Its Time to Finish ... Need Advice

[Donojohn]

Hello All,

Long-time lurker on the site, finally ready to try and figure this out.

I'm looking at making a career change from the construction trades to teaching HS math and science.  New Jersey resident, I've engaged and gotten my academic eval from TESU, but wonder if perhaps there is a better route. I'm amazed at the help and advice I see offered on this forum.

Right now I'm leaning towards trying to complete a BA-LSNASC, as the NJ teacher's certification process requires 30 credits in the subject field with at least 12cr in upper levels. But I am open to doing something different if I could get it done more quickly and then pursue the UL math and science via a post-graduate cert program geared toward training STEM teachers.

I have attached the screenshot of the TESU Eval that I received from them which was based on credits from Bergen Community College (NJ), Manhattan College (NY), and Ramapo College (NJ).  I have subsequently sent a transcript of my completed courses from Renssalaer Poly to them and still await the additional eval.

RPI (NY) - 19 Credits
ECON1200 - Intro Economics - 3 Cr - Grade C
MATH1100 - Mathematics I - 4 Cr - Grade C
MATH1300 - Mathematics III - 3 Cr - Grade C
MGMT1100 - Intro to Mgmt - 3 Cr - Grade C
MGMT1260 - Legal Envirn of Business - 3 Cr - Grade C
PHIL1110 - Intro to Philosophy - 3 Cr - Grade C
 

I am currently working on Coopersmith MAT 305 - Linear Algebra, but am finding it slower going than I expected given my time away from math studies...

At this point my head is spinning at the possibilities. I have reached out to advisors at various colleges with alternate route teaching programs, but nobody really wants to offer guidance unless you enroll with them...

So I humbly ask for help here.



-JD

[bjcheung77]

@Donojohn, Welcome to the board, did you check out the wiki yet? You have about 80 credits transferred into the BALS degree, I would still recommend you fill out the template and last post addendum in order for us to review a bit more info about your scenario or situation, the extra details you provide us will paint a fuller picture and give us a better view of possible options for you: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...Area-works

Basically, you have various options, I would investigate not only TESU but WGU as well, as they have Education Competency Based degrees.  There are other options, I would keep my mind open to see which one suits you more.  Maybe something such as a basic degree and laddering up to a Masters in STEM might before what you're looking at, ACE.edu offers that degree affordably.  I really will depend on how/what you want to do in order to proceed...

[davewill]

...
I am currently working on Coopersmith MAT 305 - Linear Algebra, but am finding it slower going than I expected given my time away from math studies...
...

Studying math without an instructor or tutor can be a challenge. I recommend getting a textbook with a matching solutions manual. Since you can buy older editions, they'll be cheap. It's very useful to be able to look at step-by-step solutions for problems you are having trouble mastering.

[bjcheung77]

OP... Here's the WIKI for TESU General Education: https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/Sa...ts_Roadmap
If you're looking for extra math classes, you can review the mathematics link for possible suggestions to complete your requirements.

[rachel83az]

I don't know if it'd be faster/easier, but since you need to take all that UL math anyway... my suggestion would be to get the BA Math instead of the BALS-NSM. The Math degree requires 15 UL credits in maths and/or sciences (mostly math), which is only one more class than is needed for the teaching certification. The entire AOS has more than enough math/science credits, too.

Why the Math degree? If, at some point in the future, you decide that teaching isn't for you, having a math degree will look better on a resume than a BALS degree. When your current path gets you most of the way there anyway, I would say you might as well switch.

[Donojohn]

I don't know if it'd be faster/easier, but since you need to take all that UL math anyway... my suggestion would be to get the BA Math instead of the BALS-NSM. The Math degree requires 15 UL credits in maths and/or sciences (mostly math), which is only one more class than is needed for the teaching certification. The entire AOS has more than enough math/science credits, too.

Why the Math degree? If, at some point in the future, you decide that teaching isn't for you, having a math degree will look better on a resume than a BALS degree. When your current path gets you most of the way there anyway, I would say you might as well switch.

Thank you Rachel83az!  That’s pretty much exactly what I concluded too. I am just waiting to get the final acad eval from them to see what other classes if any I might need and then I’ll be back here to investigate lower cost options! 

You guys are fantastic, this forum is pretty incredible. Thank you.

[dfrecore]

Have you considered WGU? They have several degrees that would fit your requirements, as well as getting your teaching cert at the same time if NJ is an option.

[bjcheung77]

Yes, as I mentioned above, WGU is a very good option for teaching any subject or STEM
WGU Teachers College Info: https://www.wgu.edu/admissions/teaching-...ments.html
WGU State Licensure Link: https://www.wgu.edu/online-teaching-degr...nsure.html