Can you help explain this to me?
I am getting confused because some school districts say you need to have a major in math while others require a BA in Education and secondary endorsements. How exactly does this work? I am also thinking of relocating from Utah, what would be the best route to take? How do endorsements work? Does that mean that I can have endorsements in Math and another Science if I have enough college credit in that area and pass the test?
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Both paths seem fine, its just two different ways of ending up with the same credential. Each teahcer must be highly qualified in their subject. The definition allows you to have a major in the subject (BA in math) or a major equivelent (enough units in math to be considered a major… thus the “secondary endorsements”)
pick the one you feel most comfortable with, BUT make sure you do you homework and check with the state credential board about your program. (there are some schools that states will not give a credential…)
good luck!
Two completely differ tracks through two completely different colleges within the university.
An endorsement is when you have the right classes and take a test and you are allowed to teach a perticular subject
I taught for 5 years before becoming a Stay at Home Mom. I have to give you the same advice as the person who told you to look at double majoring.
1. See what classes you need as a Math major
2. See what classes you need as a Math educator
My husband is a sciencist and many of our friends are Math Majors. Though I loved teaching and will go back to it soon I found that it does have draw backs.
They say 1 in 5 teachers leave the profession in the first five years. My friends make considerable more. To give you an example my husband a few years ago wanted to be a teacher I didn’t think it was a good fit for him and we decided not to do it because it would have been a $30,000 pay cut now five years later it would be a $55,000 pay cut.
My friends who studied math went on to go into computers and business. One writes code while the other got her masters degree and calucates when people will default on loans. She now supports her husband who is going back for his Phd in Chemistry.
Double Majors give you more flexiblity but take longer. But I think in the long run if you want to make the big money they offer more when you leave teaching.
The difference between the districts is how desprate they are for Math teachers. If they should always hire a teacher before just a math major but sometimes there aren’t enough of those.
Sitting in math classes won’t teach you how to teach. It is hard work. very hard work. That requires skills that you may or may not already have. So you really need those education classes.
Good Luck. I hope I wasn’t too down on teaching. I loved it but it isn’t for everyone.
Oh where are you relocating. In Michigan teachers can’t find jobs to save there lives. They are all waiting tables. Are you moving to a state that is begging for teachers like NC or FL or are you moving to one where they are losing population so they have more teachers then they need?
And whatever you do please don’t get a degree then get a masters in teaching. Much harder to get hired. An endorcement is fine just don’t finish the masters degree until you have a job.
I would suggest that once you have enough credits try substutie teaching. it will give you a taste of teaching before you spend all your time and money. And as soon as possible if you are good at Math start tutoring younger students. Also giving you not quite an idea what teaching is like since it will hardly ever be one on one like that but it will show you whether you like explaining things to people. what ages are you most confortable with ect.
Remember that with whatever you choose to do that it doesn’t have to be the last thing you do. You can always change no matter what route you take.
oh please excuse me if I was unclear. kids are being crazy as I try to type. And all the misspelling.
I teach 8th grade, and have a math minor with elementary education major. My masters is in curriculum and instruction (c&i in Wisconsin). I have been on the hiring committee for high school postings, since our math department works close, and have not seen any applicants interviewed without the math major.
Good luck – it is a very rewarding career!
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