Ok, so I've scoured this forum quite a bit regarding teaching certification and all of the information has been invaluable. I'd like to request some clarification regarding getting certified that might be unique to my circumstance.
My case. The TL;DR is that I've taught high school mathematics in China for 2-4 years, but my bachelors and post-graduate certifications are in Finance.
- I am currently 30, graduated in 2009 with a degree in international business and concentration in finance.
- After graduation, came to China and started teaching a program called GAC. Run by the ACT, it's meant to be a high school curriculum with an ESL focus. I did that for roughly two years. The company that administered this was obviously pretty fly-by-night, as they didn't have us working on proper visas and basically accepted any sort of white face to do so. There I taught mathematics, economics, and science (because finance seemed 'math-y' enough lol) - but luckily I took a couple mathematics courses in university and my foundations are pretty solid. High school math isn't rocket science, anyhow.
- As I worked there, I completed my CFA (Chartered Financial -) examinations, which are considered an MBA equivalent in Finance.
- Took a four year hiatus to help develop a friend's adult ESL start-up. My role was ostensibly that of the Financial Controller, as a start-up it was basically a bit of everything - making the monthly statements, teaching ESL, managing the schedule, hiring/training ESL teachers, developing the budget, whathaveyou. The center was well-capitalized, but as you'd expect from a company that would give that sort of responsibility to a 26 year old, the situation became rather untenable.
- For the past two years I've taught AP mathematics at an international program. I don't believe they're an accredited international school, but about half of their teachers are certified.
Right. So from this forum I've seen a couple paths. Now, the big thing for me is to minimize cost. I live in China and don't plan on returning to the United States any time soon to live (obviously some travel if I must for a couple tests isn't too much of an issue). I love self-study and am completely happy to take any sort of relevant examinations.
Track 1:
1. Take a PGCEi program. They have these in Hong Kong, the price and requirements are extremely reasonable, and I'm pretty sure I could get my current school to go at least half/half on the cost.
2. Apply for a Washington DC teaching certificate. Unsure if this means the 'Teach Now' program (which is 50% more expensive than the PGCEi) - if so, the combined cost of both PCGEi and Teach Now would begin to get prohibitive.
3. Use the DC certificate to get QTS in the UK.
Track 2:
1. Complete some of the Praxis and Connecticut testing requirements.
2. Apply for an Initial License in Connecticut.
3. Use the CT certificate to get QTS in the UK and apply for the DC certificate.
Is this roughly correct?
Clarification re Teaching Cert for American abroad?
Re: Clarification re Teaching Cert for American abroad?
I wouldn't count on using the CT initial license to get QTS. I recently went through the steps to get a Utah level 1 license (their Academic Pathway to Teaching = Praxis content exam + fingerprints sent to the US + a few other little requirements), which took about 2 months and gave me a decent-looking Professional Educator License. But then I applied for QTS and was rejected (text below). So if the Utah licence is enough for your needs, it's pretty quick and easy. But don't count on QTS, and there's no way to get to level 2 unless you're in Utah.
"Thank you for your application. Unfortunately we are unable to award you QTS. To qualify for QTS via the Overseas Trained Teacher (OTT) route you need to provide evidence that you held/hold a Level 2 License with the Utah State Office of Education. You have provided evidence that you hold Level 1 License; therefore you do not meet the required criteria. You are welcome to submit a new application to us when you are able to provide a Level 2 License."
"Thank you for your application. Unfortunately we are unable to award you QTS. To qualify for QTS via the Overseas Trained Teacher (OTT) route you need to provide evidence that you held/hold a Level 2 License with the Utah State Office of Education. You have provided evidence that you hold Level 1 License; therefore you do not meet the required criteria. You are welcome to submit a new application to us when you are able to provide a Level 2 License."
Response
A few issues first:
First, it doesnt really matter what your academic preparation is in if you have teaching experience in the subject and perform well in the subject. There are a lot of ITs teaching maths who dont have degrees in maths, the problem for recruiters is figuring out if you really can do what you say you can do. Doing it well in the classroom for a number of years answers that question.
Second, the GAC program is fine within the realm of IE especially at third tier ISs. You arent going to have problems until you get to higher tier ISs, but youve been teaching AP successfully which makes it a moot point.
Third, ::LOL:: no one with an MBA would decree that a CFA certification is equivalent to an MBA, mainly because its not, and none of the other reasons beyond that matter. Its a certificate program that requires 4 years of experience, that along with the three examination allows you to obtain the certificate. Thats all it is, a professional certificate, Its not an MBA. The only think thats equivalent to an MBA is an MBA. An MS in Finance has a better argument to being the equivalent of an MBA within the field of finance, but a CFA certificate is not.
Fourth, running an ES isnt bad even if it went bad in the end, there are leadership who got into IE leadership with about the same and even less experience.
Fifth, Is your current IS whatever it is accredited by someone, even if its just the local/regional MOE. They may not have a western accreditation, but I would wager they are accredited by someone.
In regards to your inquiries; Im happy you wrote it gives me the opportunity to update some information.
Track 1:
1) You can get a PGCEi, I wouldnt strongly advise it. While it works for the majority of third and lower tier ISs, without QTS it will be a barrier to higher ISs. You generally get a PGCEi when the IT doesnt have access too a classroom.
2) The DC route doesnt work anymore, not as described. They changed the rules in the summer of 2016, and they havent been tested against the PGCEi yet. You could still get a credential but likely it would be an initial credential which is valid for 3 years and cant be renewed, and the TCL would be very unlikely to accept it for QTS.
3) There are two pathways. One is to apply to the OSSE directly based on reciprocity for a credential. The other is an ACP (EPP/ITT) pathway through Teach Now that qualifies you for a DC credential. The two have nothing to do with each other accept that they both result in a DC professional educator credential.
4) I dont know which PGCEi you are looking at but the costs between the most common (Nottingham, etc.) tend to be about the same at the Teach Now program of about USD$5-6K.
5) You could use a regular type II DC credential to get QTS without any problem. Its unlikely the TCL would accept an initial credential, mainly because its non-renewable.
Track 2:
1) This is more viable. The big issue is going to be if CT accepts your prior teaching experience and issues you an initial teaching certificate. If they do, you can use this to get QTS. Its the common certificate all CT educators are issued, so it doesnt have credibility issues.
2) Its unlikely DC would issue you a standard credential based on the CT initial credential. Its more likely now at least that they would issue you an initial credential. The problem is DC hasnt really been very productive in accepting outside EPP/ITT programs. Its possible they might issue you a standard credential, but those are coin flip probabilities.
3) DC would accept your QTS, but depending on how deep the credentialing ana1yst went they might unravel how you got to where you are, and figure out you never did an EPP/ITT program. Its possible to get QTS (AO route) without a PGCE or School Direct (but without teaching experience in the UK, that might fall a part).
Track 3
You could apply for a UT (Utah) level 1 APT credential. this requires a bachelors degree, completion of PRAXIS testing and a clear CRB. There is no EPP/ITT program to complete. However, you cant use it to get QTS anymore. Its a three year credential, that is renewable.
The most viable options are:
1) Applying for the CT initial credential based on your current AP maths teaching experience. If they take it great, the TCL will most likely issue QTS based on that credential.
2) Apply for the UT APT level 1 credential. No QTS but costs are your biggest concern, and this is a few hundred USD and 2 days work. Then attempt to standardize it though a state such as MS, NJ, HI. It will all depend if they accept the UT credential and your previous experience. NJ is the best option for you now, followed by MS. You need another year of experience for HI.
3) Look at the AO (Assessment Only) route to QTS, its about GBP£2K and gets you QTS directly.
4) Look at a program such as Teach Now, Teach Ready or a PGCEi
@Vdanya
The CT initial credential is very different than the UT APT level 1 credential. All educators in CT start with the initial credential regardless of how they earned it through an EPP/ITT program or the experiential route. This is different from the ATP UT credential which is solely for those unprepared in education.
First, it doesnt really matter what your academic preparation is in if you have teaching experience in the subject and perform well in the subject. There are a lot of ITs teaching maths who dont have degrees in maths, the problem for recruiters is figuring out if you really can do what you say you can do. Doing it well in the classroom for a number of years answers that question.
Second, the GAC program is fine within the realm of IE especially at third tier ISs. You arent going to have problems until you get to higher tier ISs, but youve been teaching AP successfully which makes it a moot point.
Third, ::LOL:: no one with an MBA would decree that a CFA certification is equivalent to an MBA, mainly because its not, and none of the other reasons beyond that matter. Its a certificate program that requires 4 years of experience, that along with the three examination allows you to obtain the certificate. Thats all it is, a professional certificate, Its not an MBA. The only think thats equivalent to an MBA is an MBA. An MS in Finance has a better argument to being the equivalent of an MBA within the field of finance, but a CFA certificate is not.
Fourth, running an ES isnt bad even if it went bad in the end, there are leadership who got into IE leadership with about the same and even less experience.
Fifth, Is your current IS whatever it is accredited by someone, even if its just the local/regional MOE. They may not have a western accreditation, but I would wager they are accredited by someone.
In regards to your inquiries; Im happy you wrote it gives me the opportunity to update some information.
Track 1:
1) You can get a PGCEi, I wouldnt strongly advise it. While it works for the majority of third and lower tier ISs, without QTS it will be a barrier to higher ISs. You generally get a PGCEi when the IT doesnt have access too a classroom.
2) The DC route doesnt work anymore, not as described. They changed the rules in the summer of 2016, and they havent been tested against the PGCEi yet. You could still get a credential but likely it would be an initial credential which is valid for 3 years and cant be renewed, and the TCL would be very unlikely to accept it for QTS.
3) There are two pathways. One is to apply to the OSSE directly based on reciprocity for a credential. The other is an ACP (EPP/ITT) pathway through Teach Now that qualifies you for a DC credential. The two have nothing to do with each other accept that they both result in a DC professional educator credential.
4) I dont know which PGCEi you are looking at but the costs between the most common (Nottingham, etc.) tend to be about the same at the Teach Now program of about USD$5-6K.
5) You could use a regular type II DC credential to get QTS without any problem. Its unlikely the TCL would accept an initial credential, mainly because its non-renewable.
Track 2:
1) This is more viable. The big issue is going to be if CT accepts your prior teaching experience and issues you an initial teaching certificate. If they do, you can use this to get QTS. Its the common certificate all CT educators are issued, so it doesnt have credibility issues.
2) Its unlikely DC would issue you a standard credential based on the CT initial credential. Its more likely now at least that they would issue you an initial credential. The problem is DC hasnt really been very productive in accepting outside EPP/ITT programs. Its possible they might issue you a standard credential, but those are coin flip probabilities.
3) DC would accept your QTS, but depending on how deep the credentialing ana1yst went they might unravel how you got to where you are, and figure out you never did an EPP/ITT program. Its possible to get QTS (AO route) without a PGCE or School Direct (but without teaching experience in the UK, that might fall a part).
Track 3
You could apply for a UT (Utah) level 1 APT credential. this requires a bachelors degree, completion of PRAXIS testing and a clear CRB. There is no EPP/ITT program to complete. However, you cant use it to get QTS anymore. Its a three year credential, that is renewable.
The most viable options are:
1) Applying for the CT initial credential based on your current AP maths teaching experience. If they take it great, the TCL will most likely issue QTS based on that credential.
2) Apply for the UT APT level 1 credential. No QTS but costs are your biggest concern, and this is a few hundred USD and 2 days work. Then attempt to standardize it though a state such as MS, NJ, HI. It will all depend if they accept the UT credential and your previous experience. NJ is the best option for you now, followed by MS. You need another year of experience for HI.
3) Look at the AO (Assessment Only) route to QTS, its about GBP£2K and gets you QTS directly.
4) Look at a program such as Teach Now, Teach Ready or a PGCEi
@Vdanya
The CT initial credential is very different than the UT APT level 1 credential. All educators in CT start with the initial credential regardless of how they earned it through an EPP/ITT program or the experiential route. This is different from the ATP UT credential which is solely for those unprepared in education.
Re: Clarification re Teaching Cert for American abroad?
Hi There,
Similar to mthmchris I have long lurked in the shadows here. I have been a particularly avid follower of the different pathways to certification proposed on here and psyguy seems to have his finger on the pulse.
A bit about me... I am a British guy who taught abroad in Asia and have 3 years third tier international school experience with the Primary Cambridge International Primary Program at fourth/fifth grade + two years EFL experience in a public school system still teaching the Cambridge International at fourth grade. I have a BA in Politics and a CELTA, as well as an MA in Educational Planning, Economics, and International Development. I have been working in development for the last couple of years (on education projects involving teacher training and project management) and would like to become certified.
I am employed as a PM full-time and have no access to a classroom. I have a place on the PGCEi offered for a fall start as a result. I am not interested in teaching in Britain and would most likely in the event of aid funding drying up, return to international teaching. So what I would like to know is, what my options are with reference to the above posters but as a non-American?
As the D.C route is no longer an option (or at best will be a coin toss), where can a non-citizen acquire a license by simply taking the PRAXIS exams, having their PGCEi/BA/MA evaluated by WES or similar, FBI check and bosh using that cert to apply for QTS?
Is the CT route the best? I want to qualify in social studies as my interests/degrees most obviously point that way and the praxis exams seem fairly straightforward. Do they take non-citizens?
Similar to mthmchris I have long lurked in the shadows here. I have been a particularly avid follower of the different pathways to certification proposed on here and psyguy seems to have his finger on the pulse.
A bit about me... I am a British guy who taught abroad in Asia and have 3 years third tier international school experience with the Primary Cambridge International Primary Program at fourth/fifth grade + two years EFL experience in a public school system still teaching the Cambridge International at fourth grade. I have a BA in Politics and a CELTA, as well as an MA in Educational Planning, Economics, and International Development. I have been working in development for the last couple of years (on education projects involving teacher training and project management) and would like to become certified.
I am employed as a PM full-time and have no access to a classroom. I have a place on the PGCEi offered for a fall start as a result. I am not interested in teaching in Britain and would most likely in the event of aid funding drying up, return to international teaching. So what I would like to know is, what my options are with reference to the above posters but as a non-American?
As the D.C route is no longer an option (or at best will be a coin toss), where can a non-citizen acquire a license by simply taking the PRAXIS exams, having their PGCEi/BA/MA evaluated by WES or similar, FBI check and bosh using that cert to apply for QTS?
Is the CT route the best? I want to qualify in social studies as my interests/degrees most obviously point that way and the praxis exams seem fairly straightforward. Do they take non-citizens?
Re: Clarification re Teaching Cert for American abroad?
It seems like it makes most sense to try for the UT Level 1 award. As I understand it would consist of FBI fingerprints, NACES degree cert and the relevant PRAXIS.
@psyguy
With a Politics degree, which subject award am I likely to go for? Social Sciences or Government/Politics?
@psyguy
With a Politics degree, which subject award am I likely to go for? Social Sciences or Government/Politics?
Reply
@Flashman
You can not obtain the UT ATP level 1 certificate. The DOE finally clarified their rules, and you must have a US social security number to apply and a work visa to apply and be issued the certificate.
Once you have the PGCEi, CT becomes a strong option, you could try now, but you will have a much better chance having completed the PGCEi and having a transcript of professional education. DC (after 2 years) would then still become a viable option for standardizing your credential once you have the CT credential. HI would be an option after 3 years. At that point once you have the professional credential from either DC or HI all you would need to do is add an ESOL endorsement and you could apply for the CA CLEAR credential.
At any point up to and including the CT credential you can apply for QTS.
Another option would be to pursue QTS directly either prior to or after your PGCEi using the Assessment Only (AO) route.
I would highly advise the social studies route, the demand for specific PoliSci/Gov ITs is very low, even in the ISs that offer such a course it would be difficult to schedule a full load under just those subjects. If you are keen on being a specialist than Economics offers much more utility.
You can not obtain the UT ATP level 1 certificate. The DOE finally clarified their rules, and you must have a US social security number to apply and a work visa to apply and be issued the certificate.
Once you have the PGCEi, CT becomes a strong option, you could try now, but you will have a much better chance having completed the PGCEi and having a transcript of professional education. DC (after 2 years) would then still become a viable option for standardizing your credential once you have the CT credential. HI would be an option after 3 years. At that point once you have the professional credential from either DC or HI all you would need to do is add an ESOL endorsement and you could apply for the CA CLEAR credential.
At any point up to and including the CT credential you can apply for QTS.
Another option would be to pursue QTS directly either prior to or after your PGCEi using the Assessment Only (AO) route.
I would highly advise the social studies route, the demand for specific PoliSci/Gov ITs is very low, even in the ISs that offer such a course it would be difficult to schedule a full load under just those subjects. If you are keen on being a specialist than Economics offers much more utility.
Re: Clarification re Teaching Cert for American abroad?
@psygy
I'm also following this route. I hope CT will, as you've written, be accepted for a QTS.
One question: before, you wrote that getting UT will increase one's chances of getting CT. I'm in the process of obtaining UT, but should I wait until I have UT to apply for CT? I can't see having a recently obtained UT cert--especially when I have no connection to UT as a state, whatsoever--that that would in any way look favorable to CT. I'm thinking I should just apply for CT right now simultaneously with UT. After all, I'm basing my CT application on my teaching experience, not on a UT cert.
I'm also following this route. I hope CT will, as you've written, be accepted for a QTS.
One question: before, you wrote that getting UT will increase one's chances of getting CT. I'm in the process of obtaining UT, but should I wait until I have UT to apply for CT? I can't see having a recently obtained UT cert--especially when I have no connection to UT as a state, whatsoever--that that would in any way look favorable to CT. I'm thinking I should just apply for CT right now simultaneously with UT. After all, I'm basing my CT application on my teaching experience, not on a UT cert.
Reply
@ZeroK
CT has been recognized by the TCL in the past, but those cases were CT DTs who went through EPP/ITT programs.
You have no connection to CT either.
Wait until you have the UT credential. You want to present the strongest application possible, this means getting the credentialing specialist to say yes to as many checks on the list as possible. Degree check, major check, experience check, teaching credential check. You want to present yourself as just another DT moving into the area, and not asking to be an outsider admitted into the profession.
CT has been recognized by the TCL in the past, but those cases were CT DTs who went through EPP/ITT programs.
You have no connection to CT either.
Wait until you have the UT credential. You want to present the strongest application possible, this means getting the credentialing specialist to say yes to as many checks on the list as possible. Degree check, major check, experience check, teaching credential check. You want to present yourself as just another DT moving into the area, and not asking to be an outsider admitted into the profession.
Re: Clarification re Teaching Cert for American abroad?
@psyguy
Guy looking though my application: Oh, he got a UT cred last month; totally logical that he's now "moving into the area" of CT.
:-)
I'm just skeptical that any of this will work. Now that someone else contacted MS to ask them if UT is accepted for 5 year, that route is most likely gone. And then applying for QTS with a CT--when they don't see a TPP on my app, it will be an immediate rejection as well I suspect.
Guy looking though my application: Oh, he got a UT cred last month; totally logical that he's now "moving into the area" of CT.
:-)
I'm just skeptical that any of this will work. Now that someone else contacted MS to ask them if UT is accepted for 5 year, that route is most likely gone. And then applying for QTS with a CT--when they don't see a TPP on my app, it will be an immediate rejection as well I suspect.
Reply
@ZeroK
Better than not having one at all. This is that time of year when the Uni academic year is nearing completion and newly minted DTs are moving around. Sounds better than nothing, which is well, nothing.
Im resoundingly positive, without any doubt, that doing nothing at all will result in failure.
MS didnt say no, of course they didnt say yes either. They provided the answer that I would expect of an agency that has not had to address the issue yet, which is still more hopeful than an outright no.
There have been ITs that received QTS with a CT initial credential.
Better than not having one at all. This is that time of year when the Uni academic year is nearing completion and newly minted DTs are moving around. Sounds better than nothing, which is well, nothing.
Im resoundingly positive, without any doubt, that doing nothing at all will result in failure.
MS didnt say no, of course they didnt say yes either. They provided the answer that I would expect of an agency that has not had to address the issue yet, which is still more hopeful than an outright no.
There have been ITs that received QTS with a CT initial credential.