Misty Said:

I am a Social worker and want to change careers and teach. Should I consider being a sub first?

We Answered:

You should know something about substitute teachers... some of them have been subbing for years thinking they have their foot in the door. Trouble is, good substitutes can be hard to find, and some administrators would rather hire a teacher from outside the district to keep that good substitute available. Not fair, is it? But that's the reality of how some administrators practice. My recommendation, if you can afford to quit your job, why not go full-time at getting your teacher degree. Instead of subbing all day, you can go to school all day as well as in the evening. You just might have the degree a whole lot faster. If you need income, I'd stick with the social work for now... sub pay isn't very good, and if you don't believe me, call around. Plus subs don't get health insurance or benefits... I presume you do as a social worker.

Max Said:

Central Florida Teaching job opportunities in Elementary Education?

We Answered:

Its still hard to get a job, but its getting easier. I taught in Oviedo 4 years ago but I moved to North FL. You take the Teacher Certification exam before you get the temporary license, but I believe thats all you take.

Shannon Said:

Can anyone suggest what subjects/areas are in demand in the teaching profession& How to be a certified teacher

We Answered:

Florida has so many students that almost everything is in demand, especially, math, science, English as a second language, and special ed., which are in high demand nationwide. Super high demand will be for combo of of special ed and one other high demand area.

If you want to teach in Florida, you need to meet the teaching certification standards in Florida. Every state has its own standards.

Florida's procedures for getting into the school system seem fairly. Check the state's education department web site for details.

Your tutoring might help on a resume, but you need the credentials from the state first before you can apply for a teaching job.

Andrea Said:

I have a business degree, but want to change careers and go into teaching... any advice?

We Answered:

Congratulations on your decision. You'll find that you WILL feel good about teaching. Its stressful difficult work, but very satisfying. I also teach in CA - here are the steps you need to take:

You need a BA - I'm assuming you have this already.

You need to enroll and complete a teacher credentialing program. Many Universities have this. Prior to entrance, they often ask for some things::

passage of CBEST (a basic skills test)
http://www.cbest.nesinc.com/

a decision on what level you want to teach (elementary or secondary)

subject matter verification (test to prove you know the subject you will be teaching)
http://www.cset.nesinc.com/

The program is usually two years and must include coursework, verification of subject matter competence (cset test) and a student teacher portion. Here is a sample program:
http://centerx.gseis.ucla.edu/TEP/Progra…
(if you click on application - youll see the exam requirements prior to enrollment)

Now there are alternative routes to teaching - the above is the most common for new teachers.

Some school districts have what are called District interns - you are placed in a classroom, and you do you coursework at nights all paid by the district. The agreement is that you usually stick with the district for at least 5 years. Thios is only common in big districts where there is need for specific teachers. Here is my districts info on that:
http://www.teachinla.com/cert/types_dist…

There is another alternate route: University interns. very common to the above, but in this case the uni partners with a district in need to fill spots. you usually pay for this, but are placed in a classroom while in the program.
http://centerx.gseis.ucla.edu/TLA/index.…

confusing? yes. but it will be worth it. Here is the web site that has all the information: (state of california credentialing board)
http://www.ctc.ca.gov/

click on find out how to be a teacher upper left.
good luck to you!