Appropriate translation please...

January 24, 2007 4:15 PM

I am helping my German girlfriend write her resume for a position in America (WI). What is the American equivalent for the "Erstes Staatsexamen für Lehramt"? Is this a Masters or a Bachelors in Education? Does the state one is applying to make a difference?
posted by Slenny to education (3 comments total)

My understanding of the German educational system is that this would be the equivalent of a Masters degree.
posted by Jupiter Jones at 4:22 PM on January 24, 2007

it makes a significant difference. i'm unsure whether this is a masters or not, but if it is it will give you considerable leverage when negotiating contracts.

good luck.
posted by Davaal at 6:58 PM on January 24, 2007

"First State Examination for Education." It is, according to the translation of the purpose of the exam, both a legal examination in the law, and a terminal University exam.

Closest description I can see is a Bachelor's degree with certification to teach in public schools by the state that awarded the passed examination.

There appear to be several attachments -- basically, groups of test that depend on what certifications you are attempt to reach -- Primary, High School, "Sixth Form" High School, Vocational, and Special education.

Your question doesn't state, but I'm assuming your girlfriend will be able to tell you what she studied for. You do need to mention that, esp. in the context of her degree.

It's not as good as a MS or MA, but a BS/BA with state accreditation is a lovely thing to have on a resume.

I'm presuming there's a "second state examination" since there's a "first state examination." If you run across a "Zweites Staatsexamen für Lehramt", that's the Second Exam, and that's almost certainly a MS Ed, with accreditation to teach.
posted by eriko at 9:04 PM on January 24, 2007