Expert: Debba Robinson - 11/26/2006

Question
Dear Ms. Stephanie R,
    My name is Vivian and I am 23 years old.  I have recently finished
University of California, Irvine with a BS in Biology. I am interested
in teaching Biology in Highschools but dont know exactly the pathways
of getting there. My future husband is in the Airforce and would like us
to get married and then I can do my teaching certification/credentials
while living with him. I guess my problem is what to do and what choice
to make.  Should I stay in California to finish the teaching program
and make him wait 2 or more years or can I be with him and finish my
teaching credentials too?  Does getting a teaching credential from a state
means that I can only teach in that state? Is there a difference when I
see teaching certificates and teaching credential?  I truly dont know
what I should because I know it's not fair to make him wait so long and
I know he will be able to provide for me and help me.  There are also
many benefits and help in the military but I dont know enough about the
teacher "world" to make a choice right now.  I hope you can help me.  
Thank you for your time.

-vivian-


Answer
Vivian,

Congrats on your degree!  You need to contact the advisors in the education department.  Every state is different, but once you get your certification (credentials is pretty much the same thing), there is often reciprocity - which means other states will give you a teaching certificate simply with the proof of completion of the education program in your state.  The education department can tell you what states recognize degrees from each other state.

The problem with doing your teaching courses is you will need to be available to do your student teaching.  It is usually a semester long.  Some schools allow you to do it overseas (I had a student teacher from Washington State when I taught in Japan).  You also have to pass a teaching exam for most states nowadays - I don't know much about that as it isn't something I had to do.

In what state will your husband be stationed?  That will play a big role in what you can and can't do.  Once you have an idea of where he will be, I suggest you contact universities in that area and find out who has the courses you need to become a teacher.  They will then answer your specific questions.

Your decision isn't an easy one.  But I am sure you will get the assistance you need when you talk to the university advisors.  Don't wait to get married to begin asking these quesitons - pick any university in your area to begin your quest.

Debba