Careers in Teaching FAQs Part 2
Can My Education Count for a Teaching Degree If I Earned it in a Different Country?
A career in teaching is still possible for people who have earned their degrees in a different country. The important step is to have your college transcript evaluated. Transcript Evaluation services are available at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions offices and at World Education Services.
The evaluation process will assess the courses you’ve taken and determine the American counterpart, based on certain standards. Satisfying the equivalent course requirements and teacher training programs will allow you to receive a residency certificate that could lead to a teaching job in the U.S.
Will My Work Experience Count If I Change Careers and Become a Teacher?
It is possible that your work experience may fulfill some course requirements, especially if it is related to the subject you want to teach. And if you majored (or even minored) in general subjects like Math, Science, English, or Social Studies, your educational background will help you land a teaching job.
However, there are other certification requirements you’ll need to complete for a successful career change to teaching. Chances are, you will be asked to take accredited teaching programs.
For individuals making a career change who do not have a degree in education (but hold at least a bachelor’s degree), a common way is to take up a post-baccalaureate teacher-education program that lasts about two years. There are also alternative programs that combine teacher training, graduate school courses and teaching/internship in a school. Many of these programs offer subsidies for your master’s degree in education.
Aside from taking up the required education programs for a teaching job, you’ll also be asked to pass state exams and, sometimes, PRAXIS tests.
How Can I Fund My Teaching Degree?
Like with other higher education programs, you can also apply for scholarships and grants to provide financial relief when you enroll in an accredited teaching program. In fact, there are numerous scholarships available for teaching programs, ranging from merit-based, adult-based, and other types of teacher scholarships. Some of these grants are specifically given to individuals majoring in education or pursuing a career in teaching, especially in teacher-deprived areas.
Of course, federal student aid like Stafford Loans and Perkins Loans are always an available option. Individuals pursuing a career in teaching may also qualify for various student loan forgiveness programs.
Where do I Find Teaching Jobs?
One of the most common ways to find a teaching job is through online resources, and you can get free assistance with your job search by signing up with us at Free Career Search.
You can also find teaching jobs by contacting your State Department of Education about low-income, non-profit elementary or secondary institutions that are in need of teachers. If you are still finishing your education degree, you may also want to ask them about loan forgiveness programs that award teachers who teach in these types of institutions for a specified period.
Another strategy for landing a teaching job would be to tap your network of contacts. Studies show that networking is one of the most reliable means of finding job openings. Your network can give you the contact information of different schools (especially their alma mater), and you could inquire from each one if they have job openings.
Register now for more information on careers in teaching or other job openings available to you.
