California

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Home : 2003 : February : 1

California
By Amanda K.

I, too, live in California and am quite concerned about these budget cuts. Let me say, however, that if you are fully credentialed, you probably will not have a problem finding a job if you are let go from your current one.
While districts are certainly facing cutbacks, we still have to follow No Child Left Behind, and most districts, including mine, are trying to hire only credentialed teachers next year. That means if you are fully credentialed, you will still be an asset, although you may have to move districts. In my district, although we are all worried, it seems that it is only the non-credentialed

ones who are at real risk.

With a Master's in Education, you can teach in junior college programs. Many J.C.s are starting pre-teaching programs, and you might want to look into that. Then, too, you may also want to look to see what companies like Sylvan have to offer. I don't know how much they pay their tutors, but with a Master's degree you may be able to find a position a little higher on the Sylvan ladder that pays more. You might also try the private schools. There are private schools in my area that are looking to hire fully credentialed teachers, although these kinds of teachers have been scarce what with the until-recent need for many teachers in the public schools. Also, if you are willing to go the Special Ed. route, you could see what your district's needs are there. In my district, non-credentialed SpEd teachers will most likely be replaced by fully credentialed regular ed teachers who are willing to enroll in SpEd credential programs.