After years of teaching EFL in Taiwan, I got a job teaching literature at a private bilingual school which is a good school but doesn’t have foreign accreditation. The pay is above average for most private schools and about average compared with the local WASC-accredited international schools. My qualifications are less than what they usually accept, but they took a risk on me and my first year went well enough that they renewed my contract for another year. I hope to stay here for years, but I’d like to improve my qualifications so I can
a) have a chance to teach higher-level courses at this school (my main goal)
b) easily find another job at similar pay in case I need to leave this job
c) find a good job if I ever decide to leave Taiwan or return to the States
Above that, I just want to be a better teacher. I’ve had no real teacher training, and I am often struggling to keep up with other teachers.
For background, I’m approaching 50, and I have a wife and son. I have a master’s in a subject not relevant to teaching high school.
The main thing I’d like to accomplish is getting a teaching license. In Taiwan, it isn’t necessary, but after looking here and on other forums, I’ve found some ways to get a license from Taiwan, but I’m not really happy with the options I’ve found.
1. I’ve considered TeachNow, but the cost (currently $7,000US) puts it out of reach for now. I would get a small salary bump at my current job, but it would take 10 years to cover the cost of the program.
I also recently learned about Klassroom through TeachAway. It costs $5,500US and leads to a license. It’s less, but it’s still a lot. A big problem is that the practicum has to be done at an American-accredited school if done abroad, and my current school isn’t. That doesn’t seem to be the case with TeachNow. However, both require a 3-month practicum with a mentor. I’m not sure I can get a certified teacher at my school to mentor me. I had a mentor when I started and I know she got paid extra for it and it was part of her responsibilities. I don’t know if anyone would do it for free.
2. American Board Certification - It’s much cheaper, but every state that accepts it except Wisconsin requires teachers to get an in-state job before being licensed. Wisconsin only gives a Tier II provisional license.
3. I could easily get a Massachusetts provisional license after taking the MTEL.
4. With a little more experience, I could possibly get a license from Connecticut. I’m having some trouble figuring this one out. It seems like it would be a provisional license.
5. I see Hawaii mentioned often as an option, but I don’t see how that’s possible for me because I have had no training. Any teaching program seems to cost about as much as TeachNow or more.
6. iQTS-This isn’t too expensive, but I think the school has to be on the English curriculum and mine is American. The school also has to fully participate, but I’m not sure who here could mentor me. There are no British teachers in my department. Even if someone here has QTS, I don’t think the school will pay them extra to mentor me since it’s not necessary. Also, I think I have to know a lot about the English curriculum, and I don’t. An iPGCE would help that, but there are the same issues. Also, it’s quite expensive.
7. Someone got a subject-master certificate from Arizona and got a Mississippi standard license based on reciprocity. @psyguy said it wouldn’t be possible for long, but I checked the MS DOE website and it seems like it still might work. This was the thread:
https://internationalschoolsreview.com/ ... 79e329ca6f
8. I read somewhere that it’s possible to get a teaching certificate from Norway based on education or experience. Would that be of any benefit? Might one of the foreign certification evaluation services recognize it and would that allow me to get a professional license?
Unless I use TeachNow, the only certificates available are provisional. It’s better than nothing. It might improve my chances of finding a job, but not a high-paying one.
I also want to get a M.Ed and I’m looking at the University of the People. I know it’s only nationally accredited, but it’s only around $4-5000 USD while any other school would cost at least $10,000. It’s not a recognized preparation program, but I would learn from it, and it’s better
than no degree in education. ACE is another option, more expensive, but could let me do a doctorate. I don't know if any school would let me do a doctorate after completing a master's at UoP.
Are there any options I’m missing for getting a professional license? Would getting a master's from the University of the People be more or less helpful than doing the American Board program and getting a provisional license?
Getting state-certified or upgrading my IS teaching qualifications at my age
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shaolefen1
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Fri Jul 05, 2024 12:09 pm
Response
Why would you need a credential to teach higher level courses at your IS? Is it just a preference or policy of the IS?
Most of the program youve looked at would either only work in the state you obtained them from or in the case of an OS (QTS, iQTS, etc.) would very likely require you to meet some kind of subject matter competency and thats just the start for various mutual recognition pathways. None of the US based asst. based pathways have mutual recognition options.
Few if any of the options youve described will provide you a foundation of meds/peds/asst that will provide a greater degree of confidence or even much int he way of pro.edu competence. Theres a reason the favored pathway held by recruiters and leadership in IE is a traditional academic pathway.
In direct reply to your inquiry:
1) While you would only get a small bump at your current IS, there are ISs that would pay you nothing more in additional coin, what they do is make you eligible for a visa and thus eligible for better comp at higher paying ISs.
2) Kind of. Klassroom is HI home grown ACP (skills based pathway), whereas Teach Away is ARs, they are the same program under different banners.
Another Option would be Teach Ready in FL. The practical difference is that field experience requirement is only 5 days with Teach Ready. Its a moot point though as all the programs require a mentor during that particular module and Teach Ready still requires field observations, and you have a classroom appointment, so regardless someone will need to mentor for you and you dont believe anyone would do it without some coin involved. Teach Now, Klassroom, Teach Away are about USD$1500 less (about USD$5500) than Teach Now.
3) ABC is a cheaper option (about USD$2K). Different regions use different terminology. The WI Provisional (Tier II) credential is an Entry grade credential in WI. Its a regular type pro.edu (Entry grade) credential. Its not a permit/permitted type of credential, in WI those would be classified as Tier I credentials as these have limitations and stipulations. USD$2K is a very competitive amount of coin for an EPP/ITT program.
4) Yes, you could and of your options the MA Provisional credential requires the least amount of resources (a few days and a few hundred USD), and is the most viable option. It checks the pro.edu credential 'legal' box, and would effectively be a lifetime credential without the need for PD.
5) In brief, CT allows a candidate to substitute experience in place of an EPP/ITT program (CA does as well for example, but its requirements are more rigid and specific than CTs). You would likely get the Initial (Entry grade) credential, though the Provisional credential is a possible option. Of the two the Initial credential is valid for 10 years and the Provisional valid for 8. Regardless you would not be able to transition any of the credentials working in IE, so whichever one you are issued you will be stuck with. There isnt any practical difference between them within the context of IE.
6) At one time much like DC HI had very basic mutual recognition requirements and they were one of the States working with Teach Now. They severed that relationship and now partner with Klassroom as an ACP EPP/ITT provider. There isnt a viable pathway to Hi credentialing without completing an EPP/ITT program.
7) iQTs is usually less expensive than a PGCEi program. Essentially an iQTS program gets you iQTS which you can then obtain QTS with. Alone it usually provides fewer or no academic credits than a PGCEi program, which generally is worth a year of graduate level academic credits (the same as a PGCE whether Academic or as part of an ITT program). PGCEi program can include iQTS as well and typically cost more.
It depends on the program but there are PGCEi and Academic PGCE programs that include neither iQTS nor QTS and have no field experience requirement at all.
Its much easier to accomplish if your IS uses the UK NC but what is essential is your classroom utilizes the UK NC. You should understand that the UK NC just as the US NC, is a statement of objectives and less a prescription of meds/peds/asst. As long as you can align your lessons and practice with the UK NC it can be accomplished.
The UK NC isnt much different from the US NC, theres some alignment and scope and sequence differences, but especially at Secondary its hitting the schemes of work bullet points. The List of Literary Works will differ but there will be some overlap (The Bard is an easy one).
Another option is AO (Assessment Only) its a route directly to QTS based on a portfolio that includes observations. Its about £3K and has some other requirements (mainly for you, that you have taught at two institutions.)
Yet another option is completing one of the Sunderland PGCEs and applying for RT (Registered Teacher) status (Professional grade) credential in HK. It is on the high end in terms of cost in coin.
8) It is possible to get a AR Subject Matter Expert Certificate (Permit) this pathway requires no EPP/ITT program but its more a permit credential than a regular credential. The ability for mutual recognition through MS for a regular credential no long exists as MS recently changed the regulations that now require evidence of completing an EPP/ITT program which isnt part of the AR Subject Matter Expert pathway. It could still happen that an applicant could slip through the cracks. Even if you couldnt though the AR Subject Matter Expert Certificate still gives you a credential and has very low requirements, primary among them that it doesnt require pro. edu testing (immediately) or an EPP/ITT program. Within two years however you would have to complete the required subject matter pro.edu. exams and the ethics course (there is an online option).
The AR Subject Matter Expert Certificate fills the gap between completing the MA pro. edu exam requirements and processing. Though really the gap is marginal at best (and longer at worse) as AR requires a fingerprint CRB and MA does not. You have to undertake pro.edu exams for either option (as AR doesnt accept OS foreign IS work experience) and if outside AR you have to undergo paper based fingerprinting whereas many (including the Communication Literacy and English Literature) of the MA MTEL exams can be taken remotely online (in home) which could likely be done faster (there is a one week window per month depending on which of the exam you are taking) and with less inconvenience than the CRB process.
9) Not anymore (as of 2023). You need academic preparation in pro.edu. You can not currently submit a degree in X subject and a statement of Y years in a classroom and receive a Norwegian regular type pro.edu. credential.
Well No, Teach Now, Teach Ready, Klassroom, many of the iQTs and QTS AO, as well as HK and the ABC (WI, Tier II) provide regular pro.edu credentials of Entry grade or better. The term "Provisional" varies a lot.
Within IE credentials dont typically factor into the salary equation in terms of gradation between bands or steps, etc. You either have one where if appointed places you somewhere on the salary scale or you dont and so your application is not considerable. In the rare cases that it is its typically a single band or stipend (or deduction) for being credentialed or not. The gradation youre thinking of is more typical for what you see in DE (such as in the US).
UPe does have a very affordable M.Ed program. In the UK Leeds has an MA.Ed for under £10K. Portsmouth has an M.Res for under £8K (and an MA or MS for under £9K). Derby has an MA.Ed for under £9K, and Buckingham a MA.Ed for under £4K (with a M.Ed in Ed.Ld for £5500) all Online/DL.
There are private and for-profit Unis that would accept an M.Ed from UPe, but most of them such as Capella would cost over USD$30 for a doctorate. Buckinghams Ed.D would cost about £16K.
UPe is in the process of getting WASC accreditation. As it enrolls vast numbers of Edu. students its also getting graduates out there and youre seeing more and more of them, such that they will percolate into various doctoral programs and at USD$4K its very competitive in costs.
Its possible in the UK to do a D.Phil or Research Ph.D by publication. This is where you do a major research paper, book, exhibition/project all on your own, get it published in a peer reviewed journal of sufficient caliber or otherwise accepted for publication/dissemination. You then submit as part of a portfolio along with a commentary (usually between 5000 and 10000 words) with other exhibits in the portfolio. If accepted you then undertake an oral defense (viva voce). All that done you then apply to the Uni for conferral of the degree. Cost is usually around £5K if its accepted. It would take you several years to complete. A year at a minimum to do the research, a year to write, 6 months from submission to publication, 6 months at least for the Uni review and evaluation process, and the oral defense can be scheduled within a month or so. You could trim some of that time if your subject matter utilized archival rather than experimental data and you were very efficient at writing and editing. 15 months is possible.
Most of the program youve looked at would either only work in the state you obtained them from or in the case of an OS (QTS, iQTS, etc.) would very likely require you to meet some kind of subject matter competency and thats just the start for various mutual recognition pathways. None of the US based asst. based pathways have mutual recognition options.
Few if any of the options youve described will provide you a foundation of meds/peds/asst that will provide a greater degree of confidence or even much int he way of pro.edu competence. Theres a reason the favored pathway held by recruiters and leadership in IE is a traditional academic pathway.
In direct reply to your inquiry:
1) While you would only get a small bump at your current IS, there are ISs that would pay you nothing more in additional coin, what they do is make you eligible for a visa and thus eligible for better comp at higher paying ISs.
2) Kind of. Klassroom is HI home grown ACP (skills based pathway), whereas Teach Away is ARs, they are the same program under different banners.
Another Option would be Teach Ready in FL. The practical difference is that field experience requirement is only 5 days with Teach Ready. Its a moot point though as all the programs require a mentor during that particular module and Teach Ready still requires field observations, and you have a classroom appointment, so regardless someone will need to mentor for you and you dont believe anyone would do it without some coin involved. Teach Now, Klassroom, Teach Away are about USD$1500 less (about USD$5500) than Teach Now.
3) ABC is a cheaper option (about USD$2K). Different regions use different terminology. The WI Provisional (Tier II) credential is an Entry grade credential in WI. Its a regular type pro.edu (Entry grade) credential. Its not a permit/permitted type of credential, in WI those would be classified as Tier I credentials as these have limitations and stipulations. USD$2K is a very competitive amount of coin for an EPP/ITT program.
4) Yes, you could and of your options the MA Provisional credential requires the least amount of resources (a few days and a few hundred USD), and is the most viable option. It checks the pro.edu credential 'legal' box, and would effectively be a lifetime credential without the need for PD.
5) In brief, CT allows a candidate to substitute experience in place of an EPP/ITT program (CA does as well for example, but its requirements are more rigid and specific than CTs). You would likely get the Initial (Entry grade) credential, though the Provisional credential is a possible option. Of the two the Initial credential is valid for 10 years and the Provisional valid for 8. Regardless you would not be able to transition any of the credentials working in IE, so whichever one you are issued you will be stuck with. There isnt any practical difference between them within the context of IE.
6) At one time much like DC HI had very basic mutual recognition requirements and they were one of the States working with Teach Now. They severed that relationship and now partner with Klassroom as an ACP EPP/ITT provider. There isnt a viable pathway to Hi credentialing without completing an EPP/ITT program.
7) iQTs is usually less expensive than a PGCEi program. Essentially an iQTS program gets you iQTS which you can then obtain QTS with. Alone it usually provides fewer or no academic credits than a PGCEi program, which generally is worth a year of graduate level academic credits (the same as a PGCE whether Academic or as part of an ITT program). PGCEi program can include iQTS as well and typically cost more.
It depends on the program but there are PGCEi and Academic PGCE programs that include neither iQTS nor QTS and have no field experience requirement at all.
Its much easier to accomplish if your IS uses the UK NC but what is essential is your classroom utilizes the UK NC. You should understand that the UK NC just as the US NC, is a statement of objectives and less a prescription of meds/peds/asst. As long as you can align your lessons and practice with the UK NC it can be accomplished.
The UK NC isnt much different from the US NC, theres some alignment and scope and sequence differences, but especially at Secondary its hitting the schemes of work bullet points. The List of Literary Works will differ but there will be some overlap (The Bard is an easy one).
Another option is AO (Assessment Only) its a route directly to QTS based on a portfolio that includes observations. Its about £3K and has some other requirements (mainly for you, that you have taught at two institutions.)
Yet another option is completing one of the Sunderland PGCEs and applying for RT (Registered Teacher) status (Professional grade) credential in HK. It is on the high end in terms of cost in coin.
8) It is possible to get a AR Subject Matter Expert Certificate (Permit) this pathway requires no EPP/ITT program but its more a permit credential than a regular credential. The ability for mutual recognition through MS for a regular credential no long exists as MS recently changed the regulations that now require evidence of completing an EPP/ITT program which isnt part of the AR Subject Matter Expert pathway. It could still happen that an applicant could slip through the cracks. Even if you couldnt though the AR Subject Matter Expert Certificate still gives you a credential and has very low requirements, primary among them that it doesnt require pro. edu testing (immediately) or an EPP/ITT program. Within two years however you would have to complete the required subject matter pro.edu. exams and the ethics course (there is an online option).
The AR Subject Matter Expert Certificate fills the gap between completing the MA pro. edu exam requirements and processing. Though really the gap is marginal at best (and longer at worse) as AR requires a fingerprint CRB and MA does not. You have to undertake pro.edu exams for either option (as AR doesnt accept OS foreign IS work experience) and if outside AR you have to undergo paper based fingerprinting whereas many (including the Communication Literacy and English Literature) of the MA MTEL exams can be taken remotely online (in home) which could likely be done faster (there is a one week window per month depending on which of the exam you are taking) and with less inconvenience than the CRB process.
9) Not anymore (as of 2023). You need academic preparation in pro.edu. You can not currently submit a degree in X subject and a statement of Y years in a classroom and receive a Norwegian regular type pro.edu. credential.
Well No, Teach Now, Teach Ready, Klassroom, many of the iQTs and QTS AO, as well as HK and the ABC (WI, Tier II) provide regular pro.edu credentials of Entry grade or better. The term "Provisional" varies a lot.
Within IE credentials dont typically factor into the salary equation in terms of gradation between bands or steps, etc. You either have one where if appointed places you somewhere on the salary scale or you dont and so your application is not considerable. In the rare cases that it is its typically a single band or stipend (or deduction) for being credentialed or not. The gradation youre thinking of is more typical for what you see in DE (such as in the US).
UPe does have a very affordable M.Ed program. In the UK Leeds has an MA.Ed for under £10K. Portsmouth has an M.Res for under £8K (and an MA or MS for under £9K). Derby has an MA.Ed for under £9K, and Buckingham a MA.Ed for under £4K (with a M.Ed in Ed.Ld for £5500) all Online/DL.
There are private and for-profit Unis that would accept an M.Ed from UPe, but most of them such as Capella would cost over USD$30 for a doctorate. Buckinghams Ed.D would cost about £16K.
UPe is in the process of getting WASC accreditation. As it enrolls vast numbers of Edu. students its also getting graduates out there and youre seeing more and more of them, such that they will percolate into various doctoral programs and at USD$4K its very competitive in costs.
Its possible in the UK to do a D.Phil or Research Ph.D by publication. This is where you do a major research paper, book, exhibition/project all on your own, get it published in a peer reviewed journal of sufficient caliber or otherwise accepted for publication/dissemination. You then submit as part of a portfolio along with a commentary (usually between 5000 and 10000 words) with other exhibits in the portfolio. If accepted you then undertake an oral defense (viva voce). All that done you then apply to the Uni for conferral of the degree. Cost is usually around £5K if its accepted. It would take you several years to complete. A year at a minimum to do the research, a year to write, 6 months from submission to publication, 6 months at least for the Uni review and evaluation process, and the oral defense can be scheduled within a month or so. You could trim some of that time if your subject matter utilized archival rather than experimental data and you were very efficient at writing and editing. 15 months is possible.
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shaolefen1
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Fri Jul 05, 2024 12:09 pm
Re: Getting state-certified or upgrading my IS teaching qualifications at my age
@PsyGuy
Thank you very much for the detailed response. I want to add a few things and ask some questions.
Main Question 1: It looks like the choices available are MA provisional license, doing the ABC course and getting a WI Provisional Tier 2 license, getting more experience and applying for the CT initial license. Are they about as good for getting an IS job? Which, if any, is better in terms of reciprocity in case I move back to the US? MA is too expensive, CT probably is, and all three are too cold.
-Is the CT license renewable if I don't teach there? Would 20 months of teaching experience in a local but not US-accredited school be accepted? I can't find information on this.
Main Question 2: What do you think would be more valuable in terms of both improving my teaching abilities and qualifications? UoPe is cheap and leads to a M.Ed. ABC is perhaps better fit-to-purpose, but the certificate itself would do little to boost a resume. I looked at the Buckingham M.Ed, and it required that an applicant have a at least a PGCE level 6. The others are similarly priced to M.Eds I could get from US colleges (American College of Education is one).
My weaknesses are curriculum planning that aligns with the Common Core Standards and assessments. I'd also need to learn how to do longer-term planning better. As it is, I have a general sketch of what I will do for a text or a unit, but planning each lesson is like pulling teeth. It can take me hours to plan a one-hour class. It got better by the end of my first year, but without guidance from others (or the internet), I may be struggling all night. I need to get more professional faster. I also just need to get faster because I have no work-life balance. Classes will take more time, but I think it will pay off.
I just don't have the money for any other university or EPP/ITT that we've discussed. I make a good income with decent benefits, but for a family of 4, there's not much left.
Other issues
3. About the AZ Subject Matter Expert Certificate (Permit) and MS reciprocity, could you point to the regulation that says MS is requiring out-of-state teachers to have had EPP/ITT training? This is all the information I can find on it:
https://www.mdek12.org/OTL/OEL/Reciprocity
https://www.mdek12.org/OEL/Licensure-Ap ... -Checklist
Currently, for out-of-state applicants, what is needed to apply for a standard license is:
-Verification of Lawful Presence (VLP) form (if not previously submitted)
-Valid standard license issued by an educator licensing agency outside the state of Mississippi
-Official transcript(s) of all completed degrees and coursework
The last one would indicate that the person did not complete a B.Ed, but there is no indication anywhere I could find that an EPP/ITT was required to receive a license based on reciprocity. That is the case in most states I looked at, though.
4. Also, you mentioned that for the AZ certificate, someone could submit paper fingerprinting forms. I don't think that is the case any longer. It seems like only IDV (ID verified) fingerprints are accepted, and a person has to be in AZ to do this.
To answer your first question, I don't NEED a license right now for my current job. But I want to have the ability to teach AP classes (I think a license is a requirement), to have the ability to change jobs if it becomes necessary or desirable, or in case of war (the threat is looming). With a wife and 2 kids, I'm not a great candidate to get hired in any other country, but if it comes to it, I'll take what I can get. Another reason is simply to be prepared in case I go back to the US.
As an aside, another thing I've learned is that it's possible to get a BC independent school Subject Restricted License. MS specifically says it will accept a standard license from another country, though being restricted, I don't think that one would work. I think it expires after 2 years if I don't get 1.5 years of experience in a BC-accredited school. There is one here, so that's an option for the future but an unlikely one.
Thank you very much for the detailed response. I want to add a few things and ask some questions.
Main Question 1: It looks like the choices available are MA provisional license, doing the ABC course and getting a WI Provisional Tier 2 license, getting more experience and applying for the CT initial license. Are they about as good for getting an IS job? Which, if any, is better in terms of reciprocity in case I move back to the US? MA is too expensive, CT probably is, and all three are too cold.
-Is the CT license renewable if I don't teach there? Would 20 months of teaching experience in a local but not US-accredited school be accepted? I can't find information on this.
Main Question 2: What do you think would be more valuable in terms of both improving my teaching abilities and qualifications? UoPe is cheap and leads to a M.Ed. ABC is perhaps better fit-to-purpose, but the certificate itself would do little to boost a resume. I looked at the Buckingham M.Ed, and it required that an applicant have a at least a PGCE level 6. The others are similarly priced to M.Eds I could get from US colleges (American College of Education is one).
My weaknesses are curriculum planning that aligns with the Common Core Standards and assessments. I'd also need to learn how to do longer-term planning better. As it is, I have a general sketch of what I will do for a text or a unit, but planning each lesson is like pulling teeth. It can take me hours to plan a one-hour class. It got better by the end of my first year, but without guidance from others (or the internet), I may be struggling all night. I need to get more professional faster. I also just need to get faster because I have no work-life balance. Classes will take more time, but I think it will pay off.
I just don't have the money for any other university or EPP/ITT that we've discussed. I make a good income with decent benefits, but for a family of 4, there's not much left.
Other issues
3. About the AZ Subject Matter Expert Certificate (Permit) and MS reciprocity, could you point to the regulation that says MS is requiring out-of-state teachers to have had EPP/ITT training? This is all the information I can find on it:
https://www.mdek12.org/OTL/OEL/Reciprocity
https://www.mdek12.org/OEL/Licensure-Ap ... -Checklist
Currently, for out-of-state applicants, what is needed to apply for a standard license is:
-Verification of Lawful Presence (VLP) form (if not previously submitted)
-Valid standard license issued by an educator licensing agency outside the state of Mississippi
-Official transcript(s) of all completed degrees and coursework
The last one would indicate that the person did not complete a B.Ed, but there is no indication anywhere I could find that an EPP/ITT was required to receive a license based on reciprocity. That is the case in most states I looked at, though.
4. Also, you mentioned that for the AZ certificate, someone could submit paper fingerprinting forms. I don't think that is the case any longer. It seems like only IDV (ID verified) fingerprints are accepted, and a person has to be in AZ to do this.
To answer your first question, I don't NEED a license right now for my current job. But I want to have the ability to teach AP classes (I think a license is a requirement), to have the ability to change jobs if it becomes necessary or desirable, or in case of war (the threat is looming). With a wife and 2 kids, I'm not a great candidate to get hired in any other country, but if it comes to it, I'll take what I can get. Another reason is simply to be prepared in case I go back to the US.
As an aside, another thing I've learned is that it's possible to get a BC independent school Subject Restricted License. MS specifically says it will accept a standard license from another country, though being restricted, I don't think that one would work. I think it expires after 2 years if I don't get 1.5 years of experience in a BC-accredited school. There is one here, so that's an option for the future but an unlikely one.
Reply
@shaolefen1
In direct reply to your inquiries:
1) Of the three you addressed, the credentials have about the same degree of marketability. Whats really of value is the ABC EPP/ITT program. Thats something you an put on your resume, its a marketable line item. A recruiter/leader understands where your training and preparation come from. Without, your credential just manifested out of nothing, and thats because it did.
This is true in terms of reciprocity as well, an EPP/ITT program goes farther than a credential alone.
The MA Provisional (Entry grade) credential is about USD$350, and that cost point there really isnt much thats cheaper in terms of a regular type credential. The AZ Subject Matter Expert credential would be about USD$150.
The new CT Initial (Entry grade) credential is a 10 year credential, and will have some renewal/extension options. The provisional credential is being phased out, and youll never meet the requirements to transition to the Professional (Professional grade) credential.
It is unlikely that experience in an OS IS thats unaccredited would be acceptable.
2) A credential has marketability and not insubstantial marketability either. None of them though are going to add much to your practice. Thats not how pro.edu training works. They give you at best, a way of looking at a classroom as a problem in need of a solution and gives you a tool box (you may have heard reference to a "teacher toolbox") of tools (meds/peds/asst); pedagogy to frame the problem, methodology to execute your plan, and assessment to figure out if it worked. You have to provide the plan, and training programs dont give you that, thats something that snaps into your mind when you walk in the classroom door.
Your weaknesses as you describe them are common among early career edus. What you describe is the challenge of many in similar positions. There are four inflection points seen in an edus growth: years 1, 2, 4, and 8. In the first two years edus need develop proficiency in two skill sets: classroom management and instructional planning. Which they do first is sometimes a matter of necessity, sometimes dictated by the context of the job, the organization, the edu, leadership, etc. Sometimes the edu gets a choice, sometimes they pick the easier one, sometimes the harder one, etc.. It usually isnt until around the fourth year that an edu has created efficiencies in their tasking that makes the job easier.
The Uni. Buckingham MA.Ed (Evidence-based Practice) is £4K takes 15 months and requires only a bachelors/first degree and working in a IS/DS.
https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/courses/po ... lly-online
3) MS use to have two reciprocity credentials a 2 year and a 5 year. The main difference was the 5 year credential was for those who met all requirements and the 2 year credential for those who had deficiencies, allowing them time to complete them. MS has now gotten rid of the 2 year credential, and generalize the requirements as those equivalent to a MS "Standard". The AZ Subject Expert credential isnt equivalent to a MS "Standard" (despite AZ using the term Standard in its title). What MS also did was create their own "Expert Citizen" credential, and its very different from the AZ one (its VERY much a Permit type credential).
BUT you could try. If youre successful youd want to transition the MS Credential and park it somewhere like IL, CA, WA, NJ, etc. so to avoid the PD and renewal issue. Of the available options IL is the least costly (USD$50 per 5 year renewal cycle).
4) The AZ CRB (IVP) fingerprints can be collected either electronically if in AZ or using a paper finger print card.
https://www.azdps.gov/services/public-s ... rance-card
5) No certification is required to teach AP by the College Board. LEAs may have requirements regarding assignment eligibility. The only such requirements are for the Research and the Seminar courses (part of the AP Diploma Capstone program). The requirements are a PD workshop (APSI) and some online training. Nothing regarding credential requirements.
There are a number of Permit type credentials and regular adjacent credential from Independent/Private IS credentials to Charter DS credentials.
Why jump though so many hoops? There isnt a hierarchy of credential strength in IE. Higher level credentials are a conversation point during an interview. Its something to brag about for 60 seconds. They dont equate to more coin, and they arent going to fool anyone. Without an EPP/ITT program it doesnt matter what they say. Recruiters and leaders care about an ITs academic preparation, their background, what they document that they bring to the classroom and the bargaining table, not what words appear on a piece of paper beyond checking the 'legal pro.edu' box. They will take little more than a blink to realize you got your credential through some pathway that wasnt the traditional/academic pathway.
Whatever credential checks that box. Advanced degrees have more value.
In direct reply to your inquiries:
1) Of the three you addressed, the credentials have about the same degree of marketability. Whats really of value is the ABC EPP/ITT program. Thats something you an put on your resume, its a marketable line item. A recruiter/leader understands where your training and preparation come from. Without, your credential just manifested out of nothing, and thats because it did.
This is true in terms of reciprocity as well, an EPP/ITT program goes farther than a credential alone.
The MA Provisional (Entry grade) credential is about USD$350, and that cost point there really isnt much thats cheaper in terms of a regular type credential. The AZ Subject Matter Expert credential would be about USD$150.
The new CT Initial (Entry grade) credential is a 10 year credential, and will have some renewal/extension options. The provisional credential is being phased out, and youll never meet the requirements to transition to the Professional (Professional grade) credential.
It is unlikely that experience in an OS IS thats unaccredited would be acceptable.
2) A credential has marketability and not insubstantial marketability either. None of them though are going to add much to your practice. Thats not how pro.edu training works. They give you at best, a way of looking at a classroom as a problem in need of a solution and gives you a tool box (you may have heard reference to a "teacher toolbox") of tools (meds/peds/asst); pedagogy to frame the problem, methodology to execute your plan, and assessment to figure out if it worked. You have to provide the plan, and training programs dont give you that, thats something that snaps into your mind when you walk in the classroom door.
Your weaknesses as you describe them are common among early career edus. What you describe is the challenge of many in similar positions. There are four inflection points seen in an edus growth: years 1, 2, 4, and 8. In the first two years edus need develop proficiency in two skill sets: classroom management and instructional planning. Which they do first is sometimes a matter of necessity, sometimes dictated by the context of the job, the organization, the edu, leadership, etc. Sometimes the edu gets a choice, sometimes they pick the easier one, sometimes the harder one, etc.. It usually isnt until around the fourth year that an edu has created efficiencies in their tasking that makes the job easier.
The Uni. Buckingham MA.Ed (Evidence-based Practice) is £4K takes 15 months and requires only a bachelors/first degree and working in a IS/DS.
https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/courses/po ... lly-online
3) MS use to have two reciprocity credentials a 2 year and a 5 year. The main difference was the 5 year credential was for those who met all requirements and the 2 year credential for those who had deficiencies, allowing them time to complete them. MS has now gotten rid of the 2 year credential, and generalize the requirements as those equivalent to a MS "Standard". The AZ Subject Expert credential isnt equivalent to a MS "Standard" (despite AZ using the term Standard in its title). What MS also did was create their own "Expert Citizen" credential, and its very different from the AZ one (its VERY much a Permit type credential).
BUT you could try. If youre successful youd want to transition the MS Credential and park it somewhere like IL, CA, WA, NJ, etc. so to avoid the PD and renewal issue. Of the available options IL is the least costly (USD$50 per 5 year renewal cycle).
4) The AZ CRB (IVP) fingerprints can be collected either electronically if in AZ or using a paper finger print card.
https://www.azdps.gov/services/public-s ... rance-card
5) No certification is required to teach AP by the College Board. LEAs may have requirements regarding assignment eligibility. The only such requirements are for the Research and the Seminar courses (part of the AP Diploma Capstone program). The requirements are a PD workshop (APSI) and some online training. Nothing regarding credential requirements.
There are a number of Permit type credentials and regular adjacent credential from Independent/Private IS credentials to Charter DS credentials.
Why jump though so many hoops? There isnt a hierarchy of credential strength in IE. Higher level credentials are a conversation point during an interview. Its something to brag about for 60 seconds. They dont equate to more coin, and they arent going to fool anyone. Without an EPP/ITT program it doesnt matter what they say. Recruiters and leaders care about an ITs academic preparation, their background, what they document that they bring to the classroom and the bargaining table, not what words appear on a piece of paper beyond checking the 'legal pro.edu' box. They will take little more than a blink to realize you got your credential through some pathway that wasnt the traditional/academic pathway.
Whatever credential checks that box. Advanced degrees have more value.
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shaolefen1
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Fri Jul 05, 2024 12:09 pm
Re: Getting state-certified or upgrading my IS teaching qualifications at my age
@psyguy
Thank you again for another detailed reply. I'm afraid I'm not understanding one thing and there's one thing you may be wrong about.
1. If all the mentioned licenses are equally sufficient, I will probably go for the MA provisional license since it's the fastest and would be good to have just in case. I may still do the ABC for the reasons you mentioned, but...
2. I'm not understanding if you are saying ABC is a better choice than a UoPe M.Ed or that both are valuable. It sounds like you think ABC is better. Maybe it's a gut instinct, but I feel like a M.Ed would just sound more impressive. If I have any type of license, it seems like people would equate a license and a certification or assume a teacher with a license had training equivalent to that certification. But an M.Ed, even from a school with a silly name, just seems more impressive.
Re: Buckingham, I followed the link. You're right, a PGCE isn't required. It does say the applicant needs to have a degree from a UK university, but I'm sure they would take an equivalent foreign one. But, while I'm sure there is some flexibility, it's a 15-month program and appears to be rigorous. Because I have a full-time+ job and family commitments, I'm not confident I can get that done. The UoPe M.Ed has more flexibility. In a different world, I think I would have a better experience with the Buckingham M.Ed, but I'll probably go with UoPe I don't decide to do only the ABC.
3. Unless I'm missing something, AZ requires teaching certificate applicants to have an IDV fingerprint check. The link you gave was for a regular fingerprint check. The difference is that the IDV requires an ID to be verified and that has to be done in person. I can't link or post images yet, but this is from the AZ Subject Matter Expert (no "standard" in the title of the license at present) under the application checklist:
Application: A completed application for certification.
Fee: The fee for this certificate is $60. Per Board-rule, certification fees are non-refundable.
Attestation: A completed Social Media and Cellphone Use Attestation form, all pages.
AZDPS IP Card: A valid Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
Why jump through hoops? Because employers can be capricious in their decision-making and having "standard" rather than "provisional" on the license could make a difference. I'm sure what you say represents your experience, but I'm sure I have less experience and fewer options. In my situation, I need to cover as many bases as I can. I don't expect to get headhunted by a tier 1 school, but it could help me get a job quickly if there is an emergency, and if I go back to the US, I think having a standard license would put me in a better position to find a job.
and you are right that they will easily see I didn't follow a traditional pathway,
Thank you again for another detailed reply. I'm afraid I'm not understanding one thing and there's one thing you may be wrong about.
1. If all the mentioned licenses are equally sufficient, I will probably go for the MA provisional license since it's the fastest and would be good to have just in case. I may still do the ABC for the reasons you mentioned, but...
2. I'm not understanding if you are saying ABC is a better choice than a UoPe M.Ed or that both are valuable. It sounds like you think ABC is better. Maybe it's a gut instinct, but I feel like a M.Ed would just sound more impressive. If I have any type of license, it seems like people would equate a license and a certification or assume a teacher with a license had training equivalent to that certification. But an M.Ed, even from a school with a silly name, just seems more impressive.
Re: Buckingham, I followed the link. You're right, a PGCE isn't required. It does say the applicant needs to have a degree from a UK university, but I'm sure they would take an equivalent foreign one. But, while I'm sure there is some flexibility, it's a 15-month program and appears to be rigorous. Because I have a full-time+ job and family commitments, I'm not confident I can get that done. The UoPe M.Ed has more flexibility. In a different world, I think I would have a better experience with the Buckingham M.Ed, but I'll probably go with UoPe I don't decide to do only the ABC.
3. Unless I'm missing something, AZ requires teaching certificate applicants to have an IDV fingerprint check. The link you gave was for a regular fingerprint check. The difference is that the IDV requires an ID to be verified and that has to be done in person. I can't link or post images yet, but this is from the AZ Subject Matter Expert (no "standard" in the title of the license at present) under the application checklist:
Application: A completed application for certification.
Fee: The fee for this certificate is $60. Per Board-rule, certification fees are non-refundable.
Attestation: A completed Social Media and Cellphone Use Attestation form, all pages.
AZDPS IP Card: A valid Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
Why jump through hoops? Because employers can be capricious in their decision-making and having "standard" rather than "provisional" on the license could make a difference. I'm sure what you say represents your experience, but I'm sure I have less experience and fewer options. In my situation, I need to cover as many bases as I can. I don't expect to get headhunted by a tier 1 school, but it could help me get a job quickly if there is an emergency, and if I go back to the US, I think having a standard license would put me in a better position to find a job.
and you are right that they will easily see I didn't follow a traditional pathway,
Reply
@shaolefen1
They are both valuable but within different contexts.
In IE there are three pillars to an ITs resume: What they can teach (qualifications, degrees, etc.); What they have taught (experience, exam scores, etc.); and special skills. Of those experience is king. Once you have a few years of successful post credentialing experience on your resume recruiters and leaders arent going to care what grade of credential you have, only rather you have one that qualifies you for a visa and a work permit as an IT.
You stated youd want to maybe return to the US at some point, and being an EPP/ITT program completer will have a much greater degree of mobility throughout the US than any credential without one. They essentially arent worth anything outside the regulating authority that issued them. That makes completing an EPP/ITT program valuable, it will give you options in the future.
Advanced degrees are valuable because most ISs will give you more coin for having one. Sometimes its a little (sometimes its nothing) and sometimes it can be a substantial increase. In addition an advanced degree increases your marketability, youll be more competitive having one when applying to higher tier ISs.
Its not. First, impressive is the wrong goal. Second, in IE something is either impressive or it isnt. There really isnt a continuum. No one is going to be impressed with an M.Ed from UPe or an MA.Ed from Buckingham. If its not from one of the handful of Global Ivys, its just not going to impress anyone (except maybe an alumni). Thee are a lot of ITs who have degrees from what those ITs think of as impressive, but they arent, lots of ITs have Masters degrees.
Impressing recruiters and leaders in IE is a lot harder to do than you think. Its because most of the things that ITs who have worked long and hard to do are just part of the job description. Grading/Marking, Lesson Planning, Attending Meetings, Writing Reports, Communicating with Parents, Addressing Individual Student Needs; its all ~meh~. Its tasks youre supposed to do because it comes with the job. When it comes to recruiting the vast majority of leaders simply are not great or even good when it comes to HR types of tasks. Its why most recruiting interview questions are so vanilla (tell me about yourself, what are your strengths and weaknesses, why did you want to be a teacher, how do you deal with X type/population of students." This isnt a deficiency on their part. Its that when you get down to the variance, the vast majority of ITs are indistinguishable from one another and beyond W Credential, X Degree, and Y Experience and Z Scores, the rest amounts to a pile of self proclaimed praise with zero utility. Whats left and what matters more than anything else is 'fit'. Do they like you, will you fit in well with the established faculty, are you going to be high maintenance, will you do the work and get the job done. That last factor, 'fit' that gets a score, and some of the others may as well, but a credential is rarely if ever more than a check or no check. The benefits a higher grade credential afford are almost exclusively in the realm of DE (where they are also worth more coin), which in rare situations may apply to an IT, but for the vast majority of IE higher grade credentials have almost zero utility.
Buckingham requires that you "have a degree from a UK University (2.2 or above) or EQUIVALENT [emphasis added]", so yes they will accept an equivalent foreign degree. UPe may not be accepted as an equivalent foreign degree due to its current accreditation status.
I dont know anyone (even Buckingham graduates with a pint or two in them) who would use rigorous to describe the academic workload at Uni. Buckingham. Though UPe admits a lot of foreign students and they have rather low English standards where most of the students in your courses will struggle with English to the point just being a capable writer in the English language is more than half the work. At Uni. Buckingham you arent going to get that as the English standards are higher and most of the students are working DTs in the region.
I dont know any fingerprinting provider who isnt going to verify identification. Per the previous link:
"Communication regarding applications and cards will be via the applicant's PSP message center and their supplied email. Applicants applying for IDENTITY VERIFIED PRINTS (IVP) CARDS, AND WHO SELECT TO SUBMIT THEIR FINGERPRINTS VIA PAPER [emphasis added], will be sent the blue postage-paid return envelope with the fingerprint cards. Applicants renewing a valid IVP will be able to do so entirely on the PSP."
You can find the published version of the AZ Administrative Code (Rules) for Education here:
https://apps.azsos.gov/public_services/ ... 7/7-02.pdf
You can find on p. 66 "Rule R7-2-610.02. Subject Matter Expert STANDARD [emphasis added] Teaching Certificate" clearly titles the aforementioned credential using the term "Standard".
I dont know how either of the two above can be any clearer.
Thats a reasonable concern. There are leaders that will see "provisional" and wont bother to investigate. Provisional can apply to a wide degree of credentials, not all of them on the low end of the scale (IE. the CT Provisional is currently a higher grade credential than the lower grade Initial credential). You may not even be given a reason why, and even if you are and attempt to remedy the issue, an IS may already have moved on to other candidates.
Being an EPP/ITT program provider is more likely to place you in a better position to secure an appropriate credential allowing you to accept or even apply for a position. Many DSs require you to declare whether you have a valid credential in the jurisdiction of the regulating authority, and stating you completed an EPP/ITT program is stronger assurance that an applicant can obtain one.
To that end your better off with the M.Ed/MA.Ed, as thats more marketable at private/independent DSs throughout the US than a credential.
They are both valuable but within different contexts.
In IE there are three pillars to an ITs resume: What they can teach (qualifications, degrees, etc.); What they have taught (experience, exam scores, etc.); and special skills. Of those experience is king. Once you have a few years of successful post credentialing experience on your resume recruiters and leaders arent going to care what grade of credential you have, only rather you have one that qualifies you for a visa and a work permit as an IT.
You stated youd want to maybe return to the US at some point, and being an EPP/ITT program completer will have a much greater degree of mobility throughout the US than any credential without one. They essentially arent worth anything outside the regulating authority that issued them. That makes completing an EPP/ITT program valuable, it will give you options in the future.
Advanced degrees are valuable because most ISs will give you more coin for having one. Sometimes its a little (sometimes its nothing) and sometimes it can be a substantial increase. In addition an advanced degree increases your marketability, youll be more competitive having one when applying to higher tier ISs.
Its not. First, impressive is the wrong goal. Second, in IE something is either impressive or it isnt. There really isnt a continuum. No one is going to be impressed with an M.Ed from UPe or an MA.Ed from Buckingham. If its not from one of the handful of Global Ivys, its just not going to impress anyone (except maybe an alumni). Thee are a lot of ITs who have degrees from what those ITs think of as impressive, but they arent, lots of ITs have Masters degrees.
Impressing recruiters and leaders in IE is a lot harder to do than you think. Its because most of the things that ITs who have worked long and hard to do are just part of the job description. Grading/Marking, Lesson Planning, Attending Meetings, Writing Reports, Communicating with Parents, Addressing Individual Student Needs; its all ~meh~. Its tasks youre supposed to do because it comes with the job. When it comes to recruiting the vast majority of leaders simply are not great or even good when it comes to HR types of tasks. Its why most recruiting interview questions are so vanilla (tell me about yourself, what are your strengths and weaknesses, why did you want to be a teacher, how do you deal with X type/population of students." This isnt a deficiency on their part. Its that when you get down to the variance, the vast majority of ITs are indistinguishable from one another and beyond W Credential, X Degree, and Y Experience and Z Scores, the rest amounts to a pile of self proclaimed praise with zero utility. Whats left and what matters more than anything else is 'fit'. Do they like you, will you fit in well with the established faculty, are you going to be high maintenance, will you do the work and get the job done. That last factor, 'fit' that gets a score, and some of the others may as well, but a credential is rarely if ever more than a check or no check. The benefits a higher grade credential afford are almost exclusively in the realm of DE (where they are also worth more coin), which in rare situations may apply to an IT, but for the vast majority of IE higher grade credentials have almost zero utility.
Buckingham requires that you "have a degree from a UK University (2.2 or above) or EQUIVALENT [emphasis added]", so yes they will accept an equivalent foreign degree. UPe may not be accepted as an equivalent foreign degree due to its current accreditation status.
I dont know anyone (even Buckingham graduates with a pint or two in them) who would use rigorous to describe the academic workload at Uni. Buckingham. Though UPe admits a lot of foreign students and they have rather low English standards where most of the students in your courses will struggle with English to the point just being a capable writer in the English language is more than half the work. At Uni. Buckingham you arent going to get that as the English standards are higher and most of the students are working DTs in the region.
I dont know any fingerprinting provider who isnt going to verify identification. Per the previous link:
"Communication regarding applications and cards will be via the applicant's PSP message center and their supplied email. Applicants applying for IDENTITY VERIFIED PRINTS (IVP) CARDS, AND WHO SELECT TO SUBMIT THEIR FINGERPRINTS VIA PAPER [emphasis added], will be sent the blue postage-paid return envelope with the fingerprint cards. Applicants renewing a valid IVP will be able to do so entirely on the PSP."
You can find the published version of the AZ Administrative Code (Rules) for Education here:
https://apps.azsos.gov/public_services/ ... 7/7-02.pdf
You can find on p. 66 "Rule R7-2-610.02. Subject Matter Expert STANDARD [emphasis added] Teaching Certificate" clearly titles the aforementioned credential using the term "Standard".
I dont know how either of the two above can be any clearer.
Thats a reasonable concern. There are leaders that will see "provisional" and wont bother to investigate. Provisional can apply to a wide degree of credentials, not all of them on the low end of the scale (IE. the CT Provisional is currently a higher grade credential than the lower grade Initial credential). You may not even be given a reason why, and even if you are and attempt to remedy the issue, an IS may already have moved on to other candidates.
Being an EPP/ITT program provider is more likely to place you in a better position to secure an appropriate credential allowing you to accept or even apply for a position. Many DSs require you to declare whether you have a valid credential in the jurisdiction of the regulating authority, and stating you completed an EPP/ITT program is stronger assurance that an applicant can obtain one.
To that end your better off with the M.Ed/MA.Ed, as thats more marketable at private/independent DSs throughout the US than a credential.
-
shaolefen1
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Fri Jul 05, 2024 12:09 pm
Re: Getting state-certified or upgrading my IS teaching qualifications at my age
I sent the last post too soon and I don't seem to be able to edit it.
Would there be any other national or state/provincial license I could get that might have reciprocity with a US state leading to a standard/professional license?
I double-checked and Norway is definitely out. HK has been mentioned, but it seems to be out unless I have a residency or a job offer. MS issues a standard license to a teacher holding a standard license in another state or country. I think it may be possible for me to get a license in the Philippines. There's a regulation that, to take the licensing exam, the test-taker's jurisdiction has to recognize a Filipino teaching license, and at least some of them do, MS anyway. It requires an 18 post-graduate certificate in education which can be done online (no practicum) for under $1,000, and then the licensing exam. There's also an option to continue studying for a M.Ed, which would also be the cheapest M.Ed I've found. I was unable to find anything online from a foreigner who got a Filipino license, but I doubt many have tried. I assume, if a QTS would be acceptable, a Filipino license would be as well, if not as highly regarded. Either way, I could possibly use it to get an MS or other state teaching license. Ontario appears to accept Filipino licenses as well. As I was writing this, I learned the graduate certificate requires midterm and final exams to be taken at an embassy if it is even offered there, so this may not work.
Is there any other country where I might do something similar and get a license? I happy to study or take whatever tests, even if it involves a short flight.
Would there be any other national or state/provincial license I could get that might have reciprocity with a US state leading to a standard/professional license?
I double-checked and Norway is definitely out. HK has been mentioned, but it seems to be out unless I have a residency or a job offer. MS issues a standard license to a teacher holding a standard license in another state or country. I think it may be possible for me to get a license in the Philippines. There's a regulation that, to take the licensing exam, the test-taker's jurisdiction has to recognize a Filipino teaching license, and at least some of them do, MS anyway. It requires an 18 post-graduate certificate in education which can be done online (no practicum) for under $1,000, and then the licensing exam. There's also an option to continue studying for a M.Ed, which would also be the cheapest M.Ed I've found. I was unable to find anything online from a foreigner who got a Filipino license, but I doubt many have tried. I assume, if a QTS would be acceptable, a Filipino license would be as well, if not as highly regarded. Either way, I could possibly use it to get an MS or other state teaching license. Ontario appears to accept Filipino licenses as well. As I was writing this, I learned the graduate certificate requires midterm and final exams to be taken at an embassy if it is even offered there, so this may not work.
Is there any other country where I might do something similar and get a license? I happy to study or take whatever tests, even if it involves a short flight.
Reply
@shaolefen1
Short Answer: No
Long Answer:
In HK there are two credentials, Permitted Teacher (PT) Status (Permit grade) and Registered Teacher (RT) Status (Professional grade). You do not need a job to apply for RT status but you must submit the application in person, which would require travel. prior to submitting the application you would need to have your application materials reviewed by HKCAAVQ for equivalency to an HK PGDE. In the past completing the Sunderland PGCEi has been found to meet the equivalency standards.
A number of states will accept a regular, professional grade credential as meeting the professional formation (EPP/ITT) requirements as a pro.edu. There are states and a majority of them that will require submission of completing an EPP/ITT program. So being an EPP/ITT program completer will provide you a substantially greater degree of mobility and options in the US than going through various recognition steps to standardize a less than professional grade credential into a professional grade credential.
Thats a potentially egregious assumption to make. What you or the Philippines believes to be a professional grade credential is not shared among all US DOEs or even many of them.
Historically DC would accept any professional grade credential for a DC Regular (Standard grade) credential, and they accepted foreign applicants as well. Some ITs were successful using there foreign certificate and many were not. Thats harder to do now. The problems are:
1) You need a national MOE that delivers whatever it is you have to do in English and doesnt have some type of non-English language proficiency requirement.
2) You need it to be online.
3) You need it to include a suitable field experience component.
4) The process has to differentiate itself from a purely academic degree, even if its an edu degree, and include a persuasive element of professional formation (EPP/ITT) for pro.edus that ultimately results in an outcome of awarding some form of recognition of pro.edu status (whether its an actual certificate, roll, declaration, or registration, etc.).
There just isnt an exchange program where a degree alone qualifies you for a regular type, professional grade credential with wide ranging global or national recognition. The "I have an Edu. Masters so you must confer pro.edu status on me" is non-sense, it doesnt exist.
The best youll get from an asst pathway is an Entry grade credential.
The new CT system still has the option of substituting experience for an EPP/ITT program and they may form a pathway that allows a portfolio containing a combination of experience and education to substitute for an EPP/ITT program. Its unclear how the reformed Initial and Professional credentials will fall on the grading spectrum.
You could look at ACSI, though their certificates arent pro.edu credentials as far as what defines a regulating authority. There have been ITs that have been successful using them, but its not really what youre looking for.
You could try QTLS through SET (Society for Education and Training) in the UK. There have been ETs who used this pathway successfully. A Masters will meet the Lvl. 5 qualification requirements (a Masters is a Lvl. 7 qualification). The process is essentially a portfolio that includes various elements of experience and education. Membership is about £100/yr and the program costs about £600.
The sticking point is youd have to approach the portfolio from most likely the ESOL (under the Education and Early Years category) perspective, utilizing and integrating your previous ESOL experience so that you can shape the portfolio to focus away from the K12/KS environment. Youd have to put some constructs together to provide a venue for edu outside the K12/KS sphere, such as hanging a shingle and starting youre own ES or finding a less than FTE (PT) ES job, and then either using a manager from that job or finding someone either through your current IS or externally who has something like a DELTA or Masters or would be an acceptable sponsor. Than its just a matter of getting the documents together and meeting (testing out of) the deficiencies (and getting the Masters and having it accepted ).
https://set.et-foundation.co.uk/your-career/qtls
Short Answer: No
Long Answer:
In HK there are two credentials, Permitted Teacher (PT) Status (Permit grade) and Registered Teacher (RT) Status (Professional grade). You do not need a job to apply for RT status but you must submit the application in person, which would require travel. prior to submitting the application you would need to have your application materials reviewed by HKCAAVQ for equivalency to an HK PGDE. In the past completing the Sunderland PGCEi has been found to meet the equivalency standards.
A number of states will accept a regular, professional grade credential as meeting the professional formation (EPP/ITT) requirements as a pro.edu. There are states and a majority of them that will require submission of completing an EPP/ITT program. So being an EPP/ITT program completer will provide you a substantially greater degree of mobility and options in the US than going through various recognition steps to standardize a less than professional grade credential into a professional grade credential.
Thats a potentially egregious assumption to make. What you or the Philippines believes to be a professional grade credential is not shared among all US DOEs or even many of them.
Historically DC would accept any professional grade credential for a DC Regular (Standard grade) credential, and they accepted foreign applicants as well. Some ITs were successful using there foreign certificate and many were not. Thats harder to do now. The problems are:
1) You need a national MOE that delivers whatever it is you have to do in English and doesnt have some type of non-English language proficiency requirement.
2) You need it to be online.
3) You need it to include a suitable field experience component.
4) The process has to differentiate itself from a purely academic degree, even if its an edu degree, and include a persuasive element of professional formation (EPP/ITT) for pro.edus that ultimately results in an outcome of awarding some form of recognition of pro.edu status (whether its an actual certificate, roll, declaration, or registration, etc.).
There just isnt an exchange program where a degree alone qualifies you for a regular type, professional grade credential with wide ranging global or national recognition. The "I have an Edu. Masters so you must confer pro.edu status on me" is non-sense, it doesnt exist.
The best youll get from an asst pathway is an Entry grade credential.
The new CT system still has the option of substituting experience for an EPP/ITT program and they may form a pathway that allows a portfolio containing a combination of experience and education to substitute for an EPP/ITT program. Its unclear how the reformed Initial and Professional credentials will fall on the grading spectrum.
You could look at ACSI, though their certificates arent pro.edu credentials as far as what defines a regulating authority. There have been ITs that have been successful using them, but its not really what youre looking for.
You could try QTLS through SET (Society for Education and Training) in the UK. There have been ETs who used this pathway successfully. A Masters will meet the Lvl. 5 qualification requirements (a Masters is a Lvl. 7 qualification). The process is essentially a portfolio that includes various elements of experience and education. Membership is about £100/yr and the program costs about £600.
The sticking point is youd have to approach the portfolio from most likely the ESOL (under the Education and Early Years category) perspective, utilizing and integrating your previous ESOL experience so that you can shape the portfolio to focus away from the K12/KS environment. Youd have to put some constructs together to provide a venue for edu outside the K12/KS sphere, such as hanging a shingle and starting youre own ES or finding a less than FTE (PT) ES job, and then either using a manager from that job or finding someone either through your current IS or externally who has something like a DELTA or Masters or would be an acceptable sponsor. Than its just a matter of getting the documents together and meeting (testing out of) the deficiencies (and getting the Masters and having it accepted ).
https://set.et-foundation.co.uk/your-career/qtls
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shaolefen1
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Fri Jul 05, 2024 12:09 pm
Re: Getting state-certified or upgrading my IS teaching qualifications at my age
I was writing a long reply to follow your second-to-last message as well as the last one, but my computer restarted and it's gone, so this is going to be brief.
Having a license when I get to the US is a secondary goal, first because it may not happen and second because it seems easy enough to become a teacher in most states through alternative programs, though the pay would likely be less for a few years.
I think I'm going to get one of the easier licenses, AZ or MA, and then do ABC or another ITT/EPP program. I decided I need something that covers the course I'm teaching. ABC does, iTeach, Moreland and the M.Ed programs are general. American College of Education has a M.Ed in my subject area, but it doesn't lead to a professional license. ABC does, but I wouldn't get college credit (iTeach and Moreland would; Klassroom might).
ABC seems to be the only program I can complete from abroad in my situation. iTeach is also possible, but the only state in which I could get a license is WV, but that is only for 3 years with one renewal. MS accepts ABC as well (but requires a practicum. Maybe the combination of an AZ Subject Matter Expert STANDARD Teaching Certificate and the ABC would help get the MS standard license. It's worth a try if I'll get both anyway.
The best I can get through ABC is a Tier II Provisional License from WI. That's for 5 years and renewable. It's short of standard, but some states may give it reciprocity.
You were thankfully right that AZ will allow fingerprints to be taken on paper. I'm just concerned that they won't accept them from overseas. It was once possible to have the ministry of foreign affairs fingerprint someone and the FBI would accept it, but it's going to look odd when it arrives from abroad. Also it says they will be sent with a postage page return envelope. I don't mind the cost of shipping, but it's not clear if they'll accept them mailed another way.
I think a masters is at least somewhat impressive. At least it would make me stand out above someone without one. I think I got my current job (though I'm not what they usually look for) because of a combination of having a masters, though not related to a teaching subject, unrelated classroom experience (one of which gave me a glowing review), and having worked for a nationally known educational publisher.
I would probably have a better experience at Buckingham, but as I said, family responsibilities. UoPe seems more flexible. I think it's possible to drop back into a different cohort if I get behind in a class, and I know it's possible to stop taking classes for one or more terms. But I'm sure you're right about the language issue. I've heard that's a complaint.
I'm certain that some states and Canadian provinces (at least Ontario) accept Filipino teachers, though the program I mentioned doesn't have a field experience component.
Thanks for the advice about the other two programs, but I can't imagine how I'd get a professional certificate after doing an ASCI program, and the QTLS just doesn't look possible. Anything involving a practicum is probably out as long as I'm at this job.
Having a license when I get to the US is a secondary goal, first because it may not happen and second because it seems easy enough to become a teacher in most states through alternative programs, though the pay would likely be less for a few years.
I think I'm going to get one of the easier licenses, AZ or MA, and then do ABC or another ITT/EPP program. I decided I need something that covers the course I'm teaching. ABC does, iTeach, Moreland and the M.Ed programs are general. American College of Education has a M.Ed in my subject area, but it doesn't lead to a professional license. ABC does, but I wouldn't get college credit (iTeach and Moreland would; Klassroom might).
ABC seems to be the only program I can complete from abroad in my situation. iTeach is also possible, but the only state in which I could get a license is WV, but that is only for 3 years with one renewal. MS accepts ABC as well (but requires a practicum. Maybe the combination of an AZ Subject Matter Expert STANDARD Teaching Certificate and the ABC would help get the MS standard license. It's worth a try if I'll get both anyway.
The best I can get through ABC is a Tier II Provisional License from WI. That's for 5 years and renewable. It's short of standard, but some states may give it reciprocity.
You were thankfully right that AZ will allow fingerprints to be taken on paper. I'm just concerned that they won't accept them from overseas. It was once possible to have the ministry of foreign affairs fingerprint someone and the FBI would accept it, but it's going to look odd when it arrives from abroad. Also it says they will be sent with a postage page return envelope. I don't mind the cost of shipping, but it's not clear if they'll accept them mailed another way.
I think a masters is at least somewhat impressive. At least it would make me stand out above someone without one. I think I got my current job (though I'm not what they usually look for) because of a combination of having a masters, though not related to a teaching subject, unrelated classroom experience (one of which gave me a glowing review), and having worked for a nationally known educational publisher.
I would probably have a better experience at Buckingham, but as I said, family responsibilities. UoPe seems more flexible. I think it's possible to drop back into a different cohort if I get behind in a class, and I know it's possible to stop taking classes for one or more terms. But I'm sure you're right about the language issue. I've heard that's a complaint.
I'm certain that some states and Canadian provinces (at least Ontario) accept Filipino teachers, though the program I mentioned doesn't have a field experience component.
Thanks for the advice about the other two programs, but I can't imagine how I'd get a professional certificate after doing an ASCI program, and the QTLS just doesn't look possible. Anything involving a practicum is probably out as long as I'm at this job.
Reply
@shaolefen1
The credits from iTeach, Moreland, Teach Ready, etc. arent worth very much. Morelands credits are really only worth something substantial if you pursue their Masters, but its a pricey program. The rest would give you a handful of credits (somewhere between 6-9) you might be able to transfer to somewhere such as UPe.
Its more an either or scenario. MS doesnt have a portfolio based system. Either the AZ credential is acceptable for the MS Reciprocity (Professional grade) credential or the ABC EPP/ITT program (leading to the WI Tier II Provisional (Initial grade) credential) is acceptable for the MS Reciprocity (Professional grade) credential. Whatever preparation and credential you present has to meet the reciprocity requirements on its own. Its not a compensatory system (and this tends to be the case for US DOEs) where you can put together some of one thing and some of another, etc. and theres a combination thats enough to get to a Professional grade credential, when you dont have one to start with.
The WI Tier II Provisional (Initial grade) credential is going to have comparable reciprocity for an equivalent Initial grade credential across states (along with being an EPP/ITT program completer). Thats what youre going to find with a Professional grade credential in many cases anyway, unless youre applying to a state that only has one mutual recognition credential (such as MS or TX) and that credential is a Professional grade credential; or the State DOE has a specific reciprocity credential, (IE. WA and its Residence credential). Typically what you see happen is an applicant comes to a State DOE with a regular type credential and they issue a regular type Initial grade credential with deficiencies, (requiring pro.edu exams, or X months/years of experience, or completing their in-state mentoring program, etc.) which than allows the applicant to transition to the professional grade credential for that state.
You may want to consider getting a credential (either the MA provisional or the AZ Subject Matter Expert, ACSI, etc.), and then shopping your resume around and see what its worth. Does anyone want you and what type of interest does it generate? Im assuming your bachelors/first degree is in Literature or something comparable (since the AZ will only credential you in the field your degree is in for the AZ Subject Matter Expert credential). You may find that your academic background and any credential that makes you "legal" in terms of being a pro.edu is what matters in your case. You can either be specific (MA Provisional Certificate in ELA/Literature/etc.) or generic (AZ Teaching Certificate ELA/Literature/etc.) on the resume and see if it makes a difference to your marketability. Its better to find out for pence over pounds what your value is worth, than it is to invest substantially more coin and find out it doesnt equate to a comparable return on your investment. To start, what would a credential or Masters at your current IS get you in increased coin? You want to put a credential on your CV ASAP, so that you can begin counting your years of experience in IE as post credential time.
AZ will accept them from OS. First, Make sure you have them rolled by a law enforcement agency (one of the city designated NPAs) and not a commercial third . organization. Second, include full postage on the return envelope for international first class post. Its not going to look odd. The AZ DPS gets many submissions daily, those blue envelopes are opened and scanned as quickly as possible with little attention. As long as it looks like all the other envelopes its not going to stand out.
A Masters will get you more coin and adds marketability. Marketability isnt synonymous with impressiveness. Unless your degree is from one of the handful of Global Ivys, its not going to impress anyone in IE.
UPe doesnt use a cohort model. They say they do but they dont. All it really does is identify you as being admitted with a particular group of candidates based on date. After your first term you will register for whatever courses you are eligible for. Buckingham uses a cohort model; youll be admitted with a class group for the Fall term and progress through the five modules in sequence, just as the other members of your class will. UPe requires you to complete one term every 5 terms (there are 5 terms in the AY). Completion means completing the grade assessment for at least one course within a term. You can be absent from terms without effect.
Many regions (US, CAN, etc.) will accept Filipino DTs. Its typically some form of low grade credential or permit type credential that a DS or LEA sponsors from the DOE/MOE, that gets them into the classroom as opposed to completing the mutual recognition process.
You wouldnt be eligible for any type of regular credential with the ACSI certificate. Its a very low cost and fast certificate that some ITs have utilized in the past when time is short. Its something you could apply for in mid July and have issued by the end of August in time for the start of the AY that all together would cost under USD$100 (USD$75 application fee, plus cost of transcripts). However, with remote testing available for the MTEL (MA) the processing time is about the same (a few weeks difference at most).
QTLS would certainly take some work on your part to set up the mentoring (field experience) but the cost in coin (about £650) is the lowest cost in coin for a professional grade credential and professional formation (and one of the fastest program options).
The credits from iTeach, Moreland, Teach Ready, etc. arent worth very much. Morelands credits are really only worth something substantial if you pursue their Masters, but its a pricey program. The rest would give you a handful of credits (somewhere between 6-9) you might be able to transfer to somewhere such as UPe.
Its more an either or scenario. MS doesnt have a portfolio based system. Either the AZ credential is acceptable for the MS Reciprocity (Professional grade) credential or the ABC EPP/ITT program (leading to the WI Tier II Provisional (Initial grade) credential) is acceptable for the MS Reciprocity (Professional grade) credential. Whatever preparation and credential you present has to meet the reciprocity requirements on its own. Its not a compensatory system (and this tends to be the case for US DOEs) where you can put together some of one thing and some of another, etc. and theres a combination thats enough to get to a Professional grade credential, when you dont have one to start with.
The WI Tier II Provisional (Initial grade) credential is going to have comparable reciprocity for an equivalent Initial grade credential across states (along with being an EPP/ITT program completer). Thats what youre going to find with a Professional grade credential in many cases anyway, unless youre applying to a state that only has one mutual recognition credential (such as MS or TX) and that credential is a Professional grade credential; or the State DOE has a specific reciprocity credential, (IE. WA and its Residence credential). Typically what you see happen is an applicant comes to a State DOE with a regular type credential and they issue a regular type Initial grade credential with deficiencies, (requiring pro.edu exams, or X months/years of experience, or completing their in-state mentoring program, etc.) which than allows the applicant to transition to the professional grade credential for that state.
You may want to consider getting a credential (either the MA provisional or the AZ Subject Matter Expert, ACSI, etc.), and then shopping your resume around and see what its worth. Does anyone want you and what type of interest does it generate? Im assuming your bachelors/first degree is in Literature or something comparable (since the AZ will only credential you in the field your degree is in for the AZ Subject Matter Expert credential). You may find that your academic background and any credential that makes you "legal" in terms of being a pro.edu is what matters in your case. You can either be specific (MA Provisional Certificate in ELA/Literature/etc.) or generic (AZ Teaching Certificate ELA/Literature/etc.) on the resume and see if it makes a difference to your marketability. Its better to find out for pence over pounds what your value is worth, than it is to invest substantially more coin and find out it doesnt equate to a comparable return on your investment. To start, what would a credential or Masters at your current IS get you in increased coin? You want to put a credential on your CV ASAP, so that you can begin counting your years of experience in IE as post credential time.
AZ will accept them from OS. First, Make sure you have them rolled by a law enforcement agency (one of the city designated NPAs) and not a commercial third . organization. Second, include full postage on the return envelope for international first class post. Its not going to look odd. The AZ DPS gets many submissions daily, those blue envelopes are opened and scanned as quickly as possible with little attention. As long as it looks like all the other envelopes its not going to stand out.
A Masters will get you more coin and adds marketability. Marketability isnt synonymous with impressiveness. Unless your degree is from one of the handful of Global Ivys, its not going to impress anyone in IE.
UPe doesnt use a cohort model. They say they do but they dont. All it really does is identify you as being admitted with a particular group of candidates based on date. After your first term you will register for whatever courses you are eligible for. Buckingham uses a cohort model; youll be admitted with a class group for the Fall term and progress through the five modules in sequence, just as the other members of your class will. UPe requires you to complete one term every 5 terms (there are 5 terms in the AY). Completion means completing the grade assessment for at least one course within a term. You can be absent from terms without effect.
Many regions (US, CAN, etc.) will accept Filipino DTs. Its typically some form of low grade credential or permit type credential that a DS or LEA sponsors from the DOE/MOE, that gets them into the classroom as opposed to completing the mutual recognition process.
You wouldnt be eligible for any type of regular credential with the ACSI certificate. Its a very low cost and fast certificate that some ITs have utilized in the past when time is short. Its something you could apply for in mid July and have issued by the end of August in time for the start of the AY that all together would cost under USD$100 (USD$75 application fee, plus cost of transcripts). However, with remote testing available for the MTEL (MA) the processing time is about the same (a few weeks difference at most).
QTLS would certainly take some work on your part to set up the mentoring (field experience) but the cost in coin (about £650) is the lowest cost in coin for a professional grade credential and professional formation (and one of the fastest program options).