Is anyone here in a position to offer career advice??

[ShrinkSkat]

Hi I'm new to the forum. I had a question that I wanted to have answered, and I kinda skimmed through various forums..but I think that so far this might be the best place. I'll tell people a little about myself. I currently live in New York, I'm 25 years old and hold B.S. in Criminal Justice. I just recently began going back to school working towards a Master's. (Also in Criminal Justice)...but now I've taken a semester off and I am giving things some serious consideration. Everyone has heard this millions of times...but I just don't think that I would be happy working in this field. I thought about going into teaching (history or political science on an college or H.S. level) and I believe that it might be something that I could better identify myself doing. My question is, is it possible to go into a graduate program in teaching....even if I don't have experience, or have taken courses in teaching as an undergrad?? Thanks

Sorry if I chose the wrong forum to ask this question on..

[aelliott]

I'm not necessarily sure of the answer, but at the school where you have been working at your Master's should have a career/counseling center. They will probably be the best to talk to you about changing and whatnot.
Good luck though!

[bettyb]

A lot of districts have alternative programs where you can start teaching and work towards certification. I am from the Texas area, and I know of several people who have done this. I think it is better than getting a master's degree, because you get into the classroom faster. Check into your local districts to see what they offer. :)

[scrivener]

My question is, is it possible to go into a graduate program in teaching, even if I don't have experience, and haven't taken courses in teaching as an undergrad?
There are a TON of graduate programs out there for people with no education background. I'm in one now, in fact, at Hawaii Pacific University.

Most such programs that I've seen get you ready for licensure first, then include an optional Master's component. If you finish your current program, you'll have a Master's already, so it may be enough for you just to go through licensure, which involves coursework and some kind of student teaching.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

[SLP]

If your University has a college of education, you just need to go talk to a counselor in the Teacher Certification office. That person will tell you what coursework and student teaching you need to obtain teacher certification in the specific state where you want to work.