Teachers, I need advice

*GregsGirl*

So a teacher position opened in the area DH and I will likely be moving to within the next year. It's a position for a pre-K through 4th grade PE teacher. I'd absolutely love it!

Here's my problem. I received my degree in Exercise Science and although I did do a practicum (sort of like a Teacher Internship) in which we ran a phys ed program for a year, I don't have any other teaching experience nor do I have my teacher certification (but I am looking to enroll in alternative certification for the fall).

I'm pretty sure I already know the answer but what are the odds they will hire me without having the teacher cert already in place?

*GregsGirl*

Aww come on guys....15 views and not one word of wisdom?

lauren&matt

lol, the view count is evil!

Well, it doesn't hurt to try, ya know!!! I know nothing about PE...

Have you ever taught before (I'm guessing no from your post.) "Specials" positions tend to go quickly bc there aren't many. But like I said, it doesn't hurt to try! GL!?

J&Jaggies06

Now working in public education, I've quickly found that it is all about who you know.  I'd recommend applying and start networking to see who knows who within the district.  I think it is true in most situations, it is more about who you know rather than what you know.

pkate98

Hi! I've been looking for a teaching position for over a year. I have a standard certification and some experience.  What district is the job opening and I can tell you if they'll hire you on emergency cert.  I've heard of high need in special ed and secondary math and science.

stlucia_bride

i say go for it!  you never know!

*GregsGirl*

Thanks for the input everyone! I did have some quasi-teaching experience through that year practicum in which we ran the Fun & Fit Program, but again, I doubt that's enough.

The school district is Schertz and I don't know a soul teaching over there so networking isn't going to help. I tried calling the school district to get more info but I never seem to get in touch with a person, just answering machines.

I'm going to go ahead and apply and cross my fingers that I can at least get to an interview.....at least then I could try to woo them over with my fabulous persuasion skills and plans for the program.

kami1977

You'll probably have a much better chance of getting an interview if you have proof that you're enrolled in a certification program.   When I went the alt certification route I had a letter from my program stating that I was enrolled in the program and eligble for an emergency credential.   Also in order to take the TEXES subject content test you have to have a code to register for it from your program.   Finally most school districts won't look at you until you have passed the subject content portion of the test.

At least in SAISD the district does a screen interview but the principal gets to decide who they hire for their school.  Hope that helps.

*GregsGirl*

Thanks for the info Kami. Are there any AC programs you (or anyone)  would rec?

Also...can you get AC'd for more than one subject at a time?

kikijones

In my experience coaches are highly sought after by the different school districts so I would say you have a great chance. However, I will also say from my experience getting hired as an ACP candidate is extremely difficult, so I would not count your eggs till they hatch.

pkate98

Good luck!  I wish you the best!

kami1977

To find Alternative programs you can go to the SBEC for texas and look up credentialing programs.   San Antonio is located in region 20.   I went throu ACT- San Antonio and there is one through region 20 that a lot of people attend.  They are quite a few programs if I remember correctly and there are different costs.

 The benefits of alt certification is that you get your own classroom right away and you don't have to do unpaid student teaching.  The drawbacks are some districts won't look at you unless you have a cleared credential (meaning you've finished the program and have passed all your tests).  Also you are thrown in a classroom on your own depending on the support you receive from the school it can be a rough first year.

As far as getting multiple certification you need to get your first certification through your program.   Once you've done that you can either go back and test for other credentials or go through an education program for the credentials.    Hope that helps.

 

kami1977

I forgot to add that if you want to teach this next school year you probably want to look into finding a program quickly so you can get signed up for your tests.  It is much easier to start the year with a class than to get a class in the middle of the school year.  

Michelley1210

Hey there

A few things to know...

Because of the No Child Left Behind Act...school disctricts can only hire highly qualified, certified teachers now.  There really is not an "emergency certification" any longer.  (I know...bummer!!)  You must complete the course requirements and take the certification test before you can be interviewed for a position at a public school.  Once you have that basic certification, you can take other certification tests in other areas that you are interested in teaching.

 

ESC Region 20 has a very good alternative certification program.  I actually went through it 12 years ago and I feel like it prepared me very well for the education world.  I'm still going strong....:o)

 I would contact Region 20 first and ask them for advice and help.  I know some of the community colleges in the area offer alternative certification programs as well.

 

I also think that a good way to get your foot in the door in school districts if you are not certified is to become an Instructional Assistant (paraprofessional).  A lot of school districts are loyal to those who are already working for them and become certified teachers.

 

Hope all that helps.  Let me know if you have any other questions

 

michelley1210 @ aol . com