.teachforamerica.org) and the Teaching Fellows projects (www.dcteachingfellows.org) both offer programs like this.

If you have thought of becoming a teacher, the time has never been better. Below are some websites with information that could make your dream of becoming a teacher a reality -- and faster than you think! __________________________________________________________

Resources Online

Websites with information on education requirements and certification

National Council of Accreditation for Teacher Education Teacher Education Accreditation Council.

Website with information on emergency licensure

National Center for Education Information website National Association for Alternative Certification National Center for Alternative Certification website .

About the author: Brian Stocker is a former teacher and Psychologist. He has written widely on education and testing. Visit his website Teacher Certification for information, study guides on becoming a teacher, teacher certification and test preparation.

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