I didn't like getting drafted actually, pulled out of PSU after my first year, and then my life (education) being delayed for a couple years; but part of being an American for most of us, ha.
Wife and I both have our teaching certs and have taught off and on over the years. Actually teaching slots are not a dime a dozen unless you teach in a dysfunctional village or inner city ghetto; where most would not enjoy. Usually teaching positions begin part time then if you work out move into full time. Teaching isn't a piece of cake anyway as many on FR do believe. Don't ever get to thinking you wouldn't join the NEA (which is the unwritten law) in order to land a teaching position. Thinking like that will make you awful hungry for a long time. NEA takes over 100 bucks/month from us, but if one attempts to quit; they will lose their teaching slot pretty quick;;; and we live in a very conservative state. People preaching the converse, don't have a clue about reality, no joke. So if you can open some doors by jumping through all the hoops to get your teaching cert, do it; probably will lead to something better.
One last idea, always remember the only security you actually have is in yourself; develop it and you'll do just fine; good luck.
Well I have been a part timer for a year and a half now. I really enjoy the work, and now I have some experience. I have a 4 year degree in history, so I am qualified to teach pretty much anywhere. I have ran a tutoring business on the side for about 3-4 years now. So I’ve seen all kinds of students, and helped them get to where they needed to be.
I have no problems with getting my certification, just I can’t afford to do so right now, and I am trying to save up. But, other things have taken priority. I finally have a place where I can live and stay that is not far from work. Now I just have to work on putting away the money so I can go back to school to have other people tell me what I’ve been doing for years now. :)
But I’ll get the piece of paper at the end of it.
“Don’t ever get to thinking you wouldn’t join the NEA (which is the unwritten law) in order to land a teaching position. Thinking like that will make you awful hungry for a long time.”
I relocated to a right to work state, and everything that has come to me, including my slot has nothing to do with the NEA. I owe them nothing. Certification, no problem. NEA, not if I can possibly avoid it.