APU Careers Careers & Learning

So, Now You Want to Teach?

Teaching as a Second Career

Perhaps you are considering a transition to a career in teaching in order to satisfy a burning desire to make a difference. Or, you may have accomplished all you can in your current profession but are still hungry to contribute to society in a meaningful way. You can derive a great sense of satisfaction from the teaching profession, and the good news is that there is a growing demand for professionals in our classrooms.

While transitioning to a new career might seem a daunting task, those with a degree and professional experience can find their way into the classroom more quickly than expected. In fact, the four-year traditional avenue to teacher certification is no longer the only means of qualifying for teacher licensure. Today there are a number of alternative routes, some of which can be completed within a year.

One such program, often referred to as a post-baccalaureate teacher preparation certification program or “post-bac,” is premised on the idea that a professional brings a wealth of experience that will transition into the classroom environment. The program focuses on the essential pedagogical course work required to become an effective teacher.  To aid to a smooth transition, teachers entering the classroom after completion of a post-bac program can further rely on the assistance of an administrator, department head, mentor teacher or team approach to teaching.

The main requirement to qualify for admission into a post-bac program is a bachelor’s degree that relates to the subject matter in which one wishes to teach.  As an example, while an engineer might have enough undergraduate credits to qualify as a secondary math teacher, he or she may need additional coursework to qualify as an English teacher.  Similarly, a nurse practitioner may qualify to teach science but not social studies.  A review of one’s college transcripts by an admissions advisor would allow a potential student to determine what background coursework would need to be taken in addition to education courses.

Whether you are considering a transition into the classroom after retirement or mid-career, you are likely to find a wealth of open positions. The projected increase in future student enrollment, combined with the anticipated retirement of baby-boomer educators, ensures that there will be a continued stream of employment opportunities. Your expertise will be in particularly high demand if you are qualified to teach math, science, or foreign languages, or if you possess the commitment to work with students with special needs.

Our future political, economic, and social leaders are students in today’s classroom.  They need strong role models who can share their knowledge and success with them in the classroom.  One should not enter the classroom without serious dedication to positively impacting today’s youth, but for those with such ambition, the post-baccalaureate route is a convenient and rewarding option.

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