Wish me luck: I've applied to become a high school English teacher.

Specifically, I've applied to Connecticut's ARC program, which allows mid-career professionals with a college degree to get their teacher certification over the course of one intensive summer.

Fifteen years ago I graduated with a BA in English from Temple University. In the same week, I got married, bought my first car, and got a job offer to become a manager of the video store I was working in part-time. At the time I had no idea what to do with my life, so I took the job with the excuse that I was doing something tangentially related to the arts and I'd figure everything else out later. As the years went by I proceeded up the corporate retail ladder, until eventually I was so far removed from anything that I had a passion for that I could barely recognize myself.

Now, with the support of a woman who truly believes in me, I'm trying to rectify all of this. To apply for the ARC program, I had to write a personal statement, supply a resume and three personal references, plus my college transcripts and SAT scores (620 verbal, 750 math BTW. :D)

Now I play the waiting game. If they like my application, I'll get an interview. Then I'll find out in mid-April if I've been accepted.

Only about 30% of applicants get accepted into this program, so I could use some good vibes as I try to change the path that I've been pulled along all this time.

Thanks! :woohoo:

I think you'd make a good teacher. This program seems like it was made for you.

Good for you finding your passion and going for it! :thumbsup:

:hug:

Wishing and hoping for the best.

:hi: :hug:

Just wondering how that works.... will you have to take additional coursework for a permanent certificate?

Even fresh faced undergrads do 16 WEEKS of Student Teaching

Again, this is a CT program, details at the following link:

http://www.ctdhe.org/ARC/default.htm

The certification process in PA is soooo complicated. I would love to get another subject area, but it's just too much work.

Good luck to you!

and we researched the teacher certification process. We decided it would be easier to move to New Jersey. :scared:

it's a noble endeavor.

If you end up doing it, I truly hope you give it a shot and stick with it for the long haul.

Now, I'm still young enough to be idealistic, but mature enough to be realistic.

That, and nothing could be worse than retail. :puke:

on both counts ;-)

Anyway, I really do wish you the best of luck. I'm the child of an english professor, so it's something that's close to my heart.

You didn't mention in your story anything about tasting Student Teaching whilst at North Broad Street or even a remote hunger & thirst to due, as we teachers would say, "Six Shows Daily with a lunch break" ???

Good luck, Denny, especially in Ct. !!!

:applause:


And then the kids can interrupt your lunch break,too !

in summer school.

As for "six shows a day", that's the closest I'll ever get to the stage, and one of the things that excites me about the job.

:hi:

I can tell you that you are certainly in the right State for this fast track.

New Jersey and California would never grant a permanent credential. Cali takes almost a Master's Degree in Educationn and N.J. isn't far behind that. I believe it's three classes a week for 34 weeks THEN a test.

Starting pay $37k

reach out if you need help.

I'm sure you'll make a great teacher.

One of my best friends received her teaching certificate through a similar intensive program in Ohio. She went from Parole Officer to Elementary School Teacher-- she swears they are more similar than you'd think. ;)

This world certainly can always use dedicate teachers and I wish you the best of luck!

I feel my inner liberal coming out....

Thanks!