Antonio Said:

Can i get into a teaching program with a degree in philosophy?

We Answered:

Glad to hear from you, Marc.

Yes, there are plenty of options that you can pursue.

Option 1: Yes, they do teach Philosophy in high school. So, you can earn a teaching certificate in Philosophy (or, if your district does not have "philosophy," you can teach "Humanities" or "Social Studies.")

Option 2: Take some more college work (about 36 credits) in a more traditional teaching area (i.e. English, math, etc.) and earn a teaching certificate in that subject.

Option 3: Earn a PhD in Philosophy and teach at the college/university level.

Option 4: Parlay from Philosophy into a completely different area - earn your MBA, your MD, your DDS, etc.

Bottom Line, Marc: The world is your oyster with a degree in Philosophy.

Take care.

Famous.

Alfredo Said:

Would you recommend getting a full teaching degree or going through a licensure program?

We Answered:

You can miss out on lots basic training that can prove valuable later but it can be done. A co-worker who has the much of the technical knowledge he needed for the courses he taught in middle and high school didn't have the "sixth sense" of watching behind him and instead, focused on what was in front of him (or on his emails) and I ended up dealing with all the broken, stolen or messed up tools and materials in "my" lab. I know it is something that can be learned on the job but it has taken me years to get him anywhere close to where he needs to be. Granted, I've got 20+ years and he has 10 but I believe all the hours of clinical observations and pre-student teaching better prepared those of us who came through the traditional path. He did get his masters in education after he started teaching.

On the positive side, he has a provisional teaching certificate that he doesn't have to worry about getting additional hours of credit to keep it up to date.

Another teacher who is almost 20 years older than me but has been teaching for only 10 years after being in the military, airline, headhunter and drafting industries is one of the best teachers I've ever met and has a provisional certificate without going through a specific educational degree program and hasn't gotten his masters. Both teachers have Political Science degrees so, like politicians, there are naturals and there are crooks!

I believe elementary teachers have a harder job to do than I in a large high school but get far fewer resources in terms of time, supplies and money! I'd suggest you find a school you'd like to work in and ask the principal and a teacher to allow you to shadow them for a day or two. You should get time to see some of the skills needed and be able to decide for yourself which path you should follow.

Good luck!

Seth Said:

Are there any online degree programs accepted in Wisconsin as legitimate sources for getting a teaching degree

We Answered:

I'm from WI and went through the same situation as you a while back. I know of no online source for obtaining a Teaching Certification in WI. Colleges like to see their students as part of the evaluation process. Cardinal Stritch will work with you as a part time student but ultimately, you have to commit. This can be upsetting but don't be discouraged. The jobs are out there as people retire and teaching does provide a good and rewarding life.

Evelyn Said:

What programs will pay for my teaching degree?

We Answered:

Talk to your college financial aid office. If there are any programs available, they will know about them.

Angela Said:

Does Sam Houston State University offer a teaching degree program?

We Answered:

I don't believe they do - after reviewing their web site.

But they do have many majors that would be teaching fields.

My guess is that they put you through with whatever majors you choose and then you go through one of the alternative teacher certification programs - one of my kids had a major in English and she went through the local education agency regional program.

A friend is an engineer, was laid off, and went through the regional program and landed a job quickly.