sandlapper: blog 
sandlapper girl's blog
a question for teachers
Published Dec 29, 2008Views: 301
Hi. I have a question for any teachers out there. Im considering a career change to teaching and was wondering what would be my best option for a masters degree in order to get the extra training I need. I don’t have any previous courses or experience in teaching. Just a BS in biology. Id like to teach science at either the elementary or middle school level. I guess this would be what they call a lateral entry.
My question is would I be better off going for a MEd with a concentration in science ed or a MS in biology with a graduate minor in education? Or would it matter all that much with regard to employability and starting pay?
Thanks for your help!
Filed under: News & Issues
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GOLO member since February 12, 2008
December 29, 2008 7:46 p.m.
GOLO member since January 1, 2008
December 29, 2008 5:29 p.m.
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Let's just say the resume screams "career student" fairly loudly so I'm thinking it's going to be hard to impress unless it's some district way out in the middle of nowhere that is desperate. That might not be a bad thing for him, actually...
But there are other issues at play that I think are going to be harder to overcome...not the least of which is the idea that one can dictate terms to one's prospective employer, particularly in a recession.
But my favourite was the notion that once hired, he'd only stay for a year until he gets accepted for a graduate degree. I'm listening to that with my head in my hands wondering "why not let your school system pay for the whole degree?!?!?!?"
December 29, 2008 4:43 p.m.
Bite your tongue SLG! LOL I wasted over 22 years of my life doing that chit and it's sooooooooooo not worth it!
December 29, 2008 2:16 p.m.
GOLO member since January 2, 2009
December 29, 2008 1:58 p.m.
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So the likelihood of someone trying a lateral entry for MS/HS social studies on the basis of having a double major in history/political science is probably about nil?
Right now, I have a relative who is absolutely convinced he's going to pull it off as he's supposed to graduate in May. Everything I've researched suggests otherwise unless he's in a critical need area (math/science and special ed, mostly) and that he'd be better off getting his certification before trying to get into a school system.
Unfortunately, he's not listening (and has other unbelievably unrealistic expectations) and I suspect he's heading for a hard dose of reality that's probably unnecessary.
I'm hoping I'm wrong... :(
December 29, 2008 1:46 p.m.
GOLO member since January 2, 2009
December 29, 2008 1:41 p.m.
After reading some of these comments I think roofing might be another possibility too lol!
GOLO member since December 14, 2008
December 29, 2008 1:40 p.m.
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Don't forget the cost of benefits (medical/dental, 401(k), paid time off, holidays, etc.) for the position which can be substantial. That $30K base rate from DPI can easily grow to $45-50K if you add all of the additional overhead for the employee.
December 29, 2008 1:31 p.m.
GOLO member since April 18, 2008
December 29, 2008 1:23 p.m.
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