Have BA but did not complete required education courses nor did I student teach due relocating for marriage and transferring to another university for graduation. Have coaching experience with youth but no actual teaching occupational experience. Checked into accelerated masters with teaching certification program but the costs are not attractive. Is this the only way?
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I would encourage you to make an appointment (usually starting with an Admission counselor) or attend an information session at a local college/university. Walk in with your transcripts ready (even an unofficial copy to begin) and ask if someone can review your courses to map out a completion plan for you. This will gauge how transfer-friendly the institution is (undergraduate level) and how willing they are to work with your situation(undergrad or graduate level). They might need some time to go over everything as license requirements can be tricky to navigate so don't expect an on-the-spot answer with specifics. If the staff member/counselor can mock up an estimate, it would give you and idea of what is coming your way. Good luck!
Thanks so much for taking the time to respond and with such exciting information. I will check into this immediately, thanks again.
Hi, I am from NY so I am not an expert in Illinois teacher certification. In NY there is a pathway for "career changers". That is defined as those with a degree in the content area but not the specific teacher training. You can teach while training.
It looks like Illinois has something similar where you can teach under the supervision of a fully certified teacher. http://www.isbe.net/licensure/requirements/ed-lic-w-stip.pdf This is described briefly as a "Resident Teacher". Maybe talk to some building Principals or Superintendents and your local colleges to find out more.
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