# Foundations and Assessment of Education/Edition 1/Foundations Table of Contents/Chapter 1/1.5.1

* "Those who can't do, teach..." – The School of Rock.
Learning Objectives
- The reader will learn about different types of degrees and the cerficates that are offered
- The reader will learn about the tests that one is required to take prior to becoming a teacher
- The reader will learn about the career opportunities existing after getting licensed

## Introduction

All right, so life isn't exactly like the movies, but this particular movie does show an important point. There are certain steps that a person has to take before he or she can be a licensed teacher.

## What Makes a Good Teacher?

In addition, Reis adds that teachers should be good listeners as well (Reis, 2007). With the varying ages, gender and personalities of your future students, it will benefit you and the students you teach to listen to what works for them, and what to never try again.

## Getting Your Degree

* According to The Apple, teachers in the United States with a Master's degree can get paid any where from $2,000 to almost $10,000 more than what they would be getting paid with only a Bachelor's - The Apple.
After picking a program, you will be required to take different courses such as History and Math, depending on your focus. For example, if you were pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies Teacher Prep. with a Concentration on Pre-K - 3 Early Childhood Emphasis, you would be taking various general education courses, major content courses and some classes focusing on professional aspects of being a teacher (Old Dominion University Catalog, 2006-2008). Within the profession education courses, you may be required to observe in the classroom among other things. For example, during my observation period, I saw how a first grade classroom was taught and managed. It was a rewarded experience that I'm glad is required for teachers in the state of Virginia. I learned a lot and got to interact with the children as well. Observing is just half the battle though. After some professional education courses, you will still have other classes to pass.

## Testing

After achieving a passing score on the Praxis 1 and 2 tests, you have a couple more tests to pass. The Virgina Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) and the Virginia Reading Assessment (VRA) are two tests that assess your knowledge communicating and literary abilities and how well you can teach reading skills (2008â2009 VCLA and VRA Registration Bulletin, 2008). These tests are required to be taken by future elementary education and special education students that want to teach in Virginia (2008â2009 VCLA and VRA Registration Bulletin, 2008).

## Venturing Into The Real World of Education

Along with finding a job as a teacher, you may want to further your career to become an administrator to a school, or even a superintendent to a school district. For these job opportunities to work out, you would have to go back to school again. Along with this, you may want to try for your PhD in education.
You may also want to teach classes at a local recreation center, or do volunteer work helping a teacher a school around your neighborhood. Although it may not be a paying job, I believe that every one still has time to learn something no matter what stage they are at in their lives. Along with this, you can gain experience, and give a local teacher a helping hand.

## Questions

1. According to Dr. Richard Reis, what is the top priority of what makes a good teacher?
A. the teacher should be on time
B. the teacher should be engaging
C. the teacher must want to be a good teacher
D. the teacher must a good listener
2. What three skills are tested in the Praxis 1?
A. reading, writing, and reading
B. science, English, and math
C. reading, math, and geometric figures
D. math, history, and reading
3. If you wanted to travel abroad, what kind of career path would you choose?
A. a 2nd grade teacher at the school a mile away from your house
B. to Washington D.C. for a teaching job at GWU
C. a history professor at Old Dominion University
D. a teacher for the department of defense or state
4. What kind of degree do you need to become a teacher?
A. Bachelor's
B. Masters
C. Both A and B
D. None of the Above
5. You want to pursue a more options for your career in education, and you already have your
Master's Degree, what choices do you have?
A. Go back to school for a PhD
B. Travel abroad and teach
C. See what you can do in your community and volunteer

## Answers

1. According to Dr. Richard Reis, what is the top priority of what makes a good teacher?
A. the teacher should be on time
B. the teacher should be engaging
C. the teacher must want to be a good teacher
D. the teacher must a good listener
2. What three skills are tested in the Praxis 1?
A. math, writing, and reading
B. science, English, and math
C. reading, math, and geometric figures
D. math, history, and reading
3. If you wanted to travel abroad, what kind of career path would you choose?
A. a 2nd grade teacher at the school a mile away from your house
B. to Washington D.C. for a teaching job at GWU
C. a history professor at Old Dominion University
D. a teacher for the department of defense or state
4. What kind of degree can you have to become a teacher?
A. Bachelor's
B. Masters
C. Both A and B
D. None of the Above
5. You want to pursue a more options for your career in education, and you already have your
Master's Degree, what choices do you have?
A. Go back to school for a PhD
B. Travel abroad and teach
C. See what you can do in your community and volunteer

## References

Darden College of Education: Teacher Education Services. (2008). Undergraduate Teacher Education Programs. September 21, 2008, from http://education.odu.edu/tes/pages/admission_ug.shtml.
Educational Testing Services. (2008). Tests Directory: Ptaxis. September 21, 2008, from http://www.ets.org/portal/site/ets/menuitem.36b6150d13d7bab7b1935b10c3921509/?vgnextoid=e63ce3b5f64f4010VgnVCM10000022f95190RCRD.
Gorman, Linda. Teacher Credentials Don't Matter for Student Achievement. National Bureau of Economic Research. September 21, 2008, from http://www.nber.org/digest/aug07/w12828.html.
IMDb.com, Inc. (1990 - 2008) Memorable Quotes for The School of Rock. September 21, 2008, from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0332379/quotes
Old Dominion University Course Catalog. (2006-2008). Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and Teacher Prep. Concentration. September 21, 2008, from http://uc.odu.edu/advising/docs/curriculumsheets/2006-2008/al-IDSTeacherPrepPK-3.pdf.
Reis, Richard M. (2007) What Makes a Good Teacher Article. Minnesota State University Mankato. September 21, 2008, from http://www.mnsu.edu/cetl/teachingresources/articles/goodteacher.html.
Reynolds, L. (1999 - 2008). How to Apply for a Teaching License. eHow. How to Do Just About Everything. September 21, 2008, from http://www.ehow.com/how_2164868_apply-teaching-license.html.
Rudin, Scott. (Producer), & White, Mike. (Director). (October 2, 2003). The School of Rock[Motion picture]. United States of America: Paramount Pictures.
The Apple. (2008). Bachelor's vs. Master's: Compare Salaries in 50 States. September 28, 2008, from http://www.theapple.com/careers/articles/2078-bachelors-vs-masters-compare-salaries-in-50-states-.
Today's new teachers expect a long school career helping children - with the majority keen on taking up a leadership role eventually. (June 2008). National College for School Leadership. September 21, 2008, from http://www.ncsl.org.uk/aboutus-index/press_office-index/pressoffice-latestreleases.htm?id=23246.
U.S. Department of Labor. (2007, April) Teachers- Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle and Secondary. September 21, 2008, from http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos069.htm.
U.S. Department of State. (2008) Teaching Overseas. September 21, 2008, from http://www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/c21946.htm.