Expert: Michael Wall Date: 7/6/2008 Subject: How to become a private school teacher?
Question Hi!
I'm a recent college graduate with a BA in Anthropology and I am seriously considering going into teaching either english, philosophy, history, spanish or french (basically anything besides math or science, i'm not very secure in either of thse subjects). My question concerns what steps I need to take to become a marketable private school teacher. I am more than willing to go after a Masters degree, in fact I have been planning on doing so, but I do not know what subject I should pursue, what degree will be most useful. I have heard about intern-teaching positions at various private schools, but have missed the deadlines for them for this year. Any advice you might have would be so useful, thank you so much.
In general terms, I have always said to questioners and those in my classes when I taught on the college level that being certified is much better than not being certified. Not only does it prepare one to teach, it also strengthens one's knowledge in a subject area by placing them in the position of having to decide what part of their knowledge needs to be passed along, the process of adding to their knowledge (nobody knows everything, a HUGE piece of advice from me is, no matter the age of the students of the nature of the information, NEVER make up an answer. Kids love when the teacher admits they don't know, and look forward to hearing the results of the teacher's search, or even to have that search as an extra credit assignment.) to satisfy the curriculum, and discovering new ways to help younger minds not only grasp concepts, but in a way that keeps them engaged. Bored kids do not learn, plain and simple. Certification helps with all these things and more.
In addition, I have some thoughts on your specific situation.
1) There are lots of ways to get certified, and many areas. For instance, with a BA in Anthropology and (it seems) an interest group that includes History, you could work for a certification in History. (This might require certain extra history courses, depending on your transcripts.) But there are options- fun options. You don't mention age/grades. A Social Studies certification combines subjects for a range of possibilities such as History, Geography, Civics and....Anthropology! It might be a way to fold in your education with other interests to have a teaching area that you have a passion about.
2) Don't plan on ONLY a career in teaching in private schools. Think teacher in general, and it gives you options down the road. Some states require eventually earning a Master's degree in anything, but some require it in the area of certification. You will want to check your state and perhaps a list of reciprocal agreements your state has with other states.
3) If you have the chance, I would look into certification now. See how the schedule of classes and student teaching would combine with work (if you need to)and other obligations. My program was simultaneous with a M.Ed., but it will be different with every college and program.
4) No internship? How about volunteering? Especially if you are in a certification program, offering to volunteer in the classroom will help you gain insight into the day-to-day work and some of the tricks and processes these teachers have developed over the years.
