Future Teacher

Yeah! Credentialing is fun! I still don't officially have my clear as I am an out of state student and don't have the funds to go back to school yet (nor the time). As for schools, check the website for the archdiocese of Los Angeles. That is where they post most openings for their private schools. I am teaching at a private all-boys school and maybe the pay isn't great, but the reward is. I am actually teaching and the students are normal - not a rich, fancy school. I love it! But ...mine is high school. Good luck and try looking at the website for the archdiocese of LA.

C.,
I've been a teacher for 10 years. If you're in the LA area, CSUN has the best credential program. They also have an internship program that allows you to teach full time and get your credential at the same time. Unfortunately, you are trying to get into teaching at a tough time. The budget cuts have displaced may public school teachers. As far as private school goes, you will just have to get out there and see whats out there. You could always try substitute teaching.
Good Luck!

I have found the whole process to be frustrating as well. You could be a doctor by the time you are done taking classes.I also went to National University to clear my credential( I took the monthly online courses each summer)...because once you complete the credentialing process and start teaching you need to take more classes or go through a program if you teach at a public school. Even if you get hired without your credential, it is worth enrolling in a program. My friend who didn't have a credential was let go even though she had been teaching longer than another friend who was enrolled in a credential program. With the economy the way it is, enrollment at private schools is declining, and so teachers are being let go. The person below had great advice about looking at the LA archdiocese. Good luck!

Hello future hula hoop jumper (that is what I call those that are trying to become teachers since we have to jump through so many hoops to become one!) I am a HS Spanish teacher but I got my BS out of state and had to get my credential done here since they wouldn't accept here unless I also taught there for five years. Needless to say I came back here and found a credentialing program so that I could teach and go to school at night. I went to National University (they have campuses all over and have a one year credentialing program). Their classes are a bit pricey (a took out an educational loan b/c each class is like $1100) but I loved the month by month format. I took classes (one per month) on either T/Th or M/W from 5:30 - 10 (usually they'd let us out by 9:30) with the final Saturday morning being a final--but I loved finishing a class each month. It also meant that if I had a really crazy month that I could take a month off! They do have 2 week summer school classes that are crazy but nice too! They also have online classes.
Another option that my brother-in-law did this past year was Long Beach State--I don't know if that is too far away for you but he got his done last year and then taught this year.

Here is the address for National http://www.nu.edu/ so you can find a campus near you. I really liked my teachers (well, all but one ;) ) and it was the perfect program that fit my needs. They also have a program that you could get your masters in Education with only 5-6 more classes which (in most districts) puts you over 4 or 5 steps on the pay scale (and in my district that is a lot of money!!!)

Check it out! :) And, good luck with your hoop jumping! I do love teaching so the "hoops" were worth it in the end!

-A. :)

I am currently a public high school teacher, but when I first moved to CA (14 years ago) CA wouldn't accept my NY credential so I had to do many of CA's stupid requirements here. I started teaching at private school (k=8) as the computer teacher. I basically called every private school in the phone book until one hired me (on the spot -- in August!) There are plenty of private schools, but they each have their own standards as far as what education you must have. Faith based schools often require that you are a member of that church or religious institution. Also try looking to see if LA has free publications such as OC Parenting -- it is full of adds for privates schools -- call them all. Try looking on line as well. Maybe you could ride the bus around you area and just look to see what you find -- that is how I found the private school my daughter now attends.

Clearly public school pay better, but due to budget cuts, we have a hiring freeze at my school now.

Good luck.

Hi C.,
I live in Lakewood, CA. I have an Occupational Therapy degree and couldn't find a position that was not full time (with 3 school aged children) so I opted to substitute in Los Angeles special education. I ended up longterm and had to take 6 units toward a degree in teaching to stay in my position. I found National U in their short summer sessions worked well because I found it hard to teach full time and do homework. Anyway, I they keep adding to the requirements and if you don't take a course for more than one year (which I did one year) they put you on a new catalog with more requirements.
If you are a Christian, I would try the Christian schools. If they have openings although the pay may be a little lower, they may take you without a credential, but even the private eventually seem to want you to get a degree.
Now I will sound like Dr. Laura, but if you don't have to work and can stay at home until the 3 year old starts school fulltime, it would be best for him. It would also give you time to work on a credential. Some of your undergraduate work should count toward the master's degree. Make sure you find out what credits will carry over or you can test out of. Then when your youngest starts school, you can teach and have vacation when he does:) That's why I enjoyed the teaching schedule.
One other thought, you could substitute and that "get's your foot in the door" but you will eventually need a teaching credential. So if you don't find a position right away after you get the credential, substitute at the schools you would like to teach at.
H.

Dear C.,
I am going to CSULB for a degree in English and later for a secondary single subject credential. I feel a good deal frustration over the legnthy process!
It is very possible to teach now without a credential and in special cases WITHOUT A DEGREE, and in quite a few cases a district will pay for your credential studies if you are working with them.
Your campus should have a job center with postings of educational opportunities without a liberal arts degree (assuming you are interested in teaching K-6)
I never heard of the type of degree you have but you might be extremely competitive for some teaching positions through the city or county governments.
I think the advisors in your department... sociology(?) psycology(?) human services(?)had better give you some advice about jobs.
If you go to the College of Education on your campus SOMEBODY will certainly advise you but your pay and prospects won't go up much until you have a credential AS WELL AS a number of extra undergraduate liberal arts classes( if your school is anything like mine!)
Your school should let you use the career service center which will have a listing of educational jobs( a year after graduation they may start charging a fee)
In the meantime, keep in mind that some school districts WILL hire without credentials for less pay, but on a temporary basis and with the assumption you will take the classes necessary within a certain amount of time. The schools that have the most jobs are "at risk" "rural" or"low performing". Schools with a high turn-over rate for teachers are an easy bet(yet likely to have administrative problems)

I wish you the best! good luck!!