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New page: <center><big>'''<font color="1589FF">Teaching: A Guide to Becoming An Educator'''</big></center></font> <center><font color="6A287E">Written by: Jasmine Tucay</center></font> <table WI...
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<center><big>'''<font color="1589FF">Teaching: A Guide to Becoming An Educator'''</big></center></font>
Nicole White


<center><font color="6A287E">Written by: Jasmine Tucay</center></font>


A Teacher’s Checklist: What Must be Done to Become a Teacher?




<table WIDTH="60%" ALIGN="center"><tr><td style="background-color: #CCFFFF;
=='''Introduction'''==
border: solid 10px #0033FF; padding: 1em;" valign=center>


<center><font color="#0033FF" face="LUCIDA"><big>"Those who can't do, teach..." - The School of Rock.</big>
There is one thing that everyone in the world has in common. We are all teachers and we are all students, whether certified and licensed or not. Even the three-year-old child in a third world country is a teacher. That child may teach other children how to survive in the environment they live in. For others though, being a teacher is not a way of life, it is a career choice and there are many requirements and steps needed to become a professional teacher. First, a person must decide if teaching could be an option for themselves, next, he or she should decide what age group(s) to teach and if they want to specialize in another area such as special education. After the initial decisions have been made, it is important to enroll in the correct teacher preparation program at an accredited school. Once the program is completed, it is time for testing and the eventual goal of licensure.
=='''Is Teaching right for you?'''==


</td></tr></table>
Only you can decide if teaching is the right path for you. Everyone knows that teachers do not make the most money in the world and that good teachers are in short supply. However, if you are looking for a very rewarding career, in my opinion, teaching is one of them. For example, if you teach for twenty-five years, with an average of twenty children in a class- that is five hundred children whose lives you have had an impact on. Not many other careers offer the chance to change so many lives. If you are considering becoming a teacher, ask yourself a few questions. What are the characteristics of a good teacher? Can I see myself doing this for a long time? Is the money or lack of it going to be an issue? Will I be rewarded by my own satisfaction of making a difference to so many children and will that satisfaction be enough to get me through the teacher preparation program?


'''<font color="#3399FF">Learning Objectives</font>'''

<font color="6A287E">- The reader will find out what makes a good teacher

- The reader will learn about different types of degrees and the cerficates that are offered

- The reader will learn about the tests that one is required to take prior to becoming a teacher

- The reader will learn about the career opportunities existing after getting licensed</font>


=='''<font color="#3399FF">Introduction</font>'''==

<font color="6A287E">"Those who can't do, teach, and those who can't teach...teach gym" (IMDb.com, Inc., 2008). All silliness aside, in the movie "The School of Rock" the career of a teacher, in so many words, chose the main character. Through various realistic, and unrealistic events, he learned to love the profession. However, he lacked the credentials and certification that teachers need to teach.

All right, so life isn't exactly like the movies, but this particular movie does show an important point. There are certain steps that a person has to take before he or she can be a licensed teacher.

In today's career driven society, there are always steps that you have to take to get where you want to go. Becoming a teacher falls in line with this mentality. The first step to becoming a teacher is taking the plunge and deciding that you want to be in the field of education. After this decision, you want to find a university offering a program that will earn you a degree and licensure to teach. While taking various classes, you'll be required to take numerious exams to assess your competency on knowledge regarding your future as an educator. After taking classes and teaching tests, you can receive your degree(s) and find a school to start your career as an educator.</font>

=='''<font color="#3399FF">What Makes a Good Teacher?</font>'''==

<font color="6A287E">There are many qualities and characteristics that make up a good teacher. Engaging, caring and innovative are some things that may come to mind. According to Dr. Richard M. Reis, a professor and executive director at Stanford University, the top priority of teachers should be that they want to be good teachers. In his article he states that as teachers "we respect students who really try, even if they do not succeed in everything they do, so they will respect us, even if we are not as good as we want to be" (Reis, 2007). Your future students will know that you want to be a good teacher if you yourself strive to become one. To supplement this point, "among 150 teachers in the first three years of their careers aged under 26 reveals that 85 per cent of this 'Generation Y' probably or definitely want to be working in a school in 20 years, with only two per cent definitely not" (National College for School Leadership). With this being said, teachers with enthusiasm are working in the education field today.

In addition, Reis adds that teachers should be good listeners as well (Reis, 2007). With the varying ages, gender and personalities of your future students, it will benefit you and the students you teach to listen to what works for them, and what to never try again.

There are many opinions on what goes into a good teacher, but only you can implement the characteristics in your own teaching career.</font>

=='''<font color="#3399FF">Getting Your Degree</font>'''==


<table WIDTH="65%" ALIGN="right"><tr><td style="background-color: #CCFFFF;
According to Marshall Brian, a former instructor at North Carolina State University, some of the core characteristics of a good teacher are: 1) knowledge, 2) the ability to communicate that knowledge in a meaningful manner, 3) the ability to make the knowledge interesting and relevant to the students, and 4) respect- both to the students and to the quality produced in the classroom (Brian, 1998). In addition to these four “core characteristics” that Mr. Brian acknowledges, it is also important to be patient, have a sense of humor, be organized and fair- minded, and be flexible (All Education Schools, 2002-2008).
border: solid 10px #0033FF; padding: 1em;" valign=center>


<center><font color="#0033FF" face="LUCIDA"><big>According to The Apple, teachers in the United States with a Master's degree can get paid any where from $2,000 to almost $10,000 more than what they would be getting paid with only a Bachelor's - The Apple.</big>
<table WIDTH="60%" ALIGN="right"><tr><td style="background-color: #56A5EC;
border: solid 3px #F778A1; padding: 1em;" valign=top>
There are four "core characteristics" to be a good teacher- 1) knowledge, 2) the ability to communicate that knowledge in a meaningful manner, 3) the ability to make the knowledge interesting and relevant to the students, and 4) respect.


-Marshall Brian
</td></tr></table>
</td></tr></table>


<font color="6A287E">There are many programs that you can pursue on your way to get your degree. First you would choose your specific grade level, then you would go onto to taking your various classes. For example, at Old Dominion University, there are a few different educational tracks that you can pursue including: Pre-K - 3, Pre-K - 6, K - 12, K - 12 with a emphasis on Special Education, and Secondary Education which includes 6 - 12 (Darden College of Education 2008).


After picking a program, you will be required to take different courses such as History and Math, depending on your focus. For example, if you were pursing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies Teacher Prep. with a Concentration on Pre-K - 3 Early Childhood Emphasis, you would be taking various general education courses, major content courses and some classes focusing on professional aspects of being a teacher (Old Dominion University Catalog, 2006-2008). Within the profession education courses, you may be required to observe in the classroom among other things. For example, during my observation period, I saw how a first grade classroom was taught and managed. It was a rewarded experience that I'm glad is required for teachers in the state of Virginia. I learned a lot and got to interact with the children as well. Observing is just half the battle though. After some professional education courses, you will still have other classes to pass.
If you decided that teaching might be a good fit for you, it is now time to decide which concentration you would like to focus on. At ODU there are at least 5 specific programs to choose from. The major ones are Pre-K- 3, Pre-K- 6, Special Education K-12, K-12, and Secondary Education 6-12 (Darden College of Education, 2008). Each program is specifically designed to prepare prospective teachers to be successful in the professional teaching world.


Once you've graduated with your Bachelor's Degree, you may want to move on to take your Master's Degree. You may be thinking that an extra year of school isn't going to matter. There are two sides to this argument. According to Linda Gorman, a writer for the National Bureau of Economic Research, " Teachers who entered teaching with a master's degree, or who earned it within five years of beginning to teach, were as effective as teachers without a master's degree" (Gorman). You may be one of the people who has what it takes to make it as a teacher with four years of college and an undergraduate degree. Contrary to this opinion, according to The Apple, teachers in the United States with a Master's degree can get paid any where from $2,000 to almost $10,000 more than what they would be getting paid with only a Bachelor's (The Apple, 2008).</font>
=='''What’s next?'''==


=='''<font color="#3399FF">Testing</font>'''==
After you have decided which discipline is the best fit, it is now time to enroll in the proper program at an accredited school to earn your bachelor’s degree. It is required by all states that a teacher have at least bachelor’s degree, but only some states may require a masters (All Education Schools, 2002-2008). For example, ODU’s Pre-K-3 program requires many general education classes in addition to the major content areas of study for a bachelor’s degree (Old Dominion University Catalog, 2006-2008). In addition to the traditional Math, Science, History, and English classes, the students of the Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) Program must also do a classroom observation. This observation requires the student to spend thirty hours in a classroom setting at an accredited school, observing and interacting with the younger students and their teacher (Kidd, Kaufman & Baker, 2008, pg 4). In Virginia, it is only required for teachers to obtain a bachelor’s degree (Division of Teacher Education and Licensure (DOE) Routes, 2007).


<font color="6A287E">There are many tests that are required for future educators to take. Two of the most known ones in Virginia, that have many future teachers writhing in fear, are the Praxis 1 and 2. According to the Educational Testing Service, better known as ETS, the Praxis is a test consisting of "rigorous and validated assessments that provides accurate, reliable information for use by state education agencies in making licensing decisions" (ETS, 2008). Within these tests, you will be assessed on basic mathematics, reading and writing skills in the Praxis 1, along with a specialized test that is more focused on the path of education that you chose to go for in the Praxis 2 (ETS, 2008). Preparing for the Praxis tests can be very intimidating, but your university may provide help with prepping for the tests. Along with this, you can also purchase a study guide for the Praxis tests online or your local bookstore. I found that praticing with old praxis tests was very useful for helping me pass my Praxis tests.
While a master’s degree takes longer, it does have its benefits. For example, in Virginia, a teacher’s starting salary with a bachelor’s degree is $31,990. A teacher starting with a master’s degree earns $36,710 (The Apple, 2007). In Colorado, teachers with bachelors start at $30,570 while the ones with a master's start at 38,020 (The Apple, 2007). In Illinois, the difference between a master's and a bachelor's is almost $10,000 (the Apple, 2007). Teachers with a master’s degree also often tend to have more career growth opportunities (All Education Schools, 2002-2008). In addition to the degree, many states also require passing test scores in an exam called the Praxis test.


After achieving a passing score on the Praxis 1 and 2 tests, you have a couple more tests to pass. The Virgina Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) and the Virginia Reading Assessment (VRA) are two tests that assess your knowledge communicating and literary abilities and how well you can teach reading skills (2008–2009 VCLA and VRA Registration Bulletin, 2008). These tests are required to be taken by future elementary education and special education students that want to teach in Virginia (2008–2009 VCLA and VRA Registration Bulletin, 2008).
=='''Testing and Licensure'''==


Once you achieve passing scores on the tests listed above, you're ready to apply for a teaching license. Applying for licensure is different for every state. For example, in the state of Virginia, "An individual seeking licensure must establish a file in the Department of Education by submitting a complete application packet, which includes official student transcripts " (Virginia Department of Education, 2007). For a general list of what to do to apply for your teaching license, you may want to visit a general website such as Ehow.com (Reynolds, 1999 - 2008) or ask your university for information.</font>
The Praxis test is “ a set of rigorous and validated assessments that provides accurate, reliable information for use by state education agencies in making licensing decisions” (Education Testing Service (ETS), 2008). Virginia’s passing Praxis score is a minimum of 532 (Old Dominion University Program Check List, 2006-2008; ETS, 2008). The Praxis test consists of three sections- reading, writing, and mathematics (ETS, 2008). After the testing is complete, it is then time to apply for licensure. Requirements for Licensure include: successfully completing an approved teaching program, taking a child abuse recognition and intervention course, and submitting a non-refundable fee for licensure (DOE Application, 2007).


=='''<font color="#3399FF">Venturing Into The Real World of Education</font>'''==
=='''After Becoming Licensed'''==


<font color="6A287E">Now that you're licensed to teach, you can now start looking into finding a career. According to the Department of Labor, "Job opportunities for teachers over the next 10 years will vary from good to excellent, depending on the locality, grade level, and subject taught" (U.S. Department of Labor, 2007). The reason for the good outlook on jobs is that many teachers may be retiring.
Once a teacher is licensed, doors for career growth are opened. Teachers may become part of an administrative staff or supervisors, even a department head or a director, although it may require a master’s degree to do so (All Education Schools, 2002-2008). Personally, I would be content to start out just as a “plain old teacher”. After all, I went to school to learn how to teach the smaller children. It really just depends on who you are and what your goals are as to how much you are limited in the world of teaching. In 2006, teachers, with the exception of special education, held approximately four million jobs (U.S. Department of Labor, 2007).


Along with finding a job as a teacher, you may want to further your career to become an administrator to a school, or even a superintendent to a school district. For these job opportunities to work out, you would have to go back to school again. Along with this, you may want to try for your PhD in education.
=='''Conclusion'''==


You may also want to teach classes at a local recreation center, or do volunteer work helping a teacher a school around your neighborhood. Although it may not be a paying job, I believe that every one still has time to learn something no matter what stage they are at in their lives. Along with this, you can gain experience, and give a local teacher a helping hand.
Teaching as a profession takes dedication and patience. Not everyone is cut out to be a teacher, but those that are tend to take great pride in their work. It takes a great teacher to impact a child. I remember all of my elementary school teachers because of how devoted they were to making learning fun. I hope to leave that same impression on my future students, because as we all know, teachers will stand the test of time. Without teachers, there would be no doctors, lawyers, or big corporate officials- who would they learn from? If you are still considering becoming a teacher, keep in mind, that according to the U.S. Department of Labor, by the year 2016, the demand for teachers is expected to increase by 12%, thus creating approximately 479,000 jobs (U.S. Department of Labor, 2007). As a society, we have been taught that the children are the future, why not start at the source and become one of those people to have a huge impact on their lives? Becoming a teacher is not easy, but I think it is definitely a career to pursue.


Another career move could be possibly teaching overseas. There are many teaching abroad programs and you could even become a teacher through the Department of Defense or the Department of State (U.S. Department of State, 2008). "During 1995-96, 190 schools received grant assistance and technical support from A/OPR/OS. Because they are private institutions, these schools hire their own staffs" (U.S. Department of State, 2008) and many of these schools are over seas. Personally, I plan on trying this program sometime in my near future career as an educator.</font>
=='''Questions'''==


=='''<font color="#3399FF">Conclusion</font>'''==
Choose the '''best''' answer.


<font color="6A287E">Although there is a long process in becoming a teacher, I believe that the product from your hard work will be more than rewarding. Through the classes, the credentials, and the tests, you get a license to teach students in a chosen state, or even all around the world if that is where life takes you.


Much like Jack Black's Character in "The School of Rock", if the career of teaching does choose you, or you choose it, what is most important in my eyes is the students that you will be teaching. Whether you become an elementary school teacher, or a gym teacher, the steps all boil down to the deciding that education is in your intended career.</font>
1. The purpose of testing teachers via Praxis or other equivalent test is to:


=='''<font color="3399FF">Questions</font>'''==
a. make them take another test before they finish school.


b. make sure they have learned what the preparation course was supposed to teach and to make sure
they are ready to be licensed.


<font color="6A287E">Choose the best answer for the following questions.
c. allow them to get a better job.


1. According to Dr. Richard Reis, what is the top priority of what makes a good teacher?
d. there is no purpose to this test.


A. the teacher should be on time


2. Becoming a teacher is
B. the teacher should be engaging


C. the teacher must want to be a good teacher
a. so easy that anyone can do it.


D. the teacher must a good listener
b. so difficult that not many people will want to even attempt it.


c. a process that requires hard work, guided programs and tests, and a license to teach.


2. What three skills are tested in the Praxis 1?
d. a process that requires some work, guided programs and tests, but does not require a license.


A. reading, writing, and reading


B. science, english, and math
3. By the year 2016, the demand for teachers will:


C. reading, math, and geometric figures
a. increase, because of the population growth.


D. math, history, and reading
b. increase, because more children will want to become doctors.


c. decrease, because of the baby boomer generation.


3. If you wanted to travel abroad, what kind of career path would you choose?
d. decrease, because there will be too many teachers.


A. a 2nd grade teacher at the school a mile away from your house


B. to Washington D.C. for a teaching job at GWU
4. It is a national _________ that all teachers must have a Bachelor's degree


C. a history professor at Old Dominion University
a. law


D. a teacher for the department of defense or state
b. rule


c. choice


4. What kind of degree do you need to become a teacher?
d. standard


A. Bachelor's


B. Masters
5. It is important to get certified in a '''specific area''' so that:


C. Both A and B
a. every teacher can teach every student.


D. None of the Above
b. teachers can call themselves an expert.


c. the students are being taught by people that can handle their needs and are appropriately
educated.


5. You want to pursue a more options for your career in education, and you already have your
d. teachers are not wasting their time learning material they do not need.


Master's Degree, what choices do you have?


A. Go back to school for a PhD
=='''Answers'''==


B. Travel abroad and teach
1. The purpose of testing teachers via Praxis or other equivalent test is to:


C. See what you can do in your community and volunteer
a. make them take another test before they finish school.


D. All of the above</font>
'''b. make sure they have learned what the preparation course was supposed to teach and to make sure they are ready to be licensed.'''


c. allow them to get a better job.


d. there is no purpose to this test.


=='''<font color="#3399FF">Answers</font>'''==


2. Becoming a teacher is


a. so easy that anyone can do it.


<font color="6A287E">The answers to the questions are'''BOLD'''
b. so difficult that not many people will want to even attempt it.


'''c. a process that requires hard work, guided programs and tests, and a license to teach.'''


1. According to Dr. Richard Reis, what is the top priority of what makes a good teacher?
d. a process that requires some work, guided programs and tests, but does not require a license.


A. the teacher should be on time


B. the teacher should be engaging
3. By the year 2016, the demand for teachers will:


'''C. the teacher must want to be a good teacher'''
'''a. increase, because of the population growth.'''


D. the teacher must a good listener
b. increase, because more children will want to become doctors.


c. decrease, because of the baby boomer generation.


2. What three skills are tested in the Praxis 1?
d. decrease, because there will be too many teachers.


'''A. math, writing, and reading'''


B. science, english, and math
4. It is a national _________ that all teachers must have a Bachelor's degree


C. reading, math, and geometric figures
a. law


D. math, history, and reading
b. rule


c. choice


3. If you wanted to travel abroad, what kind of career path would you choose?
'''d. standard'''


A. a 2nd grade teacher at the school a mile away from your house


B. to Washington D.C. for a teaching job at GWU
5. It is important to get certified in a '''specific area''' so that:


C. a history professor at Old Dominion University
a. every teacher can teach every student.


'''D. a teacher for the department of defense or state'''
b. teachers can call themselves an expert.


'''c. the students are being taught by people that can handle their needs and are appropriately
educated.'''


4. What kind of degree can you have to become a teacher?
d. teachers are not wasting their time learning material they do not need.


A. Bachelor's
=='''References'''==


B. Masters
All Education Schools. (2002-2008). Become a Teacher. Retrieved February 1, 2008, from http://www.alleducationschools.com/faqs/gettingstarted.php


'''C. Both A and B'''
Brian, Marshall. (1998).What is Good Teaching? Emphasis on teaching. Retrieved February 1, 2008, from http://www.bygpub.com/eot/eot1.htm


D. None of the Above
Darden College of Education: Teacher Education Services. (2007). Undergraduate Teacher Education Programs. Retrieved February 1, 2008, from http://education.odu.edu/tes/pages/admission_ug.shtml


Division of Teacher Education and Licensure. (2007). Application for a Virginia License. Retrieved February 1, 2008, from http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/newvdoe/Application.pdf


5. You want to pursue a more options for your career in education, and you already have your
Division of Teacher Education and Licensure. (2007, September). Routes to Licensure in Virginia. Retrieved February 1,2008, from http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/newvdoe/licroute.pdf


Master's Degree, what choices do you have?
Educational Testing Services. (2008). Tests Directory: Ptaxis Retrieved February 1, 2008, from http://www.ets.org/portal/site/ets/menuitem.36b6150d13d7bab7b1935b10c3921509/?vgnextoid=e63ce3b5f64f4010VgnVCM10000022f95190RCRD


A. Go back to school for a PhD
Kidd, Kaufman, and Baker. (2008). In the ECI 301 Course pack. Foundations in Education and Instructional Assessment. ( pg. 4)


B. Travel abroad and teach
Old Dominion University Course Catalog. (2006-2008). Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies – Teacher Prep. Concentration. Retrieved February 1, 2008, from http://uc.odu.edu/advising/docs/curriculumsheets/2006-2008/al-IDSTeacherPrepPK-3.pdf


C. See what you can do in your community and volunteer
Old Dominion University (2007). Interdisciplinary Studies: Teacher Preparation Program Checklist. Retrieved February 1, 2008, from http://al.odu.edu/ids/tprep/PDF/updated/programchecklist07.pdf


'''D. All of the above'''</font>
The Apple. (2007, December). Bachelor’s vs. Master’s: Compare Salaries in 50 States. Retrieved February 1, 2008, from http://www.theapple.com/careers/articles/2078-bachelors-vs-masters-compare-salaries-in-50-states-


U.S. Department of Labor. (2007, December). Teachers- Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle and Secondary. Retrieved February 2, 2008, from http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos069.htm






=='''<font color="#3399FF">References</font>'''==






<font color="6A287E">2008–2009 VCLA and VRA Registration Bulletin. (2008). Pearson Education, Inc. October 5, 2008, from http://www.va.nesinc.com/VA5_overview.asp.


Darden College of Education: Teacher Education Services. (2008). Undergraduate Teacher Education Programs. September 21, 2008, from http://education.odu.edu/tes/pages/admission_ug.shtml.


Educational Testing Services. (2008). Tests Directory: Ptaxis. September 21, 2008, from http://www.ets.org/portal/site/ets/menuitem.36b6150d13d7bab7b1935b10c3921509/?vgnextoid=e63ce3b5f64f4010VgnVCM10000022f95190RCRD.


Gorman, Linda. Teacher Credentials Don't Matter for Student Achievement. National Bureau of Economic Research. September 21, 2008, from http://www.nber.org/digest/aug07/w12828.html.


IMDb.com, Inc. (1990 - 2008) Memorable Quotes for The School of Rock. September 21, 2008, from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0332379/quotes


Old Dominion University Course Catalog. (2006-2008). Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies – Teacher Prep. Concentration. September 21, 2008, from http://uc.odu.edu/advising/docs/curriculumsheets/2006-2008/al-IDSTeacherPrepPK-3.pdf.
[[Category:Foundations of Education and Instructional Assessment]]
== Rating ==


Reis, Richard M. (2007) What Makes a Good Teacher Article. Minnesota State University Mankato. September 21, 2008, from http://www.mnsu.edu/cetl/teachingresources/articles/goodteacher.html.
{| border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto"

|-
Reynolds, L. (1999 - 2008). How to Apply for a Teaching License. eHow. How to Do Just About Everything. September 21, 2008, from http://www.ehow.com/how_2164868_apply-teaching-license.html.
| [[Image:Nav_Arrow_Blue_Right.gif]]

| align="center" | [http://telequiz.hsedu.odu.edu/Wiki_Rating/17.htm Rate This!]
Rudin, Scott. (Producer), & White, Mike. (Director). (October 2, 2003). The School of Rock[Motion picture]. United States of America: Paramount Pictures.
| [[Image:Nav_Arrow_Blue_Left.gif]]

|-
The Apple. (2008). Bachelor’s vs. Master’s: Compare Salaries in 50 States. September 28, 2008, from http://www.theapple.com/careers/articles/2078-bachelors-vs-masters-compare-salaries-in-50-states-.
|}

Today's new teachers expect a long school career helping children - with the majority keen on taking up a leadership role eventually. (June 2008). National College for School Leadership. September 21, 2008, from http://www.ncsl.org.uk/aboutus-index/press_office-index/pressoffice-latestreleases.htm?id=23246.

U.S. Department of Labor. (2007, April) Teachers- Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle and Secondary. September 21, 2008, from http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos069.htm.

U.S. Department of State. (2008) Teaching Overseas. September 21, 2008, from http://www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/c21946.htm.

Virginia Department of Education. (September 21, 2007). Routes to Licensure in Virginia. October 5, 2008, from http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/newvdoe/licroute.pdf.</font>


[[Category:Foundations of Education and Instructional Assessment]]

Revision as of 23:09, 12 January 2009

Teaching: A Guide to Becoming An Educator
Written by: Jasmine Tucay


"Those who can't do, teach..." - The School of Rock.


Learning Objectives

- The reader will find out what makes a good teacher

- The reader will learn about different types of degrees and the cerficates that are offered

- The reader will learn about the tests that one is required to take prior to becoming a teacher

- The reader will learn about the career opportunities existing after getting licensed


Introduction

"Those who can't do, teach, and those who can't teach...teach gym" (IMDb.com, Inc., 2008). All silliness aside, in the movie "The School of Rock" the career of a teacher, in so many words, chose the main character. Through various realistic, and unrealistic events, he learned to love the profession. However, he lacked the credentials and certification that teachers need to teach.

All right, so life isn't exactly like the movies, but this particular movie does show an important point. There are certain steps that a person has to take before he or she can be a licensed teacher.

In today's career driven society, there are always steps that you have to take to get where you want to go. Becoming a teacher falls in line with this mentality. The first step to becoming a teacher is taking the plunge and deciding that you want to be in the field of education. After this decision, you want to find a university offering a program that will earn you a degree and licensure to teach. While taking various classes, you'll be required to take numerious exams to assess your competency on knowledge regarding your future as an educator. After taking classes and teaching tests, you can receive your degree(s) and find a school to start your career as an educator.

What Makes a Good Teacher?

There are many qualities and characteristics that make up a good teacher. Engaging, caring and innovative are some things that may come to mind. According to Dr. Richard M. Reis, a professor and executive director at Stanford University, the top priority of teachers should be that they want to be good teachers. In his article he states that as teachers "we respect students who really try, even if they do not succeed in everything they do, so they will respect us, even if we are not as good as we want to be" (Reis, 2007). Your future students will know that you want to be a good teacher if you yourself strive to become one. To supplement this point, "among 150 teachers in the first three years of their careers aged under 26 reveals that 85 per cent of this 'Generation Y' probably or definitely want to be working in a school in 20 years, with only two per cent definitely not" (National College for School Leadership). With this being said, teachers with enthusiasm are working in the education field today.

In addition, Reis adds that teachers should be good listeners as well (Reis, 2007). With the varying ages, gender and personalities of your future students, it will benefit you and the students you teach to listen to what works for them, and what to never try again.

There are many opinions on what goes into a good teacher, but only you can implement the characteristics in your own teaching career.

Getting Your Degree

According to The Apple, teachers in the United States with a Master's degree can get paid any where from $2,000 to almost $10,000 more than what they would be getting paid with only a Bachelor's - The Apple.

There are many programs that you can pursue on your way to get your degree. First you would choose your specific grade level, then you would go onto to taking your various classes. For example, at Old Dominion University, there are a few different educational tracks that you can pursue including: Pre-K - 3, Pre-K - 6, K - 12, K - 12 with a emphasis on Special Education, and Secondary Education which includes 6 - 12 (Darden College of Education 2008).

After picking a program, you will be required to take different courses such as History and Math, depending on your focus. For example, if you were pursing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies Teacher Prep. with a Concentration on Pre-K - 3 Early Childhood Emphasis, you would be taking various general education courses, major content courses and some classes focusing on professional aspects of being a teacher (Old Dominion University Catalog, 2006-2008). Within the profession education courses, you may be required to observe in the classroom among other things. For example, during my observation period, I saw how a first grade classroom was taught and managed. It was a rewarded experience that I'm glad is required for teachers in the state of Virginia. I learned a lot and got to interact with the children as well. Observing is just half the battle though. After some professional education courses, you will still have other classes to pass.

Once you've graduated with your Bachelor's Degree, you may want to move on to take your Master's Degree. You may be thinking that an extra year of school isn't going to matter. There are two sides to this argument. According to Linda Gorman, a writer for the National Bureau of Economic Research, " Teachers who entered teaching with a master's degree, or who earned it within five years of beginning to teach, were as effective as teachers without a master's degree" (Gorman). You may be one of the people who has what it takes to make it as a teacher with four years of college and an undergraduate degree. Contrary to this opinion, according to The Apple, teachers in the United States with a Master's degree can get paid any where from $2,000 to almost $10,000 more than what they would be getting paid with only a Bachelor's (The Apple, 2008).

Testing

There are many tests that are required for future educators to take. Two of the most known ones in Virginia, that have many future teachers writhing in fear, are the Praxis 1 and 2. According to the Educational Testing Service, better known as ETS, the Praxis is a test consisting of "rigorous and validated assessments that provides accurate, reliable information for use by state education agencies in making licensing decisions" (ETS, 2008). Within these tests, you will be assessed on basic mathematics, reading and writing skills in the Praxis 1, along with a specialized test that is more focused on the path of education that you chose to go for in the Praxis 2 (ETS, 2008). Preparing for the Praxis tests can be very intimidating, but your university may provide help with prepping for the tests. Along with this, you can also purchase a study guide for the Praxis tests online or your local bookstore. I found that praticing with old praxis tests was very useful for helping me pass my Praxis tests.

After achieving a passing score on the Praxis 1 and 2 tests, you have a couple more tests to pass. The Virgina Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) and the Virginia Reading Assessment (VRA) are two tests that assess your knowledge communicating and literary abilities and how well you can teach reading skills (2008–2009 VCLA and VRA Registration Bulletin, 2008). These tests are required to be taken by future elementary education and special education students that want to teach in Virginia (2008–2009 VCLA and VRA Registration Bulletin, 2008).

Once you achieve passing scores on the tests listed above, you're ready to apply for a teaching license. Applying for licensure is different for every state. For example, in the state of Virginia, "An individual seeking licensure must establish a file in the Department of Education by submitting a complete application packet, which includes official student transcripts " (Virginia Department of Education, 2007). For a general list of what to do to apply for your teaching license, you may want to visit a general website such as Ehow.com (Reynolds, 1999 - 2008) or ask your university for information.

Venturing Into The Real World of Education

Now that you're licensed to teach, you can now start looking into finding a career. According to the Department of Labor, "Job opportunities for teachers over the next 10 years will vary from good to excellent, depending on the locality, grade level, and subject taught" (U.S. Department of Labor, 2007). The reason for the good outlook on jobs is that many teachers may be retiring.

Along with finding a job as a teacher, you may want to further your career to become an administrator to a school, or even a superintendent to a school district. For these job opportunities to work out, you would have to go back to school again. Along with this, you may want to try for your PhD in education.

You may also want to teach classes at a local recreation center, or do volunteer work helping a teacher a school around your neighborhood. Although it may not be a paying job, I believe that every one still has time to learn something no matter what stage they are at in their lives. Along with this, you can gain experience, and give a local teacher a helping hand.

Another career move could be possibly teaching overseas. There are many teaching abroad programs and you could even become a teacher through the Department of Defense or the Department of State (U.S. Department of State, 2008). "During 1995-96, 190 schools received grant assistance and technical support from A/OPR/OS. Because they are private institutions, these schools hire their own staffs" (U.S. Department of State, 2008) and many of these schools are over seas. Personally, I plan on trying this program sometime in my near future career as an educator.

Conclusion

Although there is a long process in becoming a teacher, I believe that the product from your hard work will be more than rewarding. Through the classes, the credentials, and the tests, you get a license to teach students in a chosen state, or even all around the world if that is where life takes you.

Much like Jack Black's Character in "The School of Rock", if the career of teaching does choose you, or you choose it, what is most important in my eyes is the students that you will be teaching. Whether you become an elementary school teacher, or a gym teacher, the steps all boil down to the deciding that education is in your intended career.

Questions

Choose the best answer for the following questions.

1. According to Dr. Richard Reis, what is the top priority of what makes a good teacher?

A. the teacher should be on time

B. the teacher should be engaging

C. the teacher must want to be a good teacher

D. the teacher must a good listener


2. What three skills are tested in the Praxis 1?

A. reading, writing, and reading

B. science, english, and math

C. reading, math, and geometric figures

D. math, history, and reading


3. If you wanted to travel abroad, what kind of career path would you choose?

A. a 2nd grade teacher at the school a mile away from your house

B. to Washington D.C. for a teaching job at GWU

C. a history professor at Old Dominion University

D. a teacher for the department of defense or state


4. What kind of degree do you need to become a teacher?

A. Bachelor's

B. Masters

C. Both A and B

D. None of the Above


5. You want to pursue a more options for your career in education, and you already have your

Master's Degree, what choices do you have?

A. Go back to school for a PhD

B. Travel abroad and teach

C. See what you can do in your community and volunteer

D. All of the above


Answers

The answers to the questions areBOLD


1. According to Dr. Richard Reis, what is the top priority of what makes a good teacher?

A. the teacher should be on time

B. the teacher should be engaging

C. the teacher must want to be a good teacher

D. the teacher must a good listener


2. What three skills are tested in the Praxis 1?

A. math, writing, and reading

B. science, english, and math

C. reading, math, and geometric figures

D. math, history, and reading


3. If you wanted to travel abroad, what kind of career path would you choose?

A. a 2nd grade teacher at the school a mile away from your house

B. to Washington D.C. for a teaching job at GWU

C. a history professor at Old Dominion University

D. a teacher for the department of defense or state


4. What kind of degree can you have to become a teacher?

A. Bachelor's

B. Masters

C. Both A and B

D. None of the Above


5. You want to pursue a more options for your career in education, and you already have your

Master's Degree, what choices do you have?

A. Go back to school for a PhD

B. Travel abroad and teach

C. See what you can do in your community and volunteer

D. All of the above



References

2008–2009 VCLA and VRA Registration Bulletin. (2008). Pearson Education, Inc. October 5, 2008, from http://www.va.nesinc.com/VA5_overview.asp.

Darden College of Education: Teacher Education Services. (2008). Undergraduate Teacher Education Programs. September 21, 2008, from http://education.odu.edu/tes/pages/admission_ug.shtml.

Educational Testing Services. (2008). Tests Directory: Ptaxis. September 21, 2008, from http://www.ets.org/portal/site/ets/menuitem.36b6150d13d7bab7b1935b10c3921509/?vgnextoid=e63ce3b5f64f4010VgnVCM10000022f95190RCRD.

Gorman, Linda. Teacher Credentials Don't Matter for Student Achievement. National Bureau of Economic Research. September 21, 2008, from http://www.nber.org/digest/aug07/w12828.html.

IMDb.com, Inc. (1990 - 2008) Memorable Quotes for The School of Rock. September 21, 2008, from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0332379/quotes

Old Dominion University Course Catalog. (2006-2008). Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies – Teacher Prep. Concentration. September 21, 2008, from http://uc.odu.edu/advising/docs/curriculumsheets/2006-2008/al-IDSTeacherPrepPK-3.pdf.

Reis, Richard M. (2007) What Makes a Good Teacher Article. Minnesota State University Mankato. September 21, 2008, from http://www.mnsu.edu/cetl/teachingresources/articles/goodteacher.html.

Reynolds, L. (1999 - 2008). How to Apply for a Teaching License. eHow. How to Do Just About Everything. September 21, 2008, from http://www.ehow.com/how_2164868_apply-teaching-license.html.

Rudin, Scott. (Producer), & White, Mike. (Director). (October 2, 2003). The School of Rock[Motion picture]. United States of America: Paramount Pictures.

The Apple. (2008). Bachelor’s vs. Master’s: Compare Salaries in 50 States. September 28, 2008, from http://www.theapple.com/careers/articles/2078-bachelors-vs-masters-compare-salaries-in-50-states-.

Today's new teachers expect a long school career helping children - with the majority keen on taking up a leadership role eventually. (June 2008). National College for School Leadership. September 21, 2008, from http://www.ncsl.org.uk/aboutus-index/press_office-index/pressoffice-latestreleases.htm?id=23246.

U.S. Department of Labor. (2007, April) Teachers- Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle and Secondary. September 21, 2008, from http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos069.htm.

U.S. Department of State. (2008) Teaching Overseas. September 21, 2008, from http://www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/c21946.htm.

Virginia Department of Education. (September 21, 2007). Routes to Licensure in Virginia. October 5, 2008, from http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/newvdoe/licroute.pdf.