Expert: Bonnie Shimmin - 10/15/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

I am thinking of a career change.  Currently, I am working as an analyst in investment company and interested in becoming a teacher. I would like to start as a tutor or substitute teacher.  I know I will need to take the CBEST.  After that I am clueless of what I need to do.  Could you please direct me to the right direction.

ANSWER: Dear Ing,

Congratulations in your decision to enter the teaching field.  The first thing you need to do is find a local Cal State University (CSU) or UC and make an appointment with a counselor in the education department.  Private colleges would also be fine, but I've always been a big fan of public schools, so my answers are usually predicated on public schools.  

The college counselor will be able to help you decide what would be best for you in terms of credentialing and what classes you will need.  You don't say if you would prefer upper or lower grades, and that's very important in terms of credentials.  For upper grades (7-12), you need to have a BA or BS in the discipline you wish to teach.  If you were a math major in college, and want to teach math, your services would be very much in demand.  But don't ignore lower grades; those kids can be tremendously fun and rewarding to teach.  

Your college or university counselor will be able to tell you when the next CBEST test is being offered.  Take advantage of any CBEST tutoring before the test, just to make sure you know what's being expected of you.  When you pass the test, you will need to apply at local school districts for substitute teaching positions.  In order to get the most varied experience, don't limit your choices for substituting.  Years ago when I was subbing, I learned that I never wanted to teach homemaking, but I might want to teach special education - only because I really needed as many jobs as I could find at the time.  

As for tutoring, there are many private companies that offer tutoring services as extended learning opportunities in public schools.  There are also companies that offer tutoring services at storefront locations.  First go to the Career Center at your college to see what is being offered in terms of tutoring jobs.  I think that would be your best move.  In order to substitute teach, you'll need to pass the CBEST first, but tutoring usually doesn't require that.

Let me know if you need more advice or further clarification.

Good Luck,
Bonnie



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I already have a bachelor degree in Business Administration emphasis in Finance.  What is the quickest way to get credentials.  I would like to teach grade school.

Answer
Dear Ing,

Even with a BA or BS, you still need to go to a college to get into a credential program, in order to get a full time job as an elementary school teacher.  Some colleges offer internship programs where you can teach (and get a salary) at the same time you are taking classes to finish your credential.  It depends on where you are located and what is available at your local colleges.  The credentialing will take at least a year or more, depending upon how quickly you take your classes.  Many people substitute teach or work for a tutoring company while taking classes.  There are tutoring jobs on Craigslist and other online job search lists too, but the college career center is a better bet for obtaining leads on openings.  Having a BA or BS degree is not required for tutoring, so you will be more qualified than some of the folks you will be competing against.

Bonnie