Western Governors University

[valsacar]

I know in NY there are some universities that have teacher prep programs, that's something Virginia might have as well. Financial aide might be an option in one of those programs, depending on how it is structured. NY State only requires 40 days of student teaching (if you go through a prep program), I'm sure most states are a lot lower than what WGU uses.

[ryoder]

What about working as a private school teacher instead of public school?

[IrishJohn]

I know in NY there are some universities that have teacher prep programs, that's something Virginia might have as well. Financial aide might be an option in one of those programs, depending on how it is structured. NY State only requires 40 days of student teaching (if you go through a prep program), I'm sure most states are a lot lower than what WGU uses.

They do but unfortunately also require a period of unpaid internship like WGU does. I cannot afford such a long time without pay.

[IrishJohn]

What about working as a private school teacher instead of public school?

I've thought about it but most private schools in my area are religious. I've nothing against them but such are not exactly my "cup o' tea" in general, most are of a religion I do not follow and they all pay less than the public school system (even in my low-paid county). No, I'd rather work in the public schools. My goal is to eventually teach at the community college once I have a master's degree completed.

[IrishJohn]

Even though I've decided not to pursue WGU's teacher prep program, I did finally receive a reply from them regarding the questions I had in my first post. I'm putting this here in case it can help someone who is interested in their program that is following this thread:

These are excerpts from 2 different emails I recently received from WGU...

We don't use the CLEP Social Science and History for anything in the PB/MATSS12 program. The Sociology will clear one behavioral science though and they offer a psychology test too. Please let us know if you need anything else. Looks like you’ll be able to use the Introductory Sociology CLEP, but not the Social Sciences and History one.
However, you can use the Introductory Psychology CLEP for your second behavioral science requirement...

Unfortunately, the other political science tests John has listed are too similar to the TECEP test he has listed first. I would stay away from the Penn Foster course alltogether, becuase some states are picky with DETC and master's programs. The Iraq War course doesn't fit our poli sci requriements, either.

Regarding CLEP: Western Civ I and II will meet World History I and II, if passed. CLEP Sociology will meet a behavioral science requirement, if passed. Social Science and History will not work, because it's only 26% of the content we're looking for for behavioral science and DSST Organizational Behavior will not work, because it is focused on business processes, not behavioral science.

[alleycat]

I've thought about it but most private schools in my area are religious. I've nothing against them but such are not exactly my "cup o' tea" in general, most are of a religion I do not follow and they all pay less than the public school system (even in my low-paid county). No, I'd rather work in the public schools. My goal is to eventually teach at the community college once I have a master's degree completed.

John in my state they have 5 different ways to become a teacher. So it's sort of open. You said you did not want to teach in the private sector. I just found a resource for the state I live in that listed ever school that was private or charter. I could not believe how many schools that are non religious in nature. I cannot believe how many schools cost 47k with room and board to attend. I would not over look private education. Once your in and licensed you can always make a move to the public schools. Just a thought.

[OE800_85]

Hey I know this thread died quite a while ago, but have you made any progress on getting teacher licensure? As I understand, the only way to become a public school teacher is through student teaching (or an unpaid internship, as you call it) and they won't certify you without doing so...three months isn't such a long time to go without working, is it? Keep expenses low, dip into savings a little...