Certification talk..

[loveofgame]

All you admin types, I have a question. I'm in a crossroads between getting my Masters or going to an alt type process for teacher certification. There's tons out there, I haven't decided between yet. My question is this..Have you came into contact with people who look down upon this process as many do with online degrees? Coaches, do any of you have alt certifications that have landed jobs easily? If you wish to PM me, please do. Thanks, and god bless.

 

[freeagent]

This goes back several years when I got my alternate certification (I actually did take and pass the 4-8 generalist test, but I decided not to go the public school teaching route ...).

First class day, the speaker was an asst. admin. of a DFW area district and she talked about the job hiring process. I think this was back in about 2009 or so and she said some districts didn't like to hire alt certification teachers but one of the things she said that you could do to improve your chances is to be willing to coach a sport as the first people she hires are the coaches.

After the coaches are hired, then she knows what positions need to be filled with non-coaching teachers.

 

[coachjdjones]

Math has been good to me. Science is also good. A special ed endorsement could get you a lot of jobs too.

 

[Dogface]

Alt cert progs dont even come close to teaching necessary strategies.
If you want the best advanage then go through a college prep prog and or while getting your masters in curriculum and instruction then teach a core class like math or science.

 

[Cline]

I went alt cert. Both in KS and here in TX (to finish). Never had any issues. It is in science though. Also have 4-8 gen. Good endorsements to have.

 

[Dogface]

What'd you decide to do?

 

[coachsatcher]

I have interviewed tons of applicants and have never seen a distinction between the classroom strategies and management of an alternative certification. I went to college and got a degree in secondary education, but when I finally came back to Texas, I did the alt. cert, took and passed the science Texes; and have become a really good science teacher. Of all the people I have seen employed, their certification process has never been the reason for their success or failure. Get certified - any way possible.

 

[loveofgame]

Haven't really decided honestly. Looking at either TAMU-C or teach Texas..

 

[coachsatcher]

web-centric (etools4education) is another good alt. cert.

 

[loveofgame]

Thanks, i will have to research that one.