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Ask HN: Online BS – Grey Beard needs advice

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Re: Ask HN: Online BS – Grey Beard needs advice

#11
As a former US teacher who gained certification in two states, I suggest that if you are also US-based, talk to the board of education licensing department for the particular state you are planning to teach in. They can explain the specific requirements for teaching the subject matter that interests you.

Public schools are desperate for teachers. As long as the college/university holds accreditation, no one will care which one you choose, what matters is credits in various areas and the major/minor. Some states have programs to allow you to complete your certification requirements while teaching, but every state is different. Again, the state board licensing dept is the place to get these questions answered.

Finally as a former middle school teacher, I commend you. Our nations kid's really need caring people with real-world experience to bring that expertise and passion to the classroom. Good luck!

Re: Ask HN: Online BS – Grey Beard needs advice

#12
After a career in a science, engineering and IT, I am now teaching computer science and maths in high school and loving it. In Australia, any previous degrees would have a big impact on what additional training you would need before teaching. But to answer your direct question, any and all of your industry experience will be valuable in a high-school context, whatever its ‘pedigree’ or quality.

To teach, however, you are likely to need an education qualification. In Oz, this could be a 2 year Masters of Teaching provided you already have a degree of some sort to act as a content base (3 yr Bachelors is fine). There are accelerated 18 month courses available, mostly online but with significant periods of in-school practical experience (2-3 slots of 4-8 weeks).

Both the education and the pracs are very valuable to your teaching roles. The reduced contact over working days, and weeks of holiday are great, but you will still need plenty of energy for the kids, and there is plenty of outside-hours of work too, but you choose when and how you do it.

Re: Ask HN: Online BS – Grey Beard needs advice

#14

Bit of unsolicited advice. It's very possible you've had a great career as a programmer. But for better or worse, high schools are academic environments where you can't write "elligable" and expect to be taken seriously. If you aren't willing to correct this, this may not be the path for you.

What a load of BS. You think the former tradesmen that moved into teaching all have perfect spelling? Clearly they have no value and nothing to offer interested kids if they misspell 1 in 100 words.

Re: Ask HN: Online BS – Grey Beard needs advice

#15
Well, from one grey beard to another, thank you. Some poor soul is going to have to figure out the code I wrote these last 10 years.

I would say, algebra is the easiest. Python is the next easiest.

I remember being taught applesoft basic as a 5th grader and enjoying it.

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