Certifications

I am already certified to teach in grades 1-6. I am thinking of getting certified in ESL, Special Ed. or Literacy. Which one do think will open more doors for me in terms of finding a job? Thanks!

Re: Certifications

in terms of finding a job, i would say special ed. there are a lot more special educators in a school than say reading teachers or ESL teachers. HOwever, special ed. can be very difficult. to be happy in the job, i think you really need to want to work with those types of kids. if you're just getting the certification to get a job, you might end up miserable.

however, it does give you a lot of knowledge on ALL kids because even as a general ed. teacher, you work with kids with special needs... some may be pulled for resource room or other services, but you still work with them for the rest of the day.

i teach in a self-contained/inclusion for part of the day class. I love it. feel free to FM if you have any quesitons.

Re: Certifications

I know if NYC ESL is hard to find someone with certification, but at the same time, it's like one position per school. I will be honest, it was special ed. that got me through the door. I am dually certified and although now I teach first grade, the spec. ed cert. got me my interview and pretty much A JOB!