Transitioning to a Teaching Career
Mid-career professionals who are ready for a change are increasingly considering a career in teaching. Anyone wondering about transitioning into a teaching career from another profession should first consider their reasons for wanting to become a teacher.
Passion for a subject
Many people pursue teaching to motivate the younger generation in an area that they feel a real passion for and want to inspire students' interest in the subject. These professionals can make excellent teachers once they learn how to connect with and teach students.
Job security
Some mid-career professionals have endured layoffs and setbacks and are looking for a career with more job security. For these professionals, it's worth it to take some extra time to make sure there's an aptitude for teaching and running a classroom. The only thing more frustrating than a layoff is spending time and money on a career certification that is not a good fit.
Doing good
Other lateral teachers decide to pursue a teaching career so that they can help students and school districts in need. There is a tremendous need for good teachers in high need areas, and the desire to help these under-served students and schools is a noble one. It's a good idea to spend time volunteering in the schools in these areas, to get a really good idea of what is needed in a teacher at these schools.
Next step: Certification
The biggest obstacle to transitioning into teaching is getting certified, but that has become easier for career changers. The Department of Education continues to report a shortage of teachers, especially in the fields of science, math and technology, and as a result there are programs in almost all states that support professionals who want to make the change to teaching.
The typical route of getting certified by attending a university program is still an option, but can take anywhere from 2-3 years depending on the school and state requirements. Alternative ways of getting a certificate have sprung up and are now well supported by the Dept. of Education. They recognize mid-career professionals who want to teach have a lot to offer. And because of their expertise, knowledge and life experience, they don't always need the same four-year program that someone starting out in school would need.
For example, many states have started programs that provide a summer of training, followed by a position in a school in the fall-- with full time salary. The new teacher continues evening and weekend training, while teaching, that eventually leads to certification. And for those who already have advanced degrees, salaries will typically start higher, even before they've achieved certification.
While many of these programs tie their admission to placement in high-needs schools, not all do. A mid-career professional might be able to apply to the district of their choice, depending on the subject taught. Anyone applying to schools should consider getting expert advice on a teaching resume, such as that offered at Resumes-For-Teachers.com and TeachingResumes.org Different careers have different expectations about what a resume should include, so it pays to make sure a resume makes a great first impression.
Each program is different and there are stipulations and requirements within each state office of instruction, but for all programs, the goal is allowing professionals at mid-career into the classroom as soon as possible and supporting them in training that will lead to teacher certification.
- -- Posted by KH Gal on Wed, Jul 31, 2013, at 7:38 AM
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