Hi everyone, Like many of you I must complete my BEST portfolio this year. I have decided to do a unit on genetically modified foods. I have everything all planned out except for the inquiry lab, I'm having a hard time finding/developing an inquiry lab for this topic. I acknowledge the fact that a wet lab for this topic will be difficult (I can't really modify a food item in a class period or in a high school lab) so I'm thinking I'll be doing a paper lab. I would appreciate any suggestions or if someone can point me in the right direction (I've picked the brains of colleagues and searched the internet). Thanks!
Im currently a HS Spanish teacher in a great Westchester County NY high school, and plan on relocating to CT this summer. I am wondering if anyone knows of any positions that are already available for next year - preferably in central CT. Also, what exams do I need to have passed before I can transfer certification? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Coming from MA, I had to take praxis I and II and special ed. However, you might be able to check your SAT scores and not have to take one of the tests. In addition, you need to have your district sign a paper if you have worked for more than 10 months so that you don't start with an initial certification.
On 1/10/08, Jen wrote: > Praxis I and Praxis II Spanish. > > [link removed]!
Just a correction: Foreign Language teachers take Praxis I, but DO NOT take Praxis II , instead they take the ACTFL OPI and WPT, ([link removed].
I would also take a look at [link removed].
Hope that helps.
On 1/10/08, Megan wrote: > Coming from MA, I had to take praxis I and II and special ed. > However, you might be able to check your SAT scores and not have > to take one of the tests. In addition, you need to have your > district sign a paper if you have worked for more than 10 months > so that you don't start with an initial certification. > > > > On 1/10/08, Jen wrote: >> Praxis I and Praxis II Spanish. >> >> [link removed]!
Next year I will be attending CCSU. I am thinking of majoring in Technology Education K12. On the CCSU's website it says that there is a 100% job placement. I have heard that it is hard to get T.E. teachers and i will get a job no problem. Is this true? Also do T.E. teachers have to do the dreaded Best project? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Hi, I am currently at CCSU for Educational Technology. Be careful there is a difference between ET and TE! I am not sure what the you come out with in TE, but I know that I will be able to use my degree both in the classroom, (or as a tech teacher) or in the business world. Just something to keep in mind and keep your options open!
On 1/09/08, CM wrote: > HI > > Next year I will be attending CCSU. I am thinking of > majoring in Technology Education K12. On the CCSU's > website it says that there is a 100&37; job placement. I have > heard that it is hard to get T.E. teachers and i will get > a job no problem. Is this true? Also do T.E. teachers have > to do the dreaded Best project? Any help would be greatly > appreciated!
I have recently applied for the CT alternative route program for teaching certification. I have 10 years industrial experience and am interested in the teaching profession so my schedule matches more closely to my childrens. Can anyone tell me the job market for a high school chemistry teacher and anticipated salary scale?
Good for you Jill! But a word to the wise from a scientist who became a teacher via alternate route certification...your schedule will be closer to your kids, but teaching will take up many many many hours outside of school for grading, planning, etc. Especially for the first couple of years. I found I had very little time for my child teaching four "preps" each day: AP Bio, Gen Bio, IB Bio I and IB Bio II. Try to find a first job at a school that will give you only 1 or two preps, like teaching Chem 1 all 6 periods, otherwise kiss your homelife goodbye for the first couple of years. Best of luck
On 1/14/08, Jill wrote: > I have recently applied for the CT alternative route > program for teaching certification. I have 10 years > industrial experience and am interested in the teaching > profession so my schedule matches more closely to my > childrens. Can anyone tell me the job market for a high > school chemistry teacher and anticipated salary scale? > > Thanks so much. Great chat room!
I agree with Gin. I am a first year teacher and a mom of 2. I basically work, plan lessons, help my kids with homework and their needs, and sleep. No time for anything else! I've decided to go to a part-time position next year so my life will be more manageable. The vacation schedule of a teacher is great for moms, but it's very tough during the school year. We really earn those vacations :)
On 2/11/08, Gin wrote: > Good for you Jill! But a word to the wise from a scientist > who became a teacher via alternate route certification...your > schedule will be closer to your kids, but teaching will take > up many many many hours outside of school for grading, > planning, etc. Especially for the first couple of years. I > found I had very little time for my child teaching four > "preps" each day: AP Bio, Gen Bio, IB Bio I and IB Bio II. > Try to find a first job at a school that will give you only 1 > or two preps, like teaching Chem 1 all 6 periods, otherwise > kiss your homelife goodbye for the first couple of years. > Best of luck > > On 1/14/08, Jill wrote: >> I have recently applied for the CT alternative route >> program for teaching certification. I have 10 years >> industrial experience and am interested in the teaching >> profession so my schedule matches more closely to my >> childrens. Can anyone tell me the job market for a high >> school chemistry teacher and anticipated salary scale? >> >> Thanks so much. Great chat room!
I am currently a new graduate with a chemistry degree. I passed my Praxis II tests for chemistry and am considering taking the Physics Praxis test to be certified in Physics also.
To be certified to teach Physics, do I need a minimum number of credits in Physics also? Chemistry and physics curriculum overlap significantly so may of the core courses are the same.
Could you please give me advice on how to study for the praxis chemistry exam. Are there any particular subjects I need to review?
On 1/14/08, Bob P. wrote: > I am currently a new graduate with a chemistry degree. I > passed my Praxis II tests for chemistry and am considering > taking the Physics Praxis test to be certified in Physics > also. > > To be certified to teach Physics, do I need a minimum > number of credits in Physics also? Chemistry and physics > curriculum overlap significantly so may of the core > courses are the same. > > Thanks for any help!
Get a copy of the Praxis review guide (VERY simplistic when compared to the exam..) but it gives you a good topic list; also get a high school chemistry textbook and read it!! (I'm not being sarcastic - this is what I did). Modern Chemistry by Holt is a good choice. Make sure you are familiar with basic lab equipment (difference in accuracy between using a biuret and a beaker). Become familiar with common chem labs - MgO in a crucible, etc. Best! > > > > On 1/14/08, Bob P. wrote: >> I am currently a new graduate with a chemistry degree. I >> passed my Praxis II tests for chemistry and am considering >> taking the Physics Praxis test to be certified in Physics >> also. >> >> To be certified to teach Physics, do I need a minimum >> number of credits in Physics also? Chemistry and physics >> curriculum overlap significantly so may of the core >> courses are the same. >> >> Thanks for any help!
For clarification, cross endorsements require a concentration in one field of study. For example, you would need 18 credits in chemistry to get a cross endorsement in chemistry to teach chemistry, 18 in physics to teach physics, etc. PLUS the required praxis tests in those areas. Hope this helps. > > TJ, > > Thanks. Your response is helpful and appreciated. > > For clarification, to get a cross endorsement say in chemistry, > would I need an additional 18 credits, all in chemistry, or an > additional 18 credits in the sciences including chemistry? So > when you say you have 3 science endorsements, does that mean you > have 18 credits in each; such as 18 credits in chemistry, 18 > credits in physics and 18 credits in say biology? Wow, that > seems like a lot! > > Thanks again for your help in understanding. > > Paul. > > > On 1/17/08, TJ wrote: >> Paul, >> Teachers receive primary certification in one area, say >> physics, assuming you have 1) enough credits in physics, 2) >> passed the required Praxis subject exams, 3) completed >> student teaching and 4) graduated from a teacher preparation >> program (traditional colllege based or ARC). At that point, >> you apply for initial certification. To receive additional >> certifications, you need to get what is called a 'cross >> endorsement." In science, this means 18 credits in an >> additional area - biology, chemistry, earth science, plus >> passing the praxis exam(s) in those fields. You would be in >> fantastic shape if you choose to pursue certification in >> those 2 areas, which are ALWAYS in demand. General science >> is also a nice additional certification. I have 3 science >> certifications and could easily switch schools - if i didn't >> like my current job so much! >>> >>> >>> Can someone tell me how a teacher would go about becoming >>> certified in two subject area's: Specifically Physics and >>> Chemistry?
Thanks again. Now I understand. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Paul
On 1/22/08, TJ wrote: > For clarification, cross endorsements require a concentration in > one field of study. For example, you would need 18 credits in > chemistry to get a cross endorsement in chemistry to teach > chemistry, 18 in physics to teach physics, etc. PLUS the > required praxis tests in those areas. Hope this helps. >> >> TJ, >> >> Thanks. Your response is helpful and appreciated. >> >> For clarification, to get a cross endorsement say in chemistry, >> would I need an additional 18 credits, all in chemistry, or an >> additional 18 credits in the sciences including chemistry? So >> when you say you have 3 science endorsements, does that mean > you >> have 18 credits in each; such as 18 credits in chemistry, 18 >> credits in physics and 18 credits in say biology? Wow, that >> seems like a lot! >> >> Thanks again for your help in understanding. >> >> Paul. >> >> >> On 1/17/08, TJ wrote: >>> Paul, >>> Teachers receive primary certification in one area, say >>> physics, assuming you have 1) enough credits in physics, 2) >>> passed the required Praxis subject exams, 3) completed >>> student teaching and 4) graduated from a teacher preparation >>> program (traditional colllege based or ARC). At that point, >>> you apply for initial certification. To receive additional >>> certifications, you need to get what is called a 'cross >>> endorsement." In science, this means 18 credits in an >>> additional area - biology, chemistry, earth science, plus >>> passing the praxis exam(s) in those fields. You would be in >>> fantastic shape if you choose to pursue certification in >>> those 2 areas, which are ALWAYS in demand. General science >>> is also a nice additional certification. I have 3 science >>> certifications and could easily switch schools - if i didn't >>> like my current job so much! >>>> >>>> >>>> Can someone tell me how a teacher would go about becoming >>>> certified in two subject area's: Specifically Physics and >>>> Chemistry?
Hello, this is my first time using the chatboard :O) I am currently a senior about to graduate in Virginia at Radford University. I am completing my internship at an elementary school and I absolutley love it :O) If there is anyone out there willing to help me I just have a few questions. Does anyone know how I would be able to find out when there are job fairs in CT for teaching in the fall? I am currently in the process of transferring my Virginia teaching license to Connecticut, and it is a longer process then I had anticipated! If anyone can help me out, please let me know--it would be very appreciated!
Your job prospects depend heavily on which area you are certified in. Elementary, for example, is totally saturated; math, science, bilingual, and foreign language jobs are more plentiful.
CT is a difficult state to become certified in, even if you are certified elsewhere, so be prepared for that! They might have additional requirements for you to fulfill, such as assessments.
Good luck to you :)
On 1/16/08, Lindsay Breda wrote: > Hello, this is my first time using the chatboard :O) I am > currently a senior about to graduate in Virginia at > Radford University. I am completing my internship at an > elementary school and I absolutley love it :O) If there > is anyone out there willing to help me I just have a few > questions. Does anyone know how I would be able to find > out when there are job fairs in CT for teaching in the > fall? I am currently in the process of transferring my > Virginia teaching license to Connecticut, and it is a > longer process then I had anticipated! If anyone can help > me out, please let me know--it would be very appreciated!
Hi folks. I haven't started the research yet, but am wondering if anyone here can tell me... I'm certified in MA for elementary ed and early childhood. Can anyone tell me what I'd need to do to become certified in CT? I'm not too far from the border and the market here is MA is very tough. Is it just as bad in CT?
Go to ct.gov, click on the box for other info, click on state agencies, then click E for education. That takes you to the DOE site. There is all sorts of certification info. I was also certified in MA.
Have you got three years of experience? Then you sign up for Provisional cert in CT. How did you do on the SAT's? If you scored over 1000 combined you don't have to take the Praxis I but you do have to get a waiver form and the results sent from college board. Depending on what you teach you may have to take the Praxis II for that field.
You have to get all sorts of papers filled out from districts where you worked and the college you went to. All the forms can be printed from the site. Pay them $50 to get the ball rolling and then wait.......
Some districts are harder to get into than others. What part of MA are you in? I lived in RI and I remember NE CT had a decent amount of openings. Hartford area also seems to have a lot. Don't know what the pay is, though.
On 1/19/08, MA resident wrote: > Hi folks. > I haven't started the research yet, but am wondering if > anyone here can tell me... > I'm certified in MA for elementary ed and early > childhood. Can anyone tell me what I'd need to do to > become certified in CT? I'm not too far from the border > and the market here is MA is very tough. Is it just as > bad in CT?
You are going to have an extremely difficult time getting a job in a suburban district. Try Hartford.
On 1/20/08, t wrote: > Go to ct.gov, click on the box for other info, click on state > agencies, then click E for education. That takes you to the > DOE site. There is all sorts of certification info. I was > also certified in MA. > > Have you got three years of experience? Then you sign up for > Provisional cert in CT. How did you do on the SAT's? If you > scored over 1000 combined you don't have to take the Praxis I > but you do have to get a waiver form and the results sent from > college board. Depending on what you teach you may have to > take the Praxis II for that field. > > You have to get all sorts of papers filled out from districts > where you worked and the college you went to. All the forms > can be printed from the site. Pay them $50 to get the ball > rolling and then wait....... > > Some districts are harder to get into than others. What part > of MA are you in? I lived in RI and I remember NE CT had a > decent amount of openings. Hartford area also seems to have a > lot. Don't know what the pay is, though. > > On 1/19/08, MA resident wrote: >> Hi folks. >> I haven't started the research yet, but am wondering if >> anyone here can tell me... >> I'm certified in MA for elementary ed and early >> childhood. Can anyone tell me what I'd need to do to >> become certified in CT? I'm not too far from the border >> and the market here is MA is very tough. Is it just as >> bad in CT?
Hi everyone, Normally I just read these posts, but I am interested in what others have to say. I have been a teachers aide for 18 years. While raising a family and working full time I somehow managed to get my Masters of Early Childhood. I finally landed a job teaching first grade in Hartford. I am a little nervous as this is a job change after 18 years. Does anyone work in Hartford Elementary schools? Is there anything I should know as a first time teacher? Mary
Yes, I work for the Hartford Public Schools. My suggestion would be to have a strong classroom management plan. Some of the students can be very challenging. As long as you stay organized you should be fine. Good Luck!
Sue
On 1/21/08, Mary wrote: > Hi everyone, > Normally I just read these posts, but I am interested in > what others have to say. > I have been a teachers aide for 18 years. While raising a > family and working full time I somehow managed to get my > Masters of Early Childhood. I finally landed a job > teaching first grade in Hartford. I am a little nervous as > this is a job change after 18 years. Does anyone work in > Hartford Elementary schools? Is there anything I should > know as a first time teacher? > Mary
Thanks Sue, Unfortunately, I thought I was organized and had great classroom management skills, but after only two weeks I had to hand in my resignation, as my health was suffering terribly. I did get my Para job back but I have learned alot from this experience and will be looking elsewhere for a job in September. On 2/07/08, Sue wrote: > > Hi Mary, > > Yes, I work for the Hartford Public Schools. My suggestion > would be to have a strong classroom management plan. > Some of the students can be very challenging. > As long as you stay organized you should be fine. > Good Luck! > > Sue > > On 1/21/08, Mary wrote: >> Hi everyone, >> Normally I just read these posts, but I am interested in >> what others have to say. >> I have been a teachers aide for 18 years. While raising a >> family and working full time I somehow managed to get my >> Masters of Early Childhood. I finally landed a job >> teaching first grade in Hartford. I am a little nervous as >> this is a job change after 18 years. Does anyone work in >> Hartford Elementary schools? Is there anything I should >> know as a first time teacher? >> Mary
I am a first year teacher. Although I like the school and district I currently teach in, I need to work closer to home and plan to look for a new job for the fall. I am certified in a shortage area and have already been contacted about two anticipated openings.
A few questions:
When do districts usually ask teachers to sign their contracts for the next school year? What if I sign and then get an offer from another district?
It seems that many teachers wait until later in summer to let their districts know that they're leaving. Is this to keep their benefits intact over the summer? If a new district hires me, do they begin benefits right away or wait until the new school year begins?
Is there anything else I should be thinking about?
For those interested in getting a different or first teaching job for this fall.... Districts start looking very soon. Districts look because 1) they know current teachers are retiring or has not worked out and won't be back or a variety of other reasons, including expanding student population. If you will be looking, you should have ready to go 1) your resume updated 2) a good cover letter 3) 3 letters of reference copied 4) your college transcript(s) 5)any certifications you carry 6) a nice suit for interviews. March begins the prime job hunt season for teachers. Wilton has its own in early March, I believe. So does Westport. Check their district web sites. The large Fairfield County job fair in usually the first Sat. in April. That's a HUGE event that you can't miss if you are looking. Most universities also offer their own, as does ARC in May.
Most teachers make contact with new potential employers in April/May, with interviews and demo lessons to follow and with any luck, contracts signed ideally in May for the fall. Once you sign, you can let your current district know you are leaving. This way they have enough time to fill your position. However, sometimes last minute positions do come up. Benefits with the new district begin usually in late August; if you are currently teaching, there is usually a way for your current job benefits to carry you through until the new ones kick in. Good luck!!
know that they're leaving. Is this to > keep their benefits intact over the summer? If a new > district hires me, do they begin benefits right away or > wait until the new school year begins? > > Is there anything else I should be thinking about? > > Any help is appreciated!! > >
Coming from MA, I had to take praxis I and II and special ed.
However, you might be able to check your SAT scores and not have
to take one of the tests. In addition, you need to have your
district sign a paper if you have worked for more than 10 months
so that you don't start with an initial certification.
...See More