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+--- Thread: Its Time to Finish ... Need Advice (/Thread-Its-Time-to-Finish-Need-Advice)
Its Time to Finish ... Need Advice - Donojohn - 10-03-2022
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
RE: Its Time to Finish ... Need Advice - bjcheung77 - 10-03-2022
@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-New-to-DegreeForum-How-this-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...
RE: Its Time to Finish ... Need Advice - davewill - 10-04-2022
(10-03-2022, 10:06 PM)Donojohn Wrote: ...
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.
RE: Its Time to Finish ... Need Advice - bjcheung77 - 10-04-2022
OP... Here's the WIKI for TESU General Education: https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/Sample_TESU_General_Education_Requirements_Roadmap
If you're looking for extra math classes, you can review the mathematics link for possible suggestions to complete your requirements.
RE: Its Time to Finish ... Need Advice - rachel83az - 10-05-2022
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.
RE: Its Time to Finish ... Need Advice - Donojohn - 10-05-2022
rachel83az Wrote: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.
RE: Its Time to Finish ... Need Advice - dfrecore - 10-05-2022
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.
RE: Its Time to Finish ... Need Advice - bjcheung77 - 10-06-2022
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-requirements.html
WGU State Licensure Link: https://www.wgu.edu/online-teaching-degrees/state-licensure.html