Should I get a certification in teaching religious ed?

[Charitychick]

I’m thinking of updating my teaching license in preparation for going back to work in a couple of years after my stint as a SAHM. My license (which has lapsed after 14 years ) is in middle school/high school science.

I also love teaching the Faith. So, I’m thinking I might try to add a certification for religious ed through the local Catholic university. My goal would be to get a job at my parish school 1-8 school teaching science and religion.

A big hesitation for me is that the local Catholic university is well known to have a liberal-- well, lousy-- theology department. And, it would be a sacrifice to pay for it.

So, what’s the deal? Do you think it would help get the job? Would it be a good thing. Should I look into an online program? Maybe it’s not necessary?

Just don’t know. We’re homeschooling now, but I’m feeling burned out. My dh would like me to work because we are soooooooo broke. My youngest is 2. I know Catholic schools pay less, but I’m hoping to get a break on tuition. I know the teachers don’t get free tuition, but I think they get a %50 decrease. Plus, then I could be in the same environment as my children.

It’s kind of a gamble, anyway. Who knows if there will be openings in two years.

So, yes or no to a religious ed certification?

 

[KCT]

You might want to check w/ the local Catholic/ parish schools to see what they require. If you have a degree, but a lapsed certificate, you might be able to teach while you’re doing whatever it takes to recertify.

Last spring, I interviewed to work p/t at a Catholic school. The hours didn’t work out, but they told me to contact them when I could go f/t. I got my degree 23 years ago and am not currently licensed. The school would have helped me do whatever was necessary. —KCT (whose stint in homeschooling is almsot over as well!)