Computer / Technology Teacher Certification

[Matthew Valia]

Does anyone know the official status of certification for a computer teacher? If you have a permanent subject-area certification, but are teaching computers, are you still highly qualified? I have gone back and forth with my administration for years, yet things seem to be in limbo.

[sandra]

from what my ap said is that having a common branch license makes you qualified to teach computers. if i had been appointed under my literacy license i would have been considered unqualified. my bigger question has been which computer/technology license do i apply for because there are 5 or 6 types available.

[Lori Weiss]

I have the Technology Specialish extension, but I also have my Masters in Educational Technology. To qualify for this license, I think you have to have certain technology credits.

[Matthew Valia]

I have the Educational Technology Specialist extension as well. All it requires is the CST and 12 credits - which makes you qualified to teach computers. But with no city computer license, how can anyone say you are "unqualified?" Under NCLB perhaps?

However, I did not officially change which license I was teaching under because then I would have to go back under probation and loose the seven years of seniority I have under my ELA 7-12 license.

There is another educational technology license too as Sandra mentioned.

Where did you get your Ed Tech MA from? I'll finish mine in December. But at this point, it seems it is beneficial only for your salary step and personal professional development. It could give you a leg up over someone else in your building or when you are looking for another instructional computer position.

[Lori Weiss]

I am teaching under my common branch certification, but I thought it would make sense to have the license because you just never know what the "powers-that-be" will decide to make our lives more difficult. I went to LIU-C.W. Post for my MA. Like you, I didn't want to go through the probationary period again. Where are you going for your MA?