Education Discovery

Education Discovery Series: Become a Teacher

October 25, 2022

How military community members can establish a career in education

The Mission43 Education Discovery Series highlights educational pathways to some of the most highly sought-after careers in Idaho for military members, veterans, and their spouses. Here we sit down with the experts on finding a path that is right for you to become a teacher in Idaho.

Whether you’re a transitioning military member continuing to answer the call to serve, a spouse interested in a transportable career, or you’re seeking a mid-career change, a career in teaching is worth exploring now more than ever. And there are flexible options in both education and employment paths.

Keith Donahue, Director of School Strategy and Operations with Bluum addresses the teacher shortage and outlines the differences in public, public charter, and private schools as teaching opportunities in Idaho.

“Do a little bit of research to figure out what might be the right school. What pulls you when you look? Everyone will be very receptive, help you along the way, and be grateful for it.”

— Keith Donahue

In Idaho, there are 116 public school districts, 66 public charter schools, 48 public magnet, 18 career technical, 124 private and parochial, 66 alternative, and 13 online and blended schools. While parent-focused, Bluum has put together an incredible resource that outlines school choices in Idaho. Not only does this help parents seeking the best school for their child, but it can be a guide for future teachers to find the right career path for their experience and goals.

Teaching pathways without a degree

The traditional path to becoming an educator is to complete an education-focused college degree program with the approved teacher preparation curriculum. However, there are alternative pathways that can have you in the classroom this school year.

Katie Rhodenbaugh, Evaluation and Research Program Assistant for the Non-Traditional Educator Preparation Program at College of Southern Idaho assists professionals in their transition to teaching, whether starting with an unfinished degree or a degree in something else entirely.

Non-Traditional Educator Preparation Program

The CSI Non-Traditional Educator Preparation Program accelerates opportunities for paraprofessionals and career-changers to become certified teachers in Idaho.

“The goal of CSI’s teacher preparation program is to address Idaho’s current teacher shortage by ensuring more flexible and robust training options to support emergency hires throughout Idaho school districts, but also expanding our program to fulfill our vision of partnering with districts to proactively create and fill local teacher pipelines.”

Participants will go through 5 modules in two semesters + one summer session that covers classroom management, instructional content, professionalism, intellectual engagement and application of content, and successful learning by all students. This program is unlike any other in the state, where candidates receive individualized and consistent support through highly-skilled mentors as they progress through each module, which can be accessed online from anywhere in Idaho.

“While they’re in our program, they’re serving as a teacher of record… you get to start working on the career ladder right away, making full teacher salary, and working towards your retirement from day one.”

— Katie Rhodenbaugh

In order to be eligible, candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree and job offer (or be employed) at an Idaho district or school as a teacher, paraprofessional, or classroom aid. Members that are seeking employment in Region 4 that do not have a job offer or active role in the classroom can reach out to Katie to fill out a form that is shared with HR directors; it’s not uncommon for Directors to use this as a recruiting tool when certified applicants cannot be found.

Find out more about the Non-Traditional Educator Preparation Program by visiting their FAQ page.

Career Technical Education, CTE

Do you have a professional technical skill? Career Technical Education teachers in Idaho are in high demand. These educators come with valuable industry experience to prepare Idaho’s youth for high-skill and in-demand careers.

CTE teachers are needed at a variety of schools, much like Elevate Academy, where industry meets education. Professionals with skills, experience, and/or certifications in healthcare, business, information technology, firefighting, criminal justice, and many other areas are currently needed.

If you have a special skill that you would like to bring to a classroom, click here to find out more about pathways to become a CTE teacher in Idaho.

Charter School Certification

Another non-traditional option in Idaho is through the Public Charter Teacher Certificate, which is a charter school-specific teaching certificate valid only for teaching at a public charter school. At a minimum, candidates must be over 18, have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and pass background check standards to be hired.

Often, charter schools have curricula that require a different set of standards than more traditional certification records. This certification option allows for public charter schools to hire quality talent and offer on-the-job training and mentorship to meet their specific teaching needs.

While it’s important to note that charter school-specific teaching certificates are not transferable to a traditional public school district, educated members of the military community that have a passion for teaching, are no strangers to accepting a challenge, adapting, and mastering new skills might find this path a natural fit.

If you’ve ever thought about teaching, this is the time to get started!

Joanne Collins, a military spouse that has recently transitioned to Idaho shares her story about what drove her passion for teaching and how she ended up making the decision to change her career path and teach elementary school full-time.

If there’s one message that we hope comes across from this session of the Education Discovery Series, it’s that

“YOU CAN DO IT!”

— Joanne Collins

If you feel the call to serve, but don’t know where to start, we’re here to assist. No matter where you are in your higher education journey, there is a program for you to get into the classroom. Idaho’s youth need leaders like you!

CONTACT US TODAY

Reach out to speak with a Mission43 Education or Employment Specialist to chat about your options and to be connected with school district representatives that have contacted us seeking talented professionals.