You Can Become a Teacher Without a Degree in Education

Teaching is a wonderful profession with high rewards. Of course, it has its challenges, but overall, it is an impactful career with flexibility. It is no secret that our nation is facing a teaching shortage. Mostly because many educators are leaving education for better opportunities. As mentioned, being an educator is a challenging role. For many reasons, I won't go into detail in this blog post. Maybe another blog post for another time :). However, a challenge for the world of education is many folks interested in teaching may not know they can teach without a degree in education. I did not have a degree in education. My two degrees are family & human development as well as public service & public policy. I did not dream of entering a classroom because I did know it was possible without an education degree.

Fortunately, if you have an undergraduate degree (no matter what major) you can enter the classroom. There are a couple of ways to achieve this.

Get your certification from your state's department of education- Most states offer alternative pathways to earning a teacher certification if you did not graduate with an undergraduate degree in education. Because of the said teacher shortages, states are allowing college graduates from accredited colleges to seek pathways to the classroom. For example, I live in the state of Georgia. As I mentioned, I did not graduate with an education degree. In order to become eligible to teach in Georgia, I had to take several exams. In Georgia, it is known as the GACE (Georgia Assessment for the Certification of Educators) exam. I had to do a program admission exam (general knowledge exam), a content exam (an exam that specialized in the knowledge of the content area you would like to teach), and an educator ethics exam. I also had to apply to an organization that certifies educators, and I had to submit proof of my undergraduate degree.

Once I took all exams and finished my certification application, I was awarded a provisional one-year teaching certification. This would allow me to enter the classroom (with no formal training), but I had to enroll in a teacher preparation program (yes, I had to pay for this) during the first year in the classroom. This program included coursework & observations. Once I graduate from this program, I will be awarded a five-year renewable teaching certification.

Recap:

• Check your state's department of education for teacher certification requirements

• Apply and see the necessary steps

• Take necessary exams

• You may need to enroll in a teacher preparation program

• Apply for jobs!

Teach for America- Teacher for America is a non-profit organization that recruits college graduates and places them in high-need areas around the country. There is about a 3-month application process for Teach for America. According to Teach for America, they are highly selective and only accept about 15% of applicants.

Teach for America (TFA) claims to train you in becoming a teacher, but many corps members have complained that the training is not enough to prepare someone to step into the classroom. Additionally, they help you get hired in a school and will set up the interview for you. Teach for America also helps you understand the necessary certifications needed to teach in the state you will teach in. Teach For America provides assistance through the state certification process. Meaning that you must go through the above process (state requirements) in addition to TFA training and requirements. Teach for America also provides stipends to help future teachers get settled. Lastly, the commitment lasts about two years and once you've finished you may qualify for ~ $12,000 in educational grants.

Recap:

• 3-month application process

• 2-year commitment

• You will be placed in a high-need school (this is most likely an impoverished school)

• TFA helps you with the necessary steps to get certified as an educator in your state

• TFA sets up interviews for you with their partner schools

• You may qualify for ~$12k in educational grants if you sign up with Americorps

• Depending on your state, you may still need to enroll in a teacher preparation program

The need for teachers is understated. I love this career because I am making a difference in the lives of my students. Additionally, it also provides a creative and management outlet for me. Which I thoroughly enjoy.

I highly suggest teaching as a career! It is highly rewarding, and it is educating the children of the future. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out!

Much love,

Vanessa