Working on English BA to be HS Teacher - Want to Finish FAST!! Testing Tips Please!

[birdandbee]

Happy to have just found this forum today. :-)

Current TESC student here beginning my second semester. As of now, I have a total of 39 credits (expect to have approx. 63 credits by Sept). I'm 32 and put off finishing school for far too long. My goal is (and has been) to be a HS English teacher and I am eager to get to it soon. My question is, what CLEP/DSST exams are recommended by other TESC students/alums? Ideally, I'm trying to accumulate as many test credits as possible to shorten my overall time in school so I'd like to take those tests which account for the most credit. Does TESC award 6+ credits for any CLEP/DSST exams?


Thanks in advance everyone! :-)

[Yenisei]

You'd get a more accurate answer if you let us know what you already have credit for already so you don't duplicate anything, but TESC has a page on their website where they mention the sort of credit they award for CLEP/DSST exams, and you may want to check into ECE exams as well. BTW, have you square away the 18 UL credits you'll need for your major? If you want to test out of those, I suggest looking at the numerous credit-by-exam options in UL English offered by Ohio University.

One other thing- be sure you know your state's requirements to get licensed.

[Lindagerr]

What state are you looking to teach in? Some of the exams like Education psychology, Foundations of EDUCATION, and Literacy instruction in Elementary school may look good when going on and they can be used in a couple of places in your plan. Are you planning on doing an alternate route program after your BA or going on for a MAT?

[birdandbee]

I'm in NJ. I'd love to eventually obtain my MAT, but since I'm eager to get things underway, I'm more likely going to look into the Alternate Route path, assuming I'm able to get certified.

Thanks for the helpful info!

[birdandbee]

Hi Linda!

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond. I haven't logged on to the forum in quite a while, so I didn't realize anyone had responded further to my question. So sorry for the delay in follow-up. To answer your question, I'd ideally like to teach within the tri-state area. For now, I'm thinking in terms of NJ, but I've also given thought to relocating to upstate NY or CT owing to possible future circumstances.

I noticed those exams were available (all via CLEP or are they DANTES as well) - do you know specifically what area of my degree program they would be applied to - free electives, humanities, etc.?

Thanks so much in advance for your input!
-Dawn :-)