Question(s) for Teachers!

Hi Everyone,

I have a BA in Sociology and I have decided to go back to school for elementary ed. Can anyone tell me the best way to go about obtaining a teacher's certification....and where did you all go for your masters? Any info you can provide me with would be extremely helpful!

TIA!!!

Re: Question(s) for Teachers!

I'd cross post on the Teacher Board...
I had my BA in Sociology as well.
I started my MA in Elem Ed the year after my undergrad.
I did my MA in two years while being a TA.
I went to LIU.

That was a while ago, and Im sure there are more/different programs now.

Re: Question(s) for Teachers!

Good for your for following your dreams.

I'm assuming you're in NY? You want to sign up for the LAST exam. It's a liberal arts exam, relatively easy. It is the first (and easiest) of the 3 major NYS exams. You'll also have to take the ATS-W (more about teaching methods, situations, than content), and the CST (Content specialty test) - Multi-Subject. I would say that's the hardest of the 3, but you can get a review book at Borders. http://www.nystce.nesinc.com/

As for a master's program, I helped research a lot when Rich was choosing last year - he ended up with CUNY Queens College for a Special Ed degree. The cost was by far the most affordable. CW Post had a nice program, but it was $$$.

It is my understanding that if you didn't major in education, you'll have to get some more undergrad classes in education under your belt before they allow you into the grad courses. Elementary education masters can be obtained in either Literacy or Special Ed. Choose one!

Re: Question(s) for Teachers!

Re: Question(s) for Teachers!

This is helpful....thanks so much!

Re: Question(s) for Teachers!

Once you in enroll in a grad. program in education they will tell you what tests you need and when you should take them. you already have a bachelors so any "prerequisites" will be encompassed in your grad. program.

I HIGHLY recommend getting a dual certification, not just elem. ed. it is so hard to get a job with just that certfiication. i would still get it, but also get a certification in literacy (reading) or special education. it is VERY hard to get a job in just elem. ed. i went on several interviews a few years ago. i have elem. ed. and special ed. certification and NOT ONE interview was for regular ed. i now teach special ed. and i love it. look for a grad. program that will give you both (many, if not most , will) it may be more credits, but FAR WORTH IT in my opinion.

Re: Question(s) for Teachers!

Re: Question(s) for Teachers!

I have heard this from a few people now and I totally agree that this is the way to go. Which do you think I would be better of with....Literacy or special ed? I have not yet decided.

Thanks for your help!


i would say special ed... ONLY because there are probably more job openings in that area and it frees you to work in early intervention (special ed. services before kindergarten) ifyou want to go that route.

However, that said, you need to choose what makes you happy. special ed. children need someone who can deal with them... they often need a lot of patience, love and consistency and structure... it can be very hard work depending on the severity of their diabilities. you should do what your heart calls you do...

i wouldn't go into special ed. just because the job market is better. that won't console you when a kid throws a chair at you, the 5th grader you've been working with for 12 months is STILL counting 2 +3 on her fingers or the boy with autism keeps banging his head on the table every day.... you have to stick it out with them....

(FYI: the above stories are true!)

Re: Question(s) for Teachers!

I would get information from all the colleges you are thinking about. I went to Queens because it had what I needed and it was affordable. Good luck!

Message edited 8/14/2007 9:24:48 PM.