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Hi! Intro and Teaching ?
Hi ladies! I'm a confessed lurker--I mainly posted on the Hawaii board since I got married there this past June, but I live in Dallas, so I think it's about time I start frequenting my local Nest board and say hello! 
I have been in public accounting for three years, but would love to make a career move to teach middle school or high school math. I have heard that there is a demand for math teachers, and being an accountant, naturally I think that would make a great fit for me combined with my interest in teaching and need to get out of the public accounting rat race.
Does anyone have any recommendations on how I go about getting my teacher certification? I'm not from TX, have only lived here for two years, so I'm not familiar with the process here, especially considering that I already have my degrees in other fields (BA in Psych, Masters in Accounting).
Hopefully someone will have some tips out there...thanks so much ladies, I look forward to getting to "know" you!
Re: Hi! Intro and Teaching ?
Welcome!
I teach in Dallas ISD- here's the Reader's Digest version of what I know... teaching positions of any kind aren't in great demand right now (know plenty of people having a hard time finding jobs in education), but you're right... if anything is in need, it's probably secondary math. You need to try to get into an alternative certification (AC) program of some kind. Dallas still does this as does Region X. I'm not sure that many suburban districts are doing AC programs right now, hopefully someone else will chime in.
If you get accepted into an AC program, they help find you a job. Then, you get to teach while attaining your certification. You get a mentor on campus and go to classes at night. They take the cost directly from your paycheck.
I'm headed out right now, but pop back in if Google fails you, and I'll find you some links to check out. GL!
Carter born 5/28/11
BFP 9/27/12 EDD 6/11/13, MC 9wks, no HB
I completed my alternative certification through Texas Teachers.
I completed the training component during summer - the classes were held nearby at a local high school throughout the day. It worked better for my schedule, so I actually preferred this daytime schedule.
They also offer trainings throughout the weekend/weekday nights to accommodate those who are working full time.
I agree with PP - check out local universities, community colleges, Region X and I know Dallas ISD offers their own program, then gets program graduates jobs within their district. I think you have to teach there for min. of 3 years before moving to another district.
PP are correct, finding a teaching job is incredibly difficult - despite what the billboards tell you. School districts are cutting budgets right and left. Before you make the decision to get into this career be ready to make some tough decisions:
Would you be willing to sub or become a teacher's assistant before getting a classroom of your own? Either of those don't make sufficient money - but it's a great foot in the door. I hope this has been helpful. If you have any other questions, just let me know.
Like PP said - secondary math is a high need area compared to other subjects, but you're still going to have to be pretty flexible with school districts at first. A lot of school districts aren't hiring at all, and some that are, won't even consider alternate certification teachers.
The good news though - once you've taught for a year somewhere, you have the same certification as everyone else, and you can start applying at other schools if you want to move.
I just want to make sure you're prepared - you may have to teach in a tough school or district at first, or to have a long commute to a school that is hiring.
Thank you so much ladies! This has been very helpful, now I know where to start researching.
Thanks again!!
It might be too late to chime in, but here you go:
I got my AC through ACT Houston at Dallas and couldn't have been happier. I was working a full time job at the time, so I took evening classes. THey were 3-4 times a week for 8 weeks. It was a little tough for 8 weeks to work 8 hours, then go straight to a 4 hour class, but I made it through and didn't have the choice to not have an income at the time. The cost of the program is around $800 and then, once you begin teaching, you'll have $3500 deducted from your paycheck throughout the first year.
Once you get to a certain point in your program, you'll take your content exam. If you pass that, you are eligible to be considered an intern and can begin teaching. I was immediately hired (although the position really fell into my lap, which i am so thankful for) but my principal was really impressed with my program and had lots of confidence in me. So, your first year of teaching is considered your intern year. You have your own classroom, but will have a mentor that visits you regularly and you'll also meet monthly with other area teachers. At the end of that year, and it's been a while, so someone will have to correct me, but I think you then take your PPG and once you pass you are fully certified.
I really loved the ACT program and felt really prepred to walk into my classroom that first day. I also am the only teacher in my subject at my school, so I didn't have any lesson plans ready for me. In math, you'll basically be given lesson plans and will have a ton of support on campus, which is really nice.