It's not too late for non-education majors to teach

Black Collegian, Apr 2002 by McBride, Pamela M

Just because you already started practicing your step to "Pomp and Circumstance," it doesn't mean you can't change your mind about what to do with your future. If you are considering being a part of America's teaching profession then go for it; it's not too late---even if you don't have a major in education.

Webster's II New Riverside Dictionary defines 'teach' as: (1) to communicate knowledge or skill. (2) To provide instruction in. (3) to give insight by example or experience.

Notice that the definition makes no mention of your undergraduate degree or previous plans you had for the rest of your life. If you want to make a difference in the public school setting, you still can!

"In the last decade, alternative teacher certification has spawned many new programs that provide excellent preparation and training for a career in teaching," cites the National Center for Education Information (NCEI) State Survey of Alternative Teacher Certification. "It is estimated that more than 175,000 persons have been licensed through these programs and thousands more are being licensed in college alternative teacher preparation programs."

Where can I find these programs?

"In 2002, 45 states, plus the District of Columbia, report having some type of alternative teacher certification program," the NCEI further reports.

These programs are specifically meant to provide opportunities for students who decide late in their college studies or after graduation that they indeed want to be a part of educating America's youth.

One such program is Teach for America. Each year the organization selects a corps of more than 1,000 recent college graduates of all academic majors who commit two years to teach in urban and rural public schools. They train the graduates together during summer institutes, place them as full-time, paid teachers in urban and rural public schools, and coordinate an ongoing network to support them during their two years as teachers and beyond.

"We look for people who don't have an education background and give them the foundation and the framework to be effective teachers," said Melissa Golden, Vice President of Marketing and Communication for Teach for America.

According to Golden, diversity is also a goal of the program. "Thirty-- eight percent of our corps is people of color, we're bringing together an incredibly diverse group of future leaders and young people."

One shining example featured in Teach for America's recruitment information is Maurice Rabb, who majored in Chinese at Georgetown University. Through Teach for America, he taught in Los Angeles, a kindergarten class in which the organization reports that 16 of his 20 students were not academically ready for kindergarten. But, by the end of the year all of his students were fully prepared academically for first grade according to California State Standards.

"Maurice truly exemplifies the leadership, commitment and passion that we are looking for in a corps member," said Golden.

Teach for America prides itself on being about more than simply teaching. They describe their program as the opportunity to make an impact in the lives of children and effect longterm change. Their ideal candidate demonstrates leadership ability, strong critical thinking skills and a record of outstanding achievement in past endeavors, whether in academics, extra-curricular activities, or work experience.

Could that be you? Find out more information and complete the online application by visiting their Web site at www.teachforamerica.org. Prospective teachers can also use The National Teacher Recruitment Clearinghouse, at www.recruitingteachers.org, for a wealth of information on the ins and outs of getting into the teaching field. The site is hosted by Recruiting New Teachers, Inc., which was established in 1986 to help build a qualified diverse corps of teachers. Key features include, in layman's terms, explanations of often confusing terminology and procedures like licensure and certification, how to become a teacher, how to find a teaching job, a national job bank portal, guidance on choosing a good program and additional resources to investigate.

Another alternative to entering the teaching profession without an education degree is via state programs. "It is not uncommon to get to your senior year and decide that you want to teach," said Professor Itihari Toure, the coordinator of Clark Atlanta University's Post Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program. "The state approves universities to offer an alternative track for teaching and our program at Clark Atlanta University is one of those."

Formerly called "Program for Late Decision Makers," this program provides an alternative route to teaching for Clark's non-education majors and others interested in the field.

The Georgia Teacher Professional Standards Committee assumes full responsibility for the certification, preparation, and conduct of all public school personnel. To find out more about this opportunity or other approved programs in this state, go to www.gapsc.com. Information about the CAU program can be obtained by calling (404) 880-8485 or you can email Professor Toure at itoure@panthernet.cau.edu.