Fast-track way to switch careers and become an elementary school teacher or reading specialist??

[Anonymous]

I'm having a hard time finding good information about this online and have a million questions.

I have a BS and MS in Civil Engineering and have 11 years of experience in federal consulting. I love kids and had always thought about being a teacher, but did not give serious thought to it until now as I'm getting really burned out with this consulting stuff. My biggest concern is how long it would take me to switch careers (and how much $$ schooling and tests will cost as I will make significantly less as a teacher in the end -- although figuring it's worth it though to do something more fulfilling and to be home earlier in the evenings for the kids).

Due to my engineering degree and all the math I had to take, I've heard people say that it would be relatively easy for me to get certified as a middle school or high school math teacher, but I don't think that's really my calling, even though I do love math. I just don't think I have the patience to deal with that age group (kudos to those of you who do it on a daily basis!!). I think I am most interested in a lower grade such as 1st/2nd/3rd.

Anyone know of the best way to fast-track this? Do you have to teach prior to being a reading specialist? I really think that being a reading specialist would be rewarding but figure the jobs are probably pretty hard to get. Any reading specialists out there?

Also would love to hear from anyone who moved from consulting to teaching -- was it not what you expected?

If it matters, due to my location (Arlington) and having two small children, I'm open to working either in Virginia (preferably Arlington County or Alexandria City, possibly Fairfax) or DC schools. Is it easier to get certified in the District and then move to VA schools later?

TIA!

[Anonymous]

I'm not a teacher but have a few in my family/family in-law.

My impressions are:
1) Everyone wants to teach elementary school, so jobs are more scarce. But, if you are male that may be in your favor to find a spot.
2) Teaching, even at that early level, comes with many headaches about teaching to tests, scores, etc.
3) Looking for jobs at schools where "no one" wants to teach could help you get a spot - would you be at all interested in teaching underprivileged kids and/or kids with behavior issues (like not a mainstream school)?
4) My SIL has had a Masters in Education and Special Ed for nearly 3 years and has yet to find a permanent position, she has been doing various subbing and leave replacement gigs. That's in NY - maybe it's different here.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, PP. Those are some good thoughts. I was definitely worried about the whole "teaching to the tests" thing.

I'm female, by the way.

[Anonymous]

Could you try moonlighting as a middle-school/high school math tutor to see how you actually like it? I have a friend who used to be an engineer who now teaches math and science at a private high school--the kids are still kids, but they want to learn and are generally well-behaved. As with most teachers, she likes teaching and hates dealing with the administration at the school.

[Anonymous]

15:04 - That's an interesting idea. I actually have a neighbor who is a teacher at a private school that has grades 7-12. I should ask her about it.

[Anonymous]

It would be much easier to get a job as a math teacher at middle/high school level than elementary reading specialist.

[Anonymous]

Teach for America

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It would be much easier to get a job as a math teacher at middle/high school level than elementary reading specialist.

What state will you be in? In many states it's relatively easy to add certifications in different subjects/levels once you have one certification. If you're willing to teach in a high need subject/school, you would have more luck. Look into The New Teacher Project and I believe GMU has a career switcher program. If you're up for teaching in PG and DC, there are likely more options. However, it will still be harder to get an elementary school position. Adding a SPED or ELL certification would likely make you more marketable in that age group, but that would add more classes/time.

[Anonymous]

I did this.
My undergrad degree was in an unrelated field (journalism) and I had worked as a reporter for several years before deciding I wanted to be a teacher. I found the fastest way to do it was to go back to school for a master's in education with certification. I went to Mt. St. Mary's in Emmitsburg, but there are many schools that offer such a program. It took under two years full-time.

Be aware that you will have to spend time (probably a semester) doing your classroom internship, during which time you won't be able to work a normal 40-hour week at your current job.

BTW-- loving kids is great, but it's not necessarily a good reason to become a teacher. And just in case the thought has crossed your mind-- having summers "off" is also not a good reason. You will work fewer hours officially than in other professions, but the hours you're on the job are incredibly stressful, at least the first few years, and you will be bringing home a ton of work every night. I always said that teachers crammed 12 months of work into 10 months. I left teaching after a few years and went back to my original career because teaching was way too stressful for me! But that's not to deter you; many people love it.

[Anonymous]

George Mason's program used to be one or two years (can't recall exactly). You were a sub for Fairfax co. public schools so you gained experience and you made money. At the end of the program I think you earned your Masters or were one or two classes away. To enter the program, you need a bachelors degree at least.

[Anonymous]

The first step would be to spend some time in an elementary school as a volunteer, to see exactly what you will be getting into. The idea of what is like to be a teacher is often different from the reality. Talk to teachers to find out what their likes and dislikes are about the profession, before you commit yourself to starting the training.

In MD, you can take classes 100% online and get a Masters, which will allow you to obtain a teaching certificate in Montgomery County; maybe VA is similar. Walden is a popular school for MoCo career-changing teachers, and they will arrange observations and student teaching opportunities in schools local to you. Their program takes about 2 years. I've been told the cost is less than $30k.

Good luck, OP!

[Anonymous]

How about something like the Center for Inspired Teaching? They have a teaching fellows program. You are not going to get consulting salary - but if you are selected, you have a fellowship to get classroom experience.

[Anonymous]

Hi! I am currently a Literacy Specialist. In order to become a Literacy Specialist, you have to have a degree in Education/teaching certificate, 3-5 years of successful teaching experience, a Master's Degree in Reading Education, and a Reading Specialist Endorsement (this might vary depending on where you live). To move from a a classroom teacher to a Literacy Specialist is quite difficult, as this is a VERY desirable/competitive position. You might want to spend some time on the International Reading Association website (http://www.reading.org) to learn more about the Literacy field. Also, as a Reading Specialist, you most likely will spend very little time teaching students. Most of your time will be spent coaching classroom teachers, leading professional development sessions, and gathering/interpreting student data in order to implement intervention programs. If you are interested in spending the majority of your time working with students, this might not be the position for you. I agree with the other posters, you should definitely spend some time volunteering in an elementary school to learn more about the system and begin to make connections. Finally, you mentioned that you are interested in the the Education field partially due to the desirable work hours. Please do not go into teaching because you think it will be easier than your current job because you will be very disappointed. While your workday may be shorter, you will spend most of your nights lesson planning, grading, writing student reports, attending school functions, meetings, etc.. Also, the pressure that is put on classroom teachers is extremely stressful. Teaching should not be a fall back position because you don't like your current job. It really needs to be a passion, otherwise you will quickly get burnt out, just like you are now.

I hope this helps! I don't mean to to be discouraging, I just think it is good to have your eyes open before venturing into a new field. If you truly are passionate about working in Education, specifically Literacy, I think you should definitely go for it! I absolutely love my job.