Question regarding education for becoming an elementary school teacher?

Question

I posted a question earlier asking what major I need for this, and I received a response saying I need Teacher Education major. I tried looking for this major in my college, but it doesn't have this major, and most of the colleges that do have it are either too far away or don't fit my criteria. I have two questions:

The college that I go to has many majors similar to Teacher Education (or at least I think they're similar). "Child Development B.A. with Elementary Subject Matter Option" was in the list - does this go for elementary school teachers? If not, what suggestions do you have, and what are the BEST POSSIBLE majors/education I can get to become an elementary school teacher?

Also, do you know any good colleges or universities (again, best possible) in southern California for this profession that are not religious schools? I need several options to choose from so that I can choose one closest to my home.

eastacademic · Accepted Answer

20 year Los Angeles teacher here -

You have received very bad information.

The sad part is - that within education, you are going to have to do alot of the legwork yourself and must know who to trust. Here are the basics:

You need a state issued credential. The major in college does not affect this - as credentialing is graduate work. elementary teacher s can have any liberal arts bachelors. (secondary teachers must have a BA/BS in their subject. Once you have completed your BA (or very close to finishing) you apply to the graduate school teacher credentialing program. This program will supply you with all the curriculum and methods courses you need and will offer student teaching. You will also need to pass various tests - your program will help you with the specifics.

Most reputable schools do not offer undergraduate teacher majors - as the state has not approved many. Beware of any school that says anything about undergraduate teaching in California. What you will find ( for some way too late) in that the fine print is they offer the "major" but will not meet state requirements and leave you out on your own. Avoid schools that offer early childhood - this does not lead to k-12.. its day care and tutoring and is a money grab from the unsuspecting.

Here are some important sites:

The cal state system is our states solution to teacher recruitment - see it here: (any campus - you are in socal - so Cal State LA...)

http://www.calstateteach.net/

UCLA has a well respected program and assists on placement once finished:

http://centerx.gseis.ucla.edu/teacher-education

The most important site for you: Our states credentialing board - on it, you can find all credentialing requirements, approved programs etc. - dont rely on anyones suggestions- see the real info here:

http://www.ctc.ca.gov/

edit:

elementary teachers teach all subjects. major doesnt matter - its the credential that matters. Your major - liberal arts - will help you pass all the tests. Minors dont matter either - if you want to teach music - you simply express the desire to do so when hiring.

hillabush · Answer

ask numerous faculties on their perspectives, they could have the flexibility to tell you in the event that they hire those with a criminal historic previous or no longer, they gets a police examine besides so it extremely is going to maximum possibly bypass on what you probably did as an occasion they proboly wont hire you in case you have been violent, yet once you have had no offenses when you consider that then and tell them the fact they could hire you

Trending News

Question regarding education for becoming an elementary school teacher?

2 Answers