Expert: Debba Robinson - 2/22/2005

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hi,

I'm hoping you can help me out here or point me in the right direction.  I'm currently working in Finance and definitely want start a teaching career in Pennsylvania.  I just don't know where to start, I have an associates degree in accounting and that's it.  Any advice?  Thanks for your time.
Answer -
Dear Kelli,

First of all, contact the Pennsylvania State Department of Education at http://www.pde.state.pa.us/.  On the left you will see a link to Teaching in PA.  I'm sure they will have information there that will send you in the right direction.

I went to Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio.  They had an excellent teacher certification program when I was there and I hear it has added a lot of positive changes over the years.  Any teaching certificate you get there will be honored in PA along with many other states via reciprocity.  

Also, Plymouth State University in New Hampshire has an excellent program.  Again, they have reciprocity with PA.  I'm not sure of the colleges and universities in Pennsylvania, but I expect that you could get that information at your public library or by contacting the Dept. of Ed. directly.  

I hope these get you off and running.  Best of luck to you.  Please let me know if I can be of anymore assistance.

Debba

Thanks Debra,

Since I only have an Associates degree, I would have to get a Bachelor's degree, right?  Do they offer B.A.'s in Education, or could it be in any subject? Then from there, I would get a teaching certificate?  PA's website is not very clear on what I need to do, which is why I'm asking additional questions, however, I can contact them directly if need be.  Again, thanks for your time..

Answer
Dear Kelli,

Different universities do it differently. Muskingum College, when I attended, didn't have education as a major, so I had to major in something else (Speech for me) and minor in elementary education.  My sister went into secondary and chose Math as her major - then just did the required education courses to round out her minor.  

Plymouth State University, on the other hand, offers Education as a major.  I would assume that it's a BA or BS in Education.  You might find it much easier to call each of these schools and get their information as a jumping-off point - then explore schools closer to you.  

Or, if you have some schools near you, contact them and ask them directly.  

Good luck.  You may find you simply have to take a few additional courses and complete student teaching, since you already have an Associate's Degree.

Debba