WGU MA in Education

[ladylearner]

I lived in NJ and was working towards my Alternative teacher certification. I was at the point where I had passed all the PRAXIS II and had my Certificates of eligibility to teach. I just needed to find a job with a mentor. I went to one job interview, in the town where I lived and subbed. I did not get the job the board wanted someone stronger in math I was stronger in Science. After that we had to move to NY, since I had not been ""fully" certified in NJ I am not even allowed to sub here. I used to sub as an aide once in a while but $50 a day was an insult. Now I sub in SC in the winters and they beg me to complete the alt route because they need Math and or Science teacher badly. I have decided I'm to old to be bothered with having to work full time if I don't need to. So I have not gone on.

Have you ever tried Substitute teaching? If you have never taught children it is really important to try it out. I thought I really wanted to teach lower grades, until I subbed a few times and realized I don't have the patience for all day with a whinner. I found out I really love teaching Middle school and those are the only schools I will work at now.

Good luck which ever path you choice and CONGRATS on your graduation. Did I see you are planning on going to the graduation ceremony? I went both when I got my AA and when I got my BA it was an experience I will never forget. I would have gone back for my AAS ceremony but we had moved up here and I could not afford to go back at that time. Enjoy your day!!

Linda, thank you!

Yes, I'm definitely going to graduation. It's only an hour away. I'd take an Uber from the NJ Transit station if I had to. I totally get what you mean about the program not being worthwhile if you can't student teach. I realized that the WGU grad program I'm interested in is actually for teachers who are already licensed. I'm going to find out if NJ's certificate of eligibility would fulfill that requirement. If it does, I'd have to complete the necessary requirements before I can even be admitted to the program. I have worked with children in a private tutoring setting but never in a classroom environment. I am still considering whether the NJ alternative certification is worth pursuing.

Oh and by the way, we have lived in three of the same states!