4 answers
ash
Student
New Hampton, MO
1
Question
Asked
173 views
Someone help
If I get a job at a school as an elementary teacher while im getting my associates degree, can i stay at the same school teaching after getting my associates and continuing on to get my bachelor's?
Login to comment
4 answers
Hiam Gosaynie
teacher
3
Answers
Westland, Michigan
Updated
Hiam’s Answer
Hello, there!
So happy you're interested in teaching! I've been a teacher for over 35 years, retired, but then went back to it and still teaching part-time now in Adult Ed.. I'd say that teachers are needed more than ever now; there's a desperate need for them and districts paying much higher salaries than they had in the past. That said, it depends upon each state, district, your specialization, and the need in your area. So there are many variables involved. In my state, teachers in the public school setting needed to be Very Highly Qualified in their content area to be able to teach in their major and minor; however, I know it's different for elementary teachers, and they need to be able to do more of the core subject areas. And, on top of that, there is the state teaching test (names vary by state) graduates had to pass before being allowed to teach or getting a contract. This may now be more relaxed, however.
To answer your question about receiving an Associate's degree and teaching, I'm not 100% sure. I personally think you would need to have at least 35 credit hours, and some classes in education such as Educational Child Psychology, Reading Improvement, and perhaps a foundation educational class. Your best bet would be to check with your local community college or university about that. Also check with your local districts. Getting hired also requires you to understand children, how they think and learn, and learning styles. I really benefited from my
class as an undergrad. Now, I have learned that networking and knowing people does help, but it also comes down to budgetary concerns, because principals are expected to run their school like an efficient and effective business: having successful students (the end product), good test scores, great teachers, and an X-dollar amount in which to purchase supplies, etc.....and they're allotted a yearly budget. In my district, once a person was hired, they could take classes and continue to teach, but if a person wanted to take a break (a sabbatical to complete classes) their position at a specific school would not be held, but they would be guaranteed a job in the district upon return.
So, it all depends on many variables, as I mentioned. And the speed at which you are able to complete the requirements by taking summer classes too. Best of luck!
So happy you're interested in teaching! I've been a teacher for over 35 years, retired, but then went back to it and still teaching part-time now in Adult Ed.. I'd say that teachers are needed more than ever now; there's a desperate need for them and districts paying much higher salaries than they had in the past. That said, it depends upon each state, district, your specialization, and the need in your area. So there are many variables involved. In my state, teachers in the public school setting needed to be Very Highly Qualified in their content area to be able to teach in their major and minor; however, I know it's different for elementary teachers, and they need to be able to do more of the core subject areas. And, on top of that, there is the state teaching test (names vary by state) graduates had to pass before being allowed to teach or getting a contract. This may now be more relaxed, however.
To answer your question about receiving an Associate's degree and teaching, I'm not 100% sure. I personally think you would need to have at least 35 credit hours, and some classes in education such as Educational Child Psychology, Reading Improvement, and perhaps a foundation educational class. Your best bet would be to check with your local community college or university about that. Also check with your local districts. Getting hired also requires you to understand children, how they think and learn, and learning styles. I really benefited from my
class as an undergrad. Now, I have learned that networking and knowing people does help, but it also comes down to budgetary concerns, because principals are expected to run their school like an efficient and effective business: having successful students (the end product), good test scores, great teachers, and an X-dollar amount in which to purchase supplies, etc.....and they're allotted a yearly budget. In my district, once a person was hired, they could take classes and continue to teach, but if a person wanted to take a break (a sabbatical to complete classes) their position at a specific school would not be held, but they would be guaranteed a job in the district upon return.
So, it all depends on many variables, as I mentioned. And the speed at which you are able to complete the requirements by taking summer classes too. Best of luck!
Ashton Stockstill
Diversity & Inclusion Leader
3
Answers
Livermore, California
Updated
Ashton’s Answer
Agree with Fred's answer - each state will have it's own requirements for initial education and certifications needed and some will have continuing education requirements after you begin teaching.
You could work at a school without your Bachelor's, but it's more likely to be in the office, as a yard duty/supervisor, aide, etc (though definitely check your State and school district sites, because some of those positions still require certain certifications).
You could work at a school without your Bachelor's, but it's more likely to be in the office, as a yard duty/supervisor, aide, etc (though definitely check your State and school district sites, because some of those positions still require certain certifications).
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
392
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
Each state has its own requirements for becoming a teacher, but generally, a bachelors degree is a requirement. So I don't think you can be a teacher while working towards your degree.
You may be able to get some other position, perhaps a teacher's aide, but I can't say for sure.
Teacher contracts are generally for one year at a time. Normally, once you are hired, you will be re-offered a contract the next year, but this can vary depending on job performance and demographics. If the school is expecting much lower enrollment, they may need fewer teachers and thus some won't get re-hired. Other factors can come into play as well. No job is 100% secure anymore.
You may be able to get some other position, perhaps a teacher's aide, but I can't say for sure.
Teacher contracts are generally for one year at a time. Normally, once you are hired, you will be re-offered a contract the next year, but this can vary depending on job performance and demographics. If the school is expecting much lower enrollment, they may need fewer teachers and thus some won't get re-hired. Other factors can come into play as well. No job is 100% secure anymore.
Noelle Narad
executive assistant
5
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Noelle’s Answer
Depending on what the school needs and how much space they have, things might change. Here's to hoping everything works out for you!