Happy VD!

a few of you asked how my meeting monday night went.  it went ok.  i was nervous, and when i'm nervous, i get a little shifty eyed.  for some reason, i had hoped to impress this guy, which is dumb since it was just an informational meeting, not an interview or anything.  oh well.

so the information.  i'm a bit disappointed.  for some reason i was under the impression that i could get my teaching license in no time.  but i guess not.  there are a couple of classes to take, some field study sessions that aren't always offered every semester (which kind of makes me want to scream), and tests.  it's possible that i may have to take a couple of biology classes again.  this whole process could take up to two years, which  is very frustrating since once i make a decision, i want to start immediately.  oh well.  if anyone has any advice i'd really appreciate it.

on a more fun note, don't forget to enter my "sock rules contest."  you have until tomorrow, february 15th midnight to enter.  check out the entries here. 

Comments

[Elinor]

HA. OK, so you're in public health trying to go to education. I'm going the other way. :-) And I never took any science in college so I'm in year 2 of science classes with 18-20 year olds. Luckily, it's almost over. I totally understand that frustration of wanting to just DO it and realizing you have to do it slowly over time. When you decide on a career change especially, you want it NOW. I'm totally with you. Best of luck with the certification though. Think of it as a small investment in the rest of your life.

[benedetta]

like Martha said, try private schools!

[Birdsong]

I couldn't figure out where you are located... here in CA there are some alternative ways, like Cal Teach where a person gets hired into a position and goes through the program while teaching. I have an early childhood credential (not special ed) and what is called a Designated Subject credential (meaning I came from industry and can teach only specific subjects related to the jobs I did) and have been teaching adults the past six months, after teaching high school subjects for 8 years and running a childcare program last year. What ages interest you?

[Kate]

Independent Study and long-term substitute positions. the other thing, take the exams for teaching(if you got through college, you can get through these) and start your licensing application. the Boston Public School department is an EXCELLENT resource for becoming a teacher--- they tend to fast track individuals with "life experience" into special programs, like teachign "business skills" and such to kids in high school.

I would make an appt with the DOE and BPS. :)

PS- i am licensed, but i work as a scientist now.

[Scribbles & Bits]

Actually, I just thought of something: is there any chance they would let you do some tutoring or something like that for credit? I'm just thinking maybe they have some labs on the campus that would need tutors and you could do that for credit. Or maybe even if there were an outside organization that they work with/would be willing to work with. Sorry for the double comment thing. It popped into my head right after I clicked the button and it was too late then.

[Scribbles & Bits]

Ugh, I hate the whole "this class that you have to have isn't offered every semester" thing. I don't really have any advice that wouldn't probably sound cliche ("enjoy the journey", "keep your eye on the prize" sort of things, although I mean them, but I know sometimes that's more annoying than helpful or supportive. To me, at any rate, but I'm easily annoyed.)

[claudia]

Remember that there is no prize. It will take as long as it will take.

[Alison]

Sometimes, there are long-term (several months; I just had a friend to finish one of those) substitute jobs and I also think some private schools don't require certification as long as you know your stuff. I always wanted to teach, but don't think I could handle a classroom. I homeschool instead and love watching my kids learn.

[colleen]

It's a lengthy process. Have you considered substitute teaching as a way to see if teaching is really for you? I have known a couple of people who got that certificate, got in a classroom, and thought "No way!"

[meg]

My program is also going to take 2 years - I met with my advisor last week and she wrote my tentative graduation date as Spring 2009. GULP. To keep it in perspective I try to remember that I want to ENJOY being a student again. That yes, I want to work in a special collections/library, but I want to get EVERYTHING out of my further education as I can. And I don't think I would if I rushed it.

So yeah, can you offer yourself as a guest teacher to start to get a taste for it? Martha mentioned private schools - that is a great idea. I am sure you can come up with some good ideas to get your toes in the water! Maybe a tutor?

[Sara]

What about the possibility of doing some kind of independent study instead of having to wait until the sessions are offered?

Crap! I forgot to photograph my socks! *runs off to find some good ones*

[Chris]

I'm like that, too. I started thinking that it would be really cool to have an MS in Library Science and then pummeled myself about the head until I gave up on it. ;)

Wow, the competition is stiff in your contest!

[Kathy]

But, think of that great pension :-) Oh, yeah, plus the ability to shape our future generations.

[Martha]

What about private school? I don't think you need certification for private schools.