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Becoming a classroom teacher in a public school begins with obtaining a college degree; completing the coursework required for an education major - usually two years of upper division study - and student teaching for six to twelve months. The next step is to earn a license or alternative teaching certification. As these credentials are state specific, it is important to explore precise requirements from the state where one would like to work.
In several states, completion of a college course of study and testing in a credentialing program will automatically result in a state teaching credential. In other states, licensing involves passing exams in the teacher's subject area, whether in general elementary education or in a specialty, such as reading. One test that is typically required prior to entering a teaching program is the Praxis.
The Praxis test series is currently mandatory in 40 states. The Praxis I is usually required in the freshman or sophomore year of college. Referred to as Pre-Professional Skills Test, it covers basic skills in reading, writing and math. Besides being a prerequisite for state teachers' licensing, Praxis I is also often used to pre-qualify candidates for an Education major. Praxis II, or Professional Assessment for Beginning Teachers, tests for specific knowledge by subject area, as well as general and specific teaching skills. This test is generally taken in the junior or senior year.
Credentials are usually issued within defined limits, such as:
Early childhood education (preschool to third grade) Elementary (first grade through eighth grade) Middle and secondary credentials require a field of expertise credential, in addition to other state specific requirements.
The highly publicized shortage of teachers in the United States is most critical in inner city areas, and in some specific subject matters such as technology, math and science. To address these issues, most states have organized alternative teacher certification programs for individuals who have a desire to teach and already have at least a bachelor's degree in subjects other than Education.
Also, some universities have created teacher education centers that enable people wanting to obtain certification or endorsements to their existing licensing (for special education, English as a Second Language and the like) in an accelerated format.
The Praxis tests have stirred up a lot of controversy as even professionals who are currently teaching, and are regarded as very good instructors, often fail them. Also, both African Americans and Hispanics, who are underrepresented in the teaching industry, fail the Praxis more often than Caucasians and Asians. This has led to serious concern that the emphasis on these standardized tests promotes the homogenization of the teacher workforce in an increasingly diverse world.
From "No Child Left Behind" to private initiatives such as that of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, teacher competence and effectiveness continues to be a critical concern in today's competitive global economy. The Praxis method of analyzing potential teachers was created as one way to address that concern. Perhaps it is not the idea that needs some reconsideration, but the content or format of the tests themselves.
Reproduction permitted only if all active links are maintained and byline is preserved, and/or your byline is omitted. 2011 All Rights Reserved.
In several states, completion of a college course of study and testing in a credentialing program will automatically result in a state teaching credential. In other states, licensing involves passing exams in the teacher's subject area, whether in general elementary education or in a specialty, such as reading. One test that is typically required prior to entering a teaching program is the Praxis.
The Praxis test series is currently mandatory in 40 states. The Praxis I is usually required in the freshman or sophomore year of college. Referred to as Pre-Professional Skills Test, it covers basic skills in reading, writing and math. Besides being a prerequisite for state teachers' licensing, Praxis I is also often used to pre-qualify candidates for an Education major. Praxis II, or Professional Assessment for Beginning Teachers, tests for specific knowledge by subject area, as well as general and specific teaching skills. This test is generally taken in the junior or senior year.
Credentials are usually issued within defined limits, such as:
Early childhood education (preschool to third grade) Elementary (first grade through eighth grade) Middle and secondary credentials require a field of expertise credential, in addition to other state specific requirements.
The highly publicized shortage of teachers in the United States is most critical in inner city areas, and in some specific subject matters such as technology, math and science. To address these issues, most states have organized alternative teacher certification programs for individuals who have a desire to teach and already have at least a bachelor's degree in subjects other than Education.
Also, some universities have created teacher education centers that enable people wanting to obtain certification or endorsements to their existing licensing (for special education, English as a Second Language and the like) in an accelerated format.
The Praxis tests have stirred up a lot of controversy as even professionals who are currently teaching, and are regarded as very good instructors, often fail them. Also, both African Americans and Hispanics, who are underrepresented in the teaching industry, fail the Praxis more often than Caucasians and Asians. This has led to serious concern that the emphasis on these standardized tests promotes the homogenization of the teacher workforce in an increasingly diverse world.
From "No Child Left Behind" to private initiatives such as that of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, teacher competence and effectiveness continues to be a critical concern in today's competitive global economy. The Praxis method of analyzing potential teachers was created as one way to address that concern. Perhaps it is not the idea that needs some reconsideration, but the content or format of the tests themselves.
Reproduction permitted only if all active links are maintained and byline is preserved, and/or your byline is omitted. 2011 All Rights Reserved.
About the Author:
Author Stephen Daniels highly recommends National Teacher Education Center for those seeking the best jobs in the education arena. They offer reading teacher certification as well as MA and MS degrees in educations via their alternative education programs, so students can continue to work and study simultaneously for their higher degrees.
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