Ohio Alternative Certification Experience (Long)
Q: In my case, my bachelor's degree is in Business, but I wanted to teach
computers, which is what the vast amount of my work experience and graduate
courses were in. So I had to get documentation together and have the State
review it and approve me to teach Computers/Technology. Ohio does not
require a Praxis II Subject knowledge exam to teach that subject. I did,
however, take the Business Education exam just in case an opportunity to
teach both subjects became available.
After getting approval, I registered for the "Alternative Certification"
program at the University of Akron. That consisted of one semester of 7
credits including: Methods of Teaching Adolescents, Adolescent Learning and
Development, and 30 hours of Field Experience (which included a few days of
teaching high school in the field of your choice, in addition to observing
and a case study) I just completed that program and must say that it was
VERY worthwhile and I couldn't imagine entering the classroom without the
knowledge I obtained in these courses.
During the first two years under this "alternative license" I must take 12
more credit hours and pass the Praxis II for Principles of Teaching and
Learning. If I complete the requirements successfully, I will then have a 2
year provisional license - like other starting teachers...
A:You mention Akron U. Do you live in the area? I live in
Fairlawn. What school did you get a job at? Congratulations! I
tried for a year to get a job in the area (I teach high school
English) and did not. I teach for Cleveland Heights and have to
commute.
I, too, live in Ohio (Strongsville) and went "back" to college to get my
Education certificate after already having a BBA degree. I did this at
Cleveland State University. Since having a baby in 2001, I have chosen