Do I have a hope of becoming a teacher with a 2.35 from undergrad

[adviceneeded2016]

I attended a reputable private school where I received a BA in Sociology with only a 2.35 GPA. I was unprepared and struggled with depression during my first two years of college. Its been 5 years since I graduated and I have since decided to go back to school to be a teacher, but I have yet to find a program that will accept such a low GPA. I have been looking into possibly getting my credentials without a Masters but am also struggling to find a credential program that accepts my low GPA. I appreciate any advice.

[gaillardsghost]

If you want to teach K-12 (and I assume 7-12, given your undergraduate major) sooner rather than later, I could offer two suggestions. These aren't meant to be silly or offensive or anything of the sort:

1. Teach abroad. Depending on where you go, the bar might be a bit lower. You might have to teach something like conversational English, or some other topic or subject that isn't necessarily your first choice. An experience like this would provide you with two important things: 1) teaching experience in some form, and 2) time to take additional courses to offset your GPA some.

2. Look into residency programs. Since a teaching residency typically entails working with a full professional while learning your craft, the incoming expectations are different. For instance, the New York City Teaching Fellows web site indicates they will "review your application holistically" if you have a sub-2.4 GPA;  I realize that's a little north of what you indicated, but that's just one residency program--others might shave that figure some to make you eligible from the outset.

3. The federal government publishes lists of teacher shortage areas. If you are pursuing social studies, that will greatly reduce the number of shortage areas, but it still might be worth looking into. Places with shortage areas in social studies include Alaska, the District of Columbia, Idaho, and perhaps others--I'm too lazy to continue reviewing the list. These jurisdictions may have paths to emergency licenses or alternative certification that could get you into the classroom, and perhaps into a preparation program that would eventually certify you for a more permanent sort of teaching credential (and, if you're lucky, one that can be transferred to another jurisdiction). I'm thinking this particular suggestion, if it's even possible, is like playing chess rather than checkers; you'd be looking at a significantly longer timeline to potentially get to where you want to be. On the other hand, if you're really hungry to teach and willing to go anywhere, it could prove a great opportunity if you can find the right fit. I know a person who teaches in Alaska, having done stints in Wisconsin, China, etc, and she seems to love it. It's not for everyone, though.

Edited October 16, 2015 by gaillardsghost

[EdNeuroGrl]

I agree with gaillardsghost above and would like to add that you may be best off getting a second bachelors in an education related area. While this may seem like a pain, there are a few advantages. First, most teaching-oriented bachelors will include a good deal of teaching-methods and practical experience that will really help you with the first 3 years attrition rates. Second, if after that you really feel like you need to get a master's then you (ideally) will have a MUCH better GPA to be applying with as well as evidence that you know what you're getting yourself into regarding the education field.

 

What have you been doing in the interim 5 years?

 

Often, places will be less strict on the GPA requirement if you have some experience to show that you can do the work. Alternately, you might try an online program or taking a couple university course as a non-degree student to demonstrate your ability to do well in courses. If you have a weakness the best way to get around it is to demonstrate that it won't hold you back in the future.

 

Finally, email some of the programs you are interested in, explain your situation, and ask them what their suggestions would be. :-)