Do you have a four-year degree? You should teach a class. It will stretch your talents. It will provide experience if you need to work full-time in the future. Your Co-op needs more variety and more instructors. Most of all, it’s fun.
I hear you telling me that you aren’t certified to teach. Yes, I have certifications; I’m not convinced they help. Many teachers in private schools do not have any educational credentials—just a bachelor’s degree. Right now desperate public schools are waiving requirements and slapping provisional accreditation on to people with a four-year degree to fill slots.
But, the best teachers care about kids and love their subject. They get excited about teaching strategies and want to do a good job. Sometimes they have professional experience they want to share. But, I’ve seen many newbies with a passion and no experience do a great job. You have the motivation. Chances are your kid will be in the class. You’ll learn a lot teaching the subject.
Here are a few tips. Pick a class you like. My friend, Jen, a former kindergarten teacher, is teaching American History for the high school Co-op. She likes history. You’ll be more enthusiastic about a subject you like. At least the first time, follow the textbook. Go ahead and supplement—but stick to the modules. Stay one chapter or module ahead. Tell the kids, ‘I don’t know’ when you don’t. Go ahead and look up a question right there with the kids. This still happens to me. I give the kid my best guess as an answer and tell the child, ‘I’m not 100% certain. Let me check.’ Don’t try to fake it. What happens when a lesson is just terrible? Start over. Every so often, a lab or activity just bombs. Start again the next class and move on. Tell the kids that the lab, project, time-line, etc. was an unmitigated disaster which we won’t repeat. We’ll go on and make new mistakes. In other words, be fearless. Expect both victories and defeats. Teaching is probably outside your comfort area. Good! This will be an adventure!
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