Going back to school for teaching! Some questions....

I recently registered for Dowling's Special Education Graduate Program and had a few questions....

My undergrad is not in education so i am not yet certified....for those of you who were in the same boat, how long did the whole process take you? When did you take your NY state exams? For those who went to Dowling for your Masters, did you like the program?

TIA!

Re: Going back to school for teaching! Some questions....

I finished in a year and a half. I had a great experience at Dowling. I took the LAST during my first semester and took the other two in my last semester. They are easy exams. I am sure you will do wonderful!!

Message edited 8/20/2007 10:04:26 PM.

Re: Going back to school for teaching! Some questions....

I did not go to Dowling so I have no opinion there. But I did go back to school for teaching after working in business for 5 years. I started taking classes in the summer of 2004 while still working in the business field. I left my job and started substitute teaching in January of 2005. I did that so that I could work when I wanted and still take classes and do my observations/student teaching. I gradutated January of this year and I am starting my first full time position in 2 weeks! But I have workeda couple long term substitute teaching positions. But technically it took me about 3 years to make the full transition from one career to another. Keep in mind that I got married and moved in that time so I probably could have done it quicker had a been more agressive with taking classes. It was a lot to juggle at times. Plus I dragged out the semester when I had to observe other teachers because I wanted to make money and substitute teach instead. Also, I had to take two undergraduate liberal arts classes because my program said that my business degree did not include as many as they required.

Anyway, I took the ATSW and LAST after only having taken 1 education class. I just went through the review book once. I took the CST within the last year. I used the review book for that too but I definitely think it paid to have gone through the majority of my program first.

I don't know what your plans are but once you complete hald of your program your school can apply on your behalf for an internship licence. This will allow you to get a full time teaching job in NYC as long as you complete your masters within 2 years.

Hope some of this is helpful. Good luck! Going back to school was the best thing I could have done for myself.

Re: Going back to school for teaching! Some questions....

I went to dowling for secondary ed math. I had a BS in business so I was changing fields.

I loved dowling. I had great professors and I learned so much.

As a first year teacher, many of my colleges were impressed in my knowledge and preparedness.

I started my masters in Oct 04 (in the late start classes) and finished with everything at the end of July 05.

Re: Going back to school for teaching! Some questions....

I went to Dowling for a Master's Degree in secondary education. It wasn't the best program, but it was easy. Many of the courses were elementary based. Most classes had only one or two papers and no exams. What are you going to teach?

Re: Going back to school for teaching! Some questions....

Re: Going back to school for teaching! Some questions....

Re: Going back to school for teaching! Some questions....

Thanks, everyone!!

Re: Going back to school for teaching! Some questions....

i went the exact same route. It took me from september 02 to decemeber 03 to take 46 or 49 credits. i took the tests in april of 03 (took them on the same day). I suggest that you take the tests whenever you can...get them out of the way. The Barrons book was awesome for studying.

Good luck!