Non-credentialed teachers in lower elementary grades

[faith19375]

Hi

I would like to know how common is it for private schools to hire non-credentialed teachers (teahcers who do not have any formal degree in education) in K-3 grades, where specialization in a particular subject may not be enough to be an effective classroom teacher.

Thanks

Faith

[Boxcar]

Well...

It depends on what you mean by credentials.

I, for example, do not have a degree in education nor do I have a teaching license.

I do have a B.A. in Early Childhood Development. I am certified to teach children zero to eight years of age. I can teach 1st and 2nd grade in prarochial and private schools. I chose this route because my interest is in very young children. I doubt I will ever teach anything beyond Kingergarten.

However, I am completely capable of teaching. I've taken curriculm classes, theory classes, child development classes, diversity classes, psychology classes, and more. Because I have a B.A. rather than a B.S., I have many credits in course not directly related to teaching that are still invaluable. I've done field experiences, observations, case studies, and practicums. I continue to take courses as part of professional development.

Despite my lack of licensure or education degree, I believe I quite prepared to work with children in my specified age range.

I tell you this because it is important not to judge before getting all the facts. Not all teachers without a degree are bad teachers.

However, there are those teachers who would benefit with more training. I think everyone can do with learning new things. There are good teachers without degrees and bad teachers with them!

I do agree that parochial and private schools should be cautious about hiring teachers without certain qualifications. It is relatively common for Kindergarten teachers to be without licensure. For the true elementry school grades, it is much less common. Because these schools have to market themselves, they want to boast teachers with every certification, qualification, specialization, and degree possible. The fact that they must pay these teachers makes it a tricky line to walk. Nonetheless, the push in recent years has been towards only hiring those with education degrees.

I hope this makes sense. It is a bit ramble-y.

[Chef Dave]

Hi

I would like to know how common is it for private schools to hire non-credentialed teachers.

I noticed that you're located in the Middle East.

If you're talking about an international American school or even an international British school, the answer would depend in part upon the host country's laws.

My teaching experience in the Middle East is limited to international schools. I can tell you as a former expat teacher (7 years in Saudi Arabia and 1 in Lebanon), that the Middle East probably ranks as one of the least popular destinations for expat teachers.

If you ever visit an international recruiting fair, take a look at which areas of the world get the most applicants. Europe is by far and away the #1 destination. In contrast, few teachers ever seem to apply for positions in the Middle East due to issues over pay in some countries, cultural challenges, and issues pertaining to perceptions of personal safety.

I know from prior experience that sometimes schools have to hire personnel who are not qualified for their positions simply because no one else is available. For example, in Beirut I worked with an elementary principal had previously worked as a preschool teacher. The woman did not know anything about school administration. Our science coordinator was a nurse. Our high school journalism teacher was actually a free lance journalist.

Certification should not be the only criteria for employment. I know certified teachers who should not be teaching. I also think that non-certified teachers need a great deal of mentoring and administrative support.