Which states require school teachers to eventually obtain a master's degree?

I have a bunch of specific questions about teaching high school English...see details!?

• I'm an undergraduate student at UC Berkeley majoring in English literature. I anticipate graduating next year, but since I'm studying abroad, my transcript and completed degree most likely won't be processed until August 2011. I assume that I need my formal degree before I can enroll in any post-graduate programs, so I was thinking of participating in AmeriCorps or a similar program (can you recommend any?) for a year to let my paperwork process, gain residency in a state I want to live in (right now I'm thinking Oregon, Colorado, or on the East Coast), take mandatory tests like the GRE (any others I should be aware of?), and test my desire to teach high school level English after I graduate. Afterwards, I understand that I will need to get a teacher's certificate in the state I want to teach in. Are there any programs you would recommend? Approximately how long do they take and how much do they cost? What kind of preparation (tests, work experiences, etc.) is necessary to gain entry into these programs? Are there any states that offer better benefits for its teachers? I also understand that there are certain programs that combine the teacher's credential with a Masters degree. Again, are you aware of these programs and if so, are there any you would recommend? Approximately how long do they take and how much do they cost? What kind of preparation (tests, work experiences, etc.) is necessary to gain entry into these programs? Would I need a Masters in English, Education, or Masters of Arts in Teaching (specializing in English)? I'm not sure if I'm asking all the right questions here, so if there's anything else you think I should be aware of, please let me know. You can also reach me at [email protected]

• Answer:

  Go Bears! I also am a Berkeley grad, but many years before you. I'm a teacher and I lived overseas for many years. I hope you're having fun! Educational qualifications are determined by state. You can go online to the education departments of the states you are interested in and find out what you'll need to do. AmeriCorps is a good idea, and there is also a similar federal program which places university graduates in disadvantaged areas to teach. I think it's called Teach For America. You don't need a credential for those programs, but you don't get money, either. However, they would look good on a resume. You won't need an MA in English to teach, but you will need to do a 5th year which includes methodology courses and student teaching. You'll probably end up with an MA in secondary education or teaching. Some states allow an undergrad major in secondary education (CA does not) but since you already have your degree you'll need to go another way. If you think you might want to teach in CA someday, I strongly advise you to get your credential here. I got my credentials in NJ, and even with two post graduate degrees and reciprocity between the two states I spent a year taking tests in order to transfer the credentials. It will be much easier to transfer TO another state then back to CA. However, if you know you don't want to do that then the best thing you can do now is to choose a state and then choose a school for graduate studies. Once you have selected a school, (If you have no idea, state universities are always good because they're up on the latest requirements.) then contact their education department and get started. There isn't much you can do from overseas: each school will have different entrance requirements. Some require a GRE and some don't. As far as cost is concerned, most graduate schools charge by the credit and you'll need between 24 and 36 credits. Some private schools (USF for example) can charge several hundred per credit. I'm sorry I can't be more specific and some of my info may be outdated, but until you've chosen a state and a school there isn't much to do. The idea of the volunteer work is excellent because you'll get experience and have time to explore options and jump through state hoops. Good luck!