My only hesitation right now is if it doesn't work out. This is a major concern. Many of the recruiting services require a reference from my current principal. I have a very good relationship with him, but don't want to ruin this by asking for a reference for another job. I have paid for TIE and I'm currently working applications through this service. I understand the whole is it worth it questions; if I get a job then yes, if I don't then no. If I don't get a job, I don't want to be stuck without a job here because it was anticipated that I was leaving the country (if that makes sense, it did in my head but maybe not). Has anyone had luck using just TIE?

No, I have been a fully licensed teacher for two years now. My emergency license was for only two months before I was fully certified. My alternative program is not like other alternative programs where you get an emergency license. I had to complete six hours of graduate work then I became fully certified.

Shadowjack,

Does that scenario (finishing me degrees and teaching for two years) take into account that I already have two years of full-time certified teaching experience? I was a little confused. I am a certified teacher currently. So should I look into this after four years of teaching or are my two current years considered good experience? I understand most schools require a minimum of two years and prefer more.

I'm not too worried about a Masters degree, I'll graduate with one in May. How important are the confidential references in gaining an interview?

Are there examples of countries which require math degrees? I imagine countires such as Finland (best education system) would require such, but what about other regions? Only if you know off of the top of your head, I'm googling the same question right now.

I currently teach 7th and 8th grade math. Not having a math degree is something many people have told me would be a problem. At the sime time, I was fortunate enough to test out of all math classes with AP credits and entrance tests in college. Looking back now, that didn't seem like a good idea. Getting certified in AP Calc would be something I would look into.

As for people my age, what is the quality of life like? Living paycheck to paycheck or cash to spend after bills are paid? Are schools hesitant to teachers with minimal experience such as myself, but also have a Masters degree?

This question has probably been asked many times, but I have searched deep into the forums and found nothing. I am currently an alternative route math teacher finishing up my second year in Mississippi. I am in program called the Mississippi Teacher Corps, meaning I did the same thing as TFA, but I will graduate with a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. My undergrad degree was in Political Science, so I am teaching outside of my undergrad field. Being a 26 year old, single math teacher with out any children, this seems like a nice way to explore a fun teaching option. Is there any advice anyone may have regarding this route? I am open to all regions provided housing is provided (I would like to use this as way to pay a large chunk of student loans). I am concerned about teaching abroad and coming back to the USA to find a traditional teaching job eventually.