Joel Said:

Becoming a Creative Writing Teacher?

We Answered:

Well, first, if your high school has a chapter, you'll want to join Future Teachers of America.

Second, there are some things you'll have to accept. You might not get to teach in Austin, because there might not be any openings in the Austin area. You might not get to teach creative writing, because schools hire English teachers, not creative writing teachers, so you might have to teach a basic Freshman English class, or you might end up having to teach debate. The more willing you are to take on other responsibilities, the more likely you are to get hired. You also might have to accept a private school instead of a public school.

Once you've accepted all of this, then you're ready to go.

I strongly advise getting an AA degree at your local community college. The classes are smaller and the tuition is lower. Then, transfer that degree to a university there in Texas. It is ALWAYS the wisest course to make sure that you go to school in the state in which you plan to teach, since different states have slightly different requirements for teacher certification. You'll work on your teacher certification as part of your bachelor's in education.

It would also be advisable to join the National Council for Teachers of English, which will provide you with the professional liability insurance that you'll need for your practicums, field experiences, and student teaching. You'll also need to do yearly TB skin tests, background checks, and probably fingerprinting, as well. Other options are the NEA, the ATF, and, if there is one, a state organization. If your pro-life, there's also an organization called Teachers for Life. The important thing, however, is making sure you join an organization that offers you the professional liability insurance. (For the record, though, ATF goes to bat for teachers FAR better than NEA, as the NEA also tries to keep the administration happy, even it means you actually end up with a reduction in pay.)

Salaries for teachers in Texas start at $33,755 on average. For better information than that, you'll want to check with the school district itself.

As you work on your degree, you'll learn how to write your resume, utilize new technology, such as the SmartBoard, and create lesson plans. Fortunately for your intended double-major, many of the English classes required for becoming a high school English teacher will also double as the requirements for a creative writing degree.

In your junior year, you'll want to start making inquiries into various schools across the state to find the best fit for you. Different universities will have slight differences in their requirements. Ask questions to find out what order they recommend you take your classes in. Even now, you can start by finding out what they require you to have taken in high school for admission, as well as what scores they require on the SAT or ACT, and which test they will want you to have taken. They may even have good recommendations for optional classes for you to take while still in high school, and many high schools offer the possibility of earning dual credit. If your school is one of them, you should definitely take advantage of it.

Good luck!

Raul Said:

What is the best school for aspiring writers?

We Answered:

The University of Iowa is pretty much the premier writing school in the nation. Just about anyone who is serious about writing wants to go there, but it is extremely difficult to get accepted.

Virgil Said:

Requirements in NY high school to graduate early?

We Answered:

To get a regents diploma, you need English 11 and English 12, US history, Math B, Chemistry, and one, MAYBE two electives.