Seeking Advice on College Programs

2015-09-29T09:36:48-04:00

Hey everyone. I am looking into going back to school and getting my BA and teaching in NC. I am looking for the best school that accepts prior credits and hopefully give credit for past job experience. I have 4 associate degrees (General Studies, Information Systems Technology, Instructional Technology and Industrial Security). I have been doing training for over 20 years. If anyone has any advice on some good online schools please let me know. I need to get started before my VA benefits run out.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Sep 29 at 2015 9:40 AM

2015-09-29T09:40:28-04:00

This depends on what type of degree you are looking to earn. Embry Riddle accepts prior credits.

Response by SFC Christopher Springs made Sep 29 at 2015 9:42 AM

2015-09-29T09:42:17-04:00

University of Phoenix has a variety of programs and they accepted most of my past credits.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 9:59 AM

2015-09-29T09:59:05-04:00

If you are looking at getting into teaching, I can't vouch for every school district but you're going to need (and want) to go in-class, not online. The classroom environment and interaction is even more important when you're going to be a teacher. My only caveat to that is if you are looking to teach on-line as well.

As far as accepting credits for life experience and military training, every school is VERY different so it's hard to recommend one. There are usually offices for Veteran Affairs at major colleges (and a lot of community colleges now). I recommend checking with those for local schools first.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Sep 29 at 2015 10:35 AM

2015-09-29T10:35:47-04:00

MSgt Roger Younce Get a BA or BS and focus on a local school that has the fast path to the teacher license/cert for NC. Ask teachers and administrators in the schools you wish to teach in where they hire from. Go to the school that provides max credit for you experiences and prior credits but also is connected via the local school system.
Good luck.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Sep 29 at 2015 10:36 AM

2015-09-29T10:36:50-04:00

Best of luck to you!

Response by Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA made Sep 29 at 2015 12:45 PM

2015-09-29T12:45:01-04:00

I currently am a student at Northcentral University (NCU.edu) - an on-line school that likes the military and is accredited. I'm in the business school am believe they have a good school of education. I also live in NC (my daughter teaches in Wake county) and have considered teaching. Best of luck with it.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 1:52 PM

2015-09-29T13:52:03-04:00

I would recommend any state but NC to become a teacher. NC is rated in the bottom 5 for the country in every measurable category.

That said, any of the UNC system universities are good for your degree. Make sure you have a look at http://www.proudtoserveagain.com/ for opportunities as well.

TTT - Proud to Serve Again

Troops to Teachers is a U.S. Department of Education and Department of Defense program that helps eligible military personnel begin a new career as teachers in public schools where their skills, knowledge and experience are most needed.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 2:00 PM

2015-09-29T14:00:06-04:00

Everything that people have said here is good info. Also check out Troops to Teachers. They're designed to help recently separated veterans, but I've been out for 13 years and they were still willing to help me.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 11:50 AM

2015-09-30T11:50:58-04:00

I agree with most here that for teaching you should go in class locally so you can get your experience and cert, but if you are set on online, check out Colorado Technical University. They also have fast track programs and with an associates they should take all credits applied to that degree! Best of luck!

Response by CAPT Bob Bechill made Oct 1 at 2015 1:23 PM

2015-10-01T13:23:57-04:00

Couple of ideas to take or leave:
a. Check out local Troops to Teachers. They can be of great help. They can assign you a mentor to help guide you through the process. They are usually directly linked to the districts. They know how to speak your language.
b. Consider doing some substitute teaching. If you can surive and thrive being a sub, you will probably do well as a teacher. You may also find that either like kids or you don't. You must like kids to teach. I have met some teachers who don't like kids. Why the hell are they in the profession?
c. See if there are alternative pathways to teaching sponsored by the school district you are interested in or being offered by the state. They may actually pay for your training in some cases.
d. Like other comments, if you decide to go with a college or university, go with a regional accredited one. I would avoid most for-profit schools of any shape or size. Yes, they may take some of your prior learning, but they also don't have the rigor or caliber of teacher training that you will need to be successful in the classroom.
e. Get into classrooms. What you hear in the media whether pro or con is usually b.s. See for yourself and make your own decision instead of listening to some talking head.
f. Know that you are not getting in this for the money; although, the salary and benefits after a few years can be okay. Nothing better than seeing the look on a kid's face when what you say or do changes their lives.