I am already certified because I majored in English and education as an undergraduate. When I spoke to teachers as an education writer, I spoke to them as a peer. They felt comfortable and secure talking to me. Kids make you feel wonderful about yourself. They give back immediately, while in journalism, everyone is out for themselves.
Teaching is much less competitive.
You don't have to be a star. Everybody is working together and on the same team, helping the kids. So the paper folded in October, and I started substitute teaching in my hometown district in December. By March, I had a full-time position. My specialty is middle school and high school English.