Private school teaching

[sucia02]

Hi all,

I did a search and I found a few threads that talked about this but none answered all my questions so I thought I'd start a new thread! :p

I don't post much but I was leticia2u on the WC (the new CC format scared me!) Anyway, I'm planning on going back to school to get my teaching credential. (I currently work in the 'corporate aka BS world). I want to teach 3rd, 4th or 5th grade at a private (Catholic) school.

Part 1: I'm confused as to what is required in the state of California. I've heard that you don't need your credential to teach at a private school, but would you suggest that I get it anyway? It seems kind of "half-ass" not to get it but I could be totally wrong. I don't want to waste my time getting my credential then student teaching if I don't need it. Also, is 1.5-2 yrs about what it takes to finish a credential program?

Part 2: How do I find out about the job postings/requirements at private schools? Is there a particular resource I can tap into? Do I call the schools directly?

Thanks in advance!

[mmeblue]

Credential - it depends on the school. The school where I teach (private, Christian, not affiliated with any denomination) does not require teachers to be certified when hired, but they do require us to get and keep ACSI (http://www.acsi.org/web2003/default.aspx?ID=1606) certification. The coursework required for a credential won't hurt you, and might help you, but whether a private school requires it is completely up to them. Also, they may look at certified vs. uncertified applicants differently, even if they don't actually require it. I can't speak to how long it takes to complete a credential program, since I did mine while I was in college.

Job Postings - I would say to look at individual schools' websites and/or call them directly. If you know people who are involved with the school(s) you're interested in, as teachers or families that send their kids there, ask those people to keep you aware of potential openings.

I hope that helps a bit! :)

[cactus]

The argument for getting your credential now is that you don't know if you'll want to teach at a Catholic school forever (or maybe you do...do you?) and at least if you do the credentialing ahead of time you'll never have to worry about it later. Plus, you never know--you might have an easier time starting teaching in general if you've done a program.

That said, I have a CA credential, and I don't think the actual program was the most valuable thing that taught me about teaching...that was probably actually teaching. Whatever you decide, good luck!