A Question For You Teachers Out There (And Other Stuff Too!)

I'm planning on getting around to my comprehensive Italy recap, but I need to filter through our 1600+ photos and get my thoughts organized first, so more to come on that in a few more days.

For now though, my focus is back on figuring out what I'm supposed to do with my unemployed self now that we're home from a magical honeymoon where I didn't allow myself to worry about it at all.  The more I've thought about going back to an administrative assistant position the more depressing it starts to feel.  I really loved my stint as an executive officer in the Air Force, but the main difference between an administrative job like that in the military and our here in the "real world" is the level of respect one gets while sitting behind that desk.  In the Air Force, being the "Ex O" was quite prestigious, and I was seen as the gateway between my boss and the people who wanted to talk to my boss, and so I was treated with close to the same level of respect as he was.  I've found that similar jobs in the civilian world don't come with that same treatment, and I don't know if I want to go back to being just "the girl at the front desk".  At least not indefinitely.

In the past couple of months, I've mentally auditioned just about every employment opportunity out there, and believe me, there have been some seriously harebrained ideas in the bunch.  But the one that I keep coming back to is going back to school to become an elementary school teacher.  It's a job I've always been intrigued by, and had I been allowed to change my major in college, I would have switched from English Lit to Elementary Ed in my sophomore year.  Unfortunately, by doing so I would have had to have gotten approval from the Air Force and would have risked losing my scholarship, so instead I just went on with things, thinking I'd be spending my life as an Air Force officer anyway.  So, now that I have the chance to try again, I'm thinking of jumping at it.  But my question is how?

I've done plenty of searching online, but I'm still confused about what the process would be to become certified to teach in Washington without a degree in education.  I found this website, which has helped to a certain extent, but what do they mean by "state-approved teacher preparation program at a regionally accredited college"?  Is this another bachelors degree or a different type of course entirely?  And how do I go about choosing one of these programs??  There are so many charts and links and graphs on that website that my brain has been utterly scrambled.  If I can't even figure out how to become a teacher, then maybe that's a sign, eh?  Anyway, any help would be oh so very much appreciated, and if you're all just as clueless as I am... well, thanks for nothing!

In other news.

Gone With the Wind, the musical, opened to disastrous reviews in London last night.  When I first heard that Gone With the Wind was being turned into a musical, I was horrified.  "What a dumb idea!" thought I, "Trying to make this epic tale into a musical is practically farcical!"  But then I started thinking about Les Mis, and how before it was a musical it was very serious, grim Literature, probably more so than Gone With the Wind, and it is one of the most spectacular, moving musicals out there.  So, maybe it's not such a dumb idea.  Maybe it'll even be great, and I'll have a new medium of enjoying the greatest story ever written!  I was excited! 

And now, apparently, it sucks.  Which is sad because it means it probably won't make it to Broadway, which means I'll probably never get the chance to see it, which means I'll probably never hear Scarlett sing the laughable line "I'm the queen of the county/The belle of the ball/But like Humpty Dumpty/ I had a great fall."  Cringe.  Unless I buy the cast recording.   And, of course, I will.

Comments

[The Incubator]

Unless the Washington, etc. school systems are vastly different than here (alias, children/parents), I don't believe the respect level will be a great deal improved by this choice of employment. But you are very admirable in pursuing a dream that you have always had since your "salad days."

[Shani]

First of all, I agree with Ann. I hope the respect is existent, unlike BR. About a year ago my sis-in-law was looking into the teaching thing. Apparently there is some six week course you can take to get certified to teach. I think it's set up so people who already have a degree can take the actual education courses needed, instead of having to go all the way through school again. Sad for you, i don't know where she got this info, but I'll ask her the next time I talk to her!

P.S. I know you're busy and all, but make your scrabulous move, dosh garn it. I'm bored!

[LPW]

I've always thought that I wanted to become a teacher one day too...I'm finishing up law school now, but I think one day (after I pay back my loans) I'll head back to the classroom. But, I also have no idea how to do that. :(

[Old Warrior]

Most states, including Washington, have a Federally sponsored/funded program designed to provide alternative certification for former military. It's called "Troops to Teachers." Here's the link for Washington:

http://www.k12.wa.us/certification/profed/profeducation.aspx

But plan to get virtually no respect and be sure you are a registered Democrat or Socialist prior to actually entering a school.

[katelin]

I've never seen Gone with the Wind (shame, I know!), but I can't imagine it as a musical. Just doesn't come off as musical material to me, haha.

and good luck on the job venture :)

[Tipp]

First of all. . .

Welcome Back! You were missed!

Second, I am not one to give employment advice so I will bow to the others in this one.

Third, of couse I will get the cast recording too, we must, it is like an un-written rule. I would love to see it too, just to experience it.

Fourth, I just got Rhett Butler's People and I can't wait to start it!

Can't wait to see more pics!!

[LK]

Mmm . . . try this website: http://www.proudtoserveagain.com/

I think you may be eligible, and I believe you get some funding. Good luck!

[Tipp]

Ok, so maybe I do have some advice. Try Nannying or preschool work. This you should be able to do with your degree and it will let you feel the waters before you fully decide while giving you an income in the meantime.

Good luck.

[Stephanie]

I would imagine that you have to take a few certification type courses. And while my next suggestion may be way off base what about a Master's in Ed. Better pay and the job you love. Plus you have the chance to be a principal or guidance counselor with a masters.

[Girl, Dislocated]

From what I understood from that website, you have the Bachelor's degree requirement out of the way and all you're missing is a separate teaching certificate and some tests. I imagine that as long as you get a teaching certificate and pass the tests, it doesn't matter if your degree is in education or not, but I could be wrong. (And the broken links on that site don't help either.) And I doubt the teaching certificate is as lengthy as a college degree.

Also, have you considered substitute teaching in the meantime until you can start one of the programs? Depending on how things work in Washington, you may already be qualified to substitute teach. In California, all my friend had to do to be a substitute was finish her Bachelor's (hers was in Biology), and take a test to prove she was proficient in Math (not advanced) and English. It was only supposed to be a temporary job for her, but she liked it so much she decided to go through the whole process of becoming a teacher.

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful!

[Erin]

I have to say that I disagree about "trying preschool." As an early childhood educator, I can tell you the differences between a preschool program that would let you teach without a degree (it's called daycare) and actual teaching are astronomical. Sorry, that's a soapbox for another time...

My recommendation would be to get a Master's degree in teaching. It's obviously a lot more work, but completely worth it. You can also check with your state Dept. of Ed. to see what certification courses you need and to find accredited schools.

Good luck! Becoming a teacher is, without a doubt, the best decision I've ever made.

[Abbie]

Maybe putting less emphasis on "status quo" and more on the quality of work that you might do has an Admin Assistant would help you to be less depressed.
People in the civillian world are just chill and less uptight than the military. People could care less about rank or rate or whatever. I keep telling my SO who is still in the military that he's going to have to do an attitude adjustment in other to get along with people in the real world. He gets pissed off when enlisted in other services don't "show him respect" and salute him. And I tell him to get over himself and he pokes me in the stomach lol

I've been in the military and cannot tell you how much fun I've had being myself and being able to think outside the box and make useful suggestions that people actually listen to. Instead of being thought of "questioning" authority.
Anyway, wish you the best of luck. Being an Assistant can be a rewarding job.

[JP]

Welcome back! I missed you, but you had wonderful guest bloggers.

What are the guidelines for substitute teaching in your state? In PA you need a college degree while in Maryland you only need to have complete college courses. I suggest looking into substituting to get classroom experience to make sure you really like it. Plus it'll give you a little spending money for the rest of the school year!

Les Mis is coming to Philly and I could see it for free if I volunteer at the theater. It sounds like you're a fan. Should I volunteer?

I hope the sets and costumes are fantastic for Gone With the Wind. I wish I lived in that era (as long as I was a southern belle with hoop skirts and corsets).

[donna]

I heard the critics gave Gone With the Wind a bad review, but people who had gone to see it loved it. Sometimes critics don't have a clue; not that it matters, it's not like I'm going to jet over there for a musical or anything - but it sure would be interesting to see!

[slynnro]

I have a friend who just finished up her teaching degree and she said it is VERY competitive to find a teaching job in Washington. Like, most of her friends are unemployed. That shouldn't stop you from pursuing your dream, but ya know, something to think about.

[Julia]

I know Seattle University has a certification program. You don't have to have a Masters to teach in the state of Washington, but it does give you more moolah. I think Seattle Pacific University also has a certification program. You may also want to check out schools in Olympia (Evergreen, PLU) or UW-Tacoma. The University of Washington's School of Education may also be a good resource.

http://www.seattleu.edu/coe/procert/

[simplypink]

I don't know if anyone answered but I think it means that that it's possibly a smaller campus but the credits are transferable to a state college. Girl....I can write volumes on that one. And if I told you about my day yesterday you would be running like hell. ;) Seriously. BUT it's a great profession when you have children. I'll be back....gotta get moving! ;)

[rachel]

i don't know anything about teaching certification, but i do know that if you keep coming back to that idea, this is the perfect time to pursue it! go girl!

[Michelle & the City]

i'm not a teacher, but my friend was thinking about going back for that and did some research. i'm pretty sure you only have to go for two years (but she also had her masters so i don't know if that would make a difference)

good luck! i hope you find a job where you are greatly appreciated. everyone deserves that! :)

[Charise Pettit]

I would definitely say sub first ... most states you only need an associate's or bachelor's degree to be able to do that.

My sister had her degree in early childhood ed and had to go back to get certified for el ed for school districts to be interested in hiring her. She went through a certification program that was 1 year of classes (while working still) and 1 year of full-time student teaching; it was through a regional campus of a state college. The program was meant for people coming from other professions; she actually had to get a special exception from the dean to join because she already had an education degree. So you should have no problem getting into a certification program.

And I also agree with whomever said it is very difficult to find a teaching job right now. Between my sister and several college friends throughout several states, they have all struggled to find full-time positions because districts are hurting financially and can't afford to hire more teachers.

BUT I also know they all find it very rewarding, so if that is what you are passionate about, go for it!

Can't wait to hear more about your trip - I am going to Italy for my honeymoon next year and look forward to stealing ideas from you, hehe.

[charise]

shooot, how did it randomly add my last name to my comment, when i was signed in? i hope you don't have any crazy stalker readers who can now find out everything about me.

[Jass]

I am not the best to give career advice, as I am a front desk girl too with a college degree. So you know how I feel already. I figure we all have to start somewhere and work ourselves up, except real estate is not doing so well. So I am back to job hunting again. With the state of the economy right now, it's really depressing.

Hugs!!

[Miriam]

A few things:
1) Gone with the Wind the Musical? Dude, I'd totally go and see it no matter how bad it is.
2) you know the costumes are out of this world
3) Why is a musical that is so iconic to the Southern US debuting in London...weird.

[TasterSpoon]

HELLO, CHARISE. HAVE THE LAMBS STOPPED SCREAMING?

I have a friend who hated her law career and has been "trying" teaching for maybe 6 months or so. We're in California, and she's been doing some certification program, part of which is volunteer teaching at underserved schools. I think they expose her to a number of grades, which is a great idea for everyone; maybe you could do the same via subbing. She's ultimately decided not to pursue teaching, because she didn't enjoy the actual practice - but better to find out now!

You could also try working at a private/parochial school. I think they have much less rigid requirements, so long as you're smart and capable. Which you are.

I think you're right; administrative assistants don't get much respect. But *executive* assistants really can, and good ones are rare and highly valued and engender great loyalty from their bosses. If you take the time and effort to identify and target an individual to work for, that might still be a reasonable option.

What about being a legal secretary? Not a paralegal; from what I see, paralegals get horrible grunt work, long hours, and only moderate appreciation. But GOOD (smart) legal secretaries are always in short supply and extremely highly valued and protected (and paid) by their firms.

[Becky]

If you think you want to teach, I would pursue that, but I do think that you might have to go through something "extra" for elementary school since it's all of the subject (in addition to the one year certification course someone mentioned above). My Ex was granted emergency certification but he had finished all of the requirements and just hadn't taken the state test yet.

You're also young enough to start entry-level in whatever you might want to do and then work your way up.

[La]

Hi, um, I can't believe I haven't e-screamed WELCOME BACK WE MISSED YOU yet. I'm so sorry!

Welcome back! We missed you!
:)

[Kate P]

Hi, I came over from Maggie's. My situation might answer some of your questions. I'm currently in grad school studying to be a school librarian. People asked me if I was going to teach, but I wasn't entirely excited about the idea, so I put it in the back of my mind and with my love of reading and writing got my BA in English Lit. Worked mostly for lawyers--they like people who can write. But a couple of years I felt as if my career was headed nowhere and my thoughts turned back to teaching. I thought I'd ask my parents' neighbors who are teachers--actually, the wife is a school librarian. She asked me if I had thought about it, and invited me to come visit her school. I felt at home. It's teaching; however, my master's degree is in Library and Information Science. But I follow a specialized program requiring several education courses (not always fun being in class with people who are currently teaching), and I'm managing pretty well. So my suggestions are (1) check your state requirements regarding certification as suggested by another commenter, (2) track down and talk to people who currently teach (the more I talk the more I find!), and (3) spend a day at a school if possible. Best wishes for finding your niche!

[E.P.]

I don't know much about becoming a teacher, but you could look into Teach for America in your area maybe. I know a few people who have worked through them and loved it AND got their teacher's certification while doing it. You'll find where you need to be.

Also, sad about the musical.

[Buffy]

Ah...Darius Danesh.