About Angela Kus Expertise I can answer questions pertaining to English Literature and Grammar. I can also help in the areas of Communications, Radio/Media, Journalism, Yearbook, and Drama. I have many innovative teaching ideas and am excited to be able to share them.
Experience I have taught English Literature, Grammar, Communications, Radio/Media, Journalism, Yearbook, and Drama in some capacity since 2000. I have taught for the past 3 years in the Chicago Public School system at underserved schools in inner city neighborhoods. Prior to this, I was a TA at my university and was a primary instructor in a class which helped education majors develop an online portfolio. Prior to that, I worked at a TA in a Chicago elementary school in grades pre-K, Kdg, and 6-8.
Education/Credentials B.A. English/Secondary Education with an unfinished minor in Mass Communications/Radio Broadcast from St. Xavier University
I have over 200 University credit hours accumulated from UIC and SXU in the areas of English, Secondary Education, Communications, Mass Communications/Radio Broadcast, Drama, Journalism, Philosophy, History, and Political Science.
Question I currently have a BSBA in Accounting and Business Law. I've considered a career change. I'd like to know where I can find information about how to get started with Teaching. I've heard that in the state of NC, all one has to have to be an Assistant Teacher is a 2-year degree. Do you know where I can find relevant information for this, and do you have any advice about getting started?
Answer Hello, Stella. First, I'd like to thank you for your question and commend you for your moxie in considering changing your career to teaching. The first step you would need to take is to find a college or university in your area that has a reputable education program. You did not specify, but I am assuming you desire to go into secondary education (high school). In that case, you would most likely get your MA in Secondary Education, and one of the best schools for that in NC is North Carolina Central University (www.nccu.edu/academics/). I'm not sure how close that is to you, or if you're already familiar with their program, but it is a start.
In most states, all one needs to be a TA (Teacher's Assistant) is 30 credit hours and a BA or BS to be a substitute. These are both viable options to consider while pursuing your teaching certification. I myself was a teacher's assistant and a substitute while obtaining my certification - I did not find it fulfilling or satisfying and couldn't wait to be certified so I could run my own classroom the way I wanted! Each person differs, though, so I would say try it out and see how you like it.
As far as obtaining relevant information regarding your state board of education's regulations regarding teachers, go to their website: http://www.ncpublicschools.org/state_board/ and check it out. There are also a number of programs, such as TeachAmerica that allow you to start teaching immediately while you pursue your degree - just something else to consider. If you'd like more information on TeachAmerica or similar programs, let me know and I will do my best to track it down for you.
Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any further questions.
