That's great to hear! Are you from Florida, already overseas, or will you be transferring the certification to a different state?

Thank you guys so much for your encouraging replies!

I've spoken with the TeacherReady program in Florida and it seems like a good fit. It's faster, cheaper, and would allow me to start pursuing k-12 teaching experience next year instead of 3 years from now. I will miss the International Education component though.

I would begin in October (They have a July cohort but money is tight over the summer months) and finish in 9 months. Student teaching/observations are already built into the program so I would be certified with a professional certificate at the conclusion. It sounds like I would be able to pursue an internship after, depending on the timing.

Does one usually go through the large agencies for this? (ISS and Search) I know that my lack of elementary experience would severely limit my options.

Lightstays: Thanks! It was either that or Murphy's Law that described my current situation lol. :D

Psyguy: Thanks for taking the time to make the distinctions between positions and giving me a realistic view of the schools' needs. It really helps when I research!

Sid: Thanks for mapping out the student teaching option! I talked it over with my husband and we agreed that my student teaching should be local. Your information really put it into perspective.

Seashell: Wow, really?! Sounds like a once in a lifetime experience. If you don't mind me asking, was the assistant teacher experience separate from student teaching or was it one paid position?

Thank you for your quick and honest reply! I was afraid that would be the case with my experience. There are days I kick myself for not pursuing K-12 certification when I was substitute teaching and tutoring years ago. At the time, there were no MATESOL programs in my area that had certification options only bilingual. Honestly, I love teaching both adults and children but elementary teaching is more stable and it has more opportunities for the creative lesson planning that I love.

Starting at the bottom of the scale will be a bit rough, but I know I have to pay my dues.

Your advice about rushing through the process is very valid. My instinct was to rush to make up for the time I've lost, but it might not bring me closer to a job opportunity. I will give TeacherReady a call tomorrow. Thanks for letting me know about the overseas student teaching possibility! I'll also have to look into internships. I've seen them mentioned on Search or ISS but I wasn't sure if they were paid or could be counted as teaching experience.

Thanks for suggesting the PGCE. Makes me wish I was from the UK. I need a qualification that will be accepted overseas and back in the States. My family is willing to explore different positions internationally, but we weren't planning to stay overseas indefinitely so I would like a certification that will work in the US as well.

Could you clarify what could be expected at a "bottom tier school"?
Are there any in Asia?
Would it be better to try to obtain a position stateside for 2 years before applying or obtain the internship?


Is anyone else pursuing alternative certification through the US? If so, what program?

Thanks again for all your help!

Hello all! Newbie here! I've been a lurker for quite a while. I think I may have actually read ALL of the threads. I finally got up the courage to post. I'm switching from higher education to K-12. I've always had a significant interest in international education.

Current qualifications or lack of qualifications:
MATESOL from US university
Bachelor of Arts in English Literature
1+ year substitute teaching and K-12 tutoring
1 year ESL instructor at Refugee Development Center
1 year Coordinator of Office of Multicultural Affairs (university level)
5 years Writing Center Specialist both ESL and Native Speakers (Tutor and Tutor Trainer) university level
3 years University Instructor (Both Writing and ESL)

(I'm aware much of this experience will not count as it is before K-12 teacher certification)

I am in the process of applying for FAST TRAIN at George Mason University for Teacher certification. I will be certified in elementary education and add a K-12 ESL endorsement and IB. It would begin the summer of 2013 and end in 2014. I've researched alternatives that would be quicker but cannot find an option that does not require me to move to a different state for student teaching or to pursue a full time position for a year ie. Texas Teachers and TeacherReady of Florida. As I plan to pursue international teaching, moving twice in such a short period of time is financially impossible for my family.

1.) Does anyone have any alternative programs to suggest that would not require a move to the state?

2.) Are there any other endorsements that are in my area and marketable?

Thanks in advance! I appreciate all replies and advice anyone takes the time to give.