Second career teaching high school computer technology in NY State?
January 25, 2016 6:03 AM   Subscribe

What is the best path for someone in NY State with a Master's degree in Computer Science to get certified to teach computer technology in high school?

I've been serious contemplating switching careers as I approach my 60th birthday. I don't have a lot of familiarity with the requirements in NY State to teach computer technology for someone coming from industry beyond the need for certification. Is this a realistic goal? How long might it take? How expensive (my present company won't reimburse me, obviously)?

I live in the Rochester area, if that helps.
posted by tommasz to Education (7 answers total)
 
Best answer: Here is information on the three paths to Alternative Teacher Certification. Read them over, see which one applies to you.

I did this. I don't advise it. I taught English in a Florida high school for two years. It was terrible. I admit that I picked one of the worst schools in the state to teach in, but even so, public education is in a terrible state and it only gets worse.

Before deciding on this, do some volunteering in schools. See how it is, see if you can deal with how disrespectful the students are (this is a problem across the board, rich or poor, the kids are VERY disrespectful.)

Are they hiring for this position? Here are the positions that are currently being recruited.

I'll also say this, it's VERY difficult for schools to acquire and maintain appropriate computer equipment. So you might be shocked at how old and outdated the equipment and curriculum is for your preferred area.

I started with a letter of inquiry to the school board and within a week my phone was ringing off the hook with offers It was crazy. But there was a teacher shortage then, that is not the case now.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 6:17 AM on January 25, 2016 [3 favorites]


Best answer: I just want to second what Ruthless Bunny is saying, on all fronts.

I've done research involving educational technology in public schools and firstly: many districts don't really have a comprehensive computer science or technology program. And secondly, there are wildly varying technologies used in schools. I've been in schools (not high schools, but middle schools) that have one 20-machine lab for the entire school. I've also worked in schools that have a 1:1 laptop policy (but the laptops are all 5 years old).

If you want to give back to schools in your community, I'd investigate what their most pressing technological needs are and start from there. It may be that what they need most is someone to spec out and write a grant to get new computers. Or maybe they're looking to hire a building-level support person (a lot of schools do not have a single person in the building qualified to troubleshoot the network or have admin access to the lab computers). Or maybe they need someone to come in for 2 hours once a week to teach a programming class for the more advanced kids.

If you really want to full-time teach, start out by spending some time in a classroom as a volunteer, or an observer. This is always my step #1 for anyone who has been out of school for more than a couple years who says they want to teach. Get in there and see what it's like right now.
posted by soren_lorensen at 6:47 AM on January 25, 2016


Best answer: Ruthless Bunny and soren_lorensen are right on all accounts (teaching is very, very hard; technology infrastructure and district tech plans are generally laughable). Please do go volunteer in a classroom for at least a month at the kind of school you think you'd like to teach in to get a feel for the reality of the classroom. In addition, shadow a teacher for a full day to get a sense of the pace. If you learn that it's not right for you, do please still consider volunteering in a comp sci after school program.

But with all that said, demand for comp sci teachers is HUGE right now (and has been) even with the big funding hits schools have been taking, so if you decide you're in and you get certified, landing a job shouldn't be too difficult. (To whit: Tech is a shortage area in Rochester.) There's tons of funding for STEM education right now, and I can't see the bubble bursting for at least five years or so given the current landscape.
posted by smirkette at 9:06 AM on January 25, 2016


Best answer: I have a lot of family in Rochester, many of whom are teachers. It is really hard to get and keep a job as a teacher in Rochester right now, even for those teachers with a Masters in education, special ed certification, and many years experience and a network. Tech is in demand, so it might be slightly easier for that specialty, but it really is quite hard to find a job overall (and then you have to see if they re-up your position every year - it's very stressful). Age shouldn't be a factor, but it probably will be.

Have you thought about teaching a class at MCC, or an adjunct-type course at SUNY Brockport/Geneseo? You'd probably have a better chance at doing that and may not need any extra certification.
posted by melissasaurus at 9:15 AM on January 25, 2016 [2 favorites]


Best answer: Thank you for considering becoming a teacher! I love teaching and have a lot of respect for my students and a strong belief in the American public education system. It's clear that there are people who feel differently, as indicated by some of the comments above, but I'm in the trenches and can say that many teachers are very happy with our chosen profession and we're in it for long haul. Teaching is very different from many jobs: you'll be teaching life skills as much as if not more than your actual subject area. However, that can be as rewarding as it is challenging, seeing young people get a good start in their chosen fields. Not everyone does but many do, and what you're doing matters. Community college classes and adult programs often pay much less but would be another way to get into the classroom without as much paperwork since you already have a Master's. However, you'd likely need to keep your current job.

On one hand, it can be hard to get a teaching job in NY State where there are many highly-qualified people looking for a few jobs. On the other hand, people with industry certifications and outside experience are generally seen as an asset, and there's more flexibility and opportunities. I agree to start volunteering in local schools and see how you feel about the climate and age group: some schools are more supportive than others, and you'll be able to see this firsthand. I'd talk to the local school district about job opportunities and what you'd need to do to become a teacher there. I'd also talk to the people at the Alternative Teacher Certification program linked above. If you will be eligible to retire in the next five years or so at your current job, I'd consider working there until retirement while volunteering and taking classes on the side. That way you can fully pursue a second career teaching later without worrying as much about the financial issues; you could then devote yourself fully to teaching or also change paths if you find it's not for you. Good luck!
posted by smorgasbord at 9:50 AM on January 25, 2016


Best answer: Teaching certification isn't mandatory at many (most?) private schools.
posted by trillian at 2:52 PM on January 25, 2016


Response by poster: Thanks to all of you. This has given me a lot of food for thought. I believe adjunct faculty positions at one of the local universities might be a better fit for me all around.
posted by tommasz at 7:52 AM on January 26, 2016


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