AboutDebba Robinson Expertise I can answer questions about reading at all levels, English as a Second Language, elementary math, science and social studies as well as general education matters. Individuals interested in teaching in international schools can contact me for information on how to begin the process of looking for jobs overseas.
Experience I have been teaching for 30 years with a MEd in Reading and Language Arts, a BA in Elementary Education. For 6 years I taught computer to grades K-8. I have taught in combined grades (K-2 and 2-3 splits)in the US and overseas. The bulk of my elementary experience is in second and third grades, although I've taught K, 1, 2, 3 and 5 as a self-contained experience. Twenty-two years of my experience teaching has been in international schools in Africa and Asia.
Education/Credentials MEd. in Reading and Language Arts
BA in Elementary Education Certified principal K-12. Currently the director of the American International School of Niamey, Niger.
Question I am currently attending Devry University and concentrating on getting a business degree. My first question is, have you heard of the school and if so what do you think about it? I was told many employers do not consider a degree from Devry being a "real" degree. Second question, i am interested in teaching physical education and was wondering if i could use my business degree to get a teaching job at a private school? or do i need a teaching degree?
thanks
Answer Dear Nick,
Yes, I have heard of Devry and yes, my impression is that it is a diploma mill. What you need to check is their accreditation. Generally the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, New England Association of Schools and Colleges and other such prestigious accrediting agencies would need to be on their documents in order to get the respect needed to be a 'real' degree. There ARE other agencies, and the best way to check them out, I would guess, is to go via the Better Business Bureau and find out which ones are legit.
The answer to your second question is 'it depends'. Private schools operate under different rules from public schools and can hire people who don't have degrees in some cases. Your experience might pave the way to get in without a degree / teaching certificate. But, even PE has specific things taught when getting the degree and would eventually be important to you if that is what you want to do. Teaching techniques and classroom management skills are a MUST - and those classes will prepare you for some of what you will encounter when you begin teaching.
Some states offer certification with proof of life skills ... I taught computer for 6 years without a specific IT credential and, had I chosen to pursue it, could have earned it based on those 6 years of experience. But, I already held a BA and M. Ed in the field of education.
So, my best advice to you is to find a college or university that will recognize some of the classes you have already taken at Devry (I imagine you might get a little bit of credit, anyway) and then move toward what you want to do. You don't indicate where you live but I will highly recommend the schools I attended: Plymouth State University in Plymouth, NH; University of Vermont in Burlington, VT; Muskingum College in New Concord, OH. They all offer a variety of options for obtaining degrees and certification to teach, and can advise you much better than I.
