A few days ago
MTR2007

To teach or not to teach, that is the question?

I have spent so long in college trying to be a teacher! Year after year there is another loop hole for which I have to jump through to become a teacher. I want so very much to be a teacher and have worked in districts here and there on an emergency credential, but I still need to meet all these guidelines. I am not somewhat regreting the fact that I went this far to still not be a full teacher YET. I am a single parent, and now owe 40k in loans. I am back at school taking classes to allow me to waive the CSET testing, but again—- The cset tests cost a lot of money and there’s no promise of passing the first time. AND the credential program only allows summer entry, so if you aren’t RIGHT THERE with all the loop holes— you have to wait ANOTHER year. My question is: when do I give up wanting to be a special ed teacher? I need the money now and cannot continue being in debt and living hand to mouth really!!! Do I give up and get a “real job” or do I keep on keeping on until I become

Top 4 Answers
A few days ago
sharon m

Favorite Answer

If you want to be a teacher then BE A TEACHER . The “loop hoops ” are necessary to get the best teachers possible for our leader of the future. Stop waiving the test and take it. You can pass it. Why did you keep putting it off? The reasons were your own. Now you have to pay the piper and take and pass the test. WHEN you finish this last series of classes you will have a job and all this will be a distant memory. Remember anything new that you start now will put you back to square one. So you may as well finish what you have started. Good luck
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A few days ago
RDW928
I feel your frustration. I have a Professional Clear Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential, but I have been living out of CA for a few years. I went back to CA to try to find a teaching position, but discovered that I still need to take the CSET, RICA, English Language Learner certification, and be NCLB qualified. All my testing and qualifications in another state will not transfer to CA. Foolishly, I thought being NCLB qualified in one state meant that I would be in CA, also. The worst part is I can’t get a Human Resource person to sit with me for 30 minutes and show me where I meet and don’t meet the requirements. My only recourse now is to take four (that I know of) tests in order to be qualified to teach in California.

My only suggestion is to spend time with the Credential Advisor on your campus so there is no confusion about the guidelines when you are ready.

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A few days ago
Labradorables Rock!
I kind of get the feeling you are talking about California!

I feel your pain about the special education credential. I have a credential from another state that California doesn’t deem as equivalent and they want me to take all the classes I have already taken.

A few suggestions, take the CSET. It isn’t that difficult and you can buy a study book at any bookstore.

You could also, find a private school where you can teach. I work at a school for dyslexic students and many of our teachers have a regular ed teaching credential.

If you want any more info, you can contact me through email.

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A few days ago
jim bo
. So you’re in CA? I hear that’s a tough state to teach in. But don’t ask these heart-breaking Q’s on this Board. Go to a real teacher’s chat where there are 100’s of teachers, some retired, who LOVE to give advise.

Most will tell you that if you think you love teaching, GO for it. if not in CA, then somewhere where they need you. It’s more satisfying to make $40K busting your butt in a classroom then to make $60 in a dull office.

Teachers.Net has a LOT of links AND a CA chatboard. .

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