While we are on the subject of teaching, I should mention that I very recently got my state substitute teaching license. Hopefully I will have some days free in my schedule in the coming semester where I can substitute teach to find out if I actually like teaching at the high school level.
One thing that really surprised me as I was applying for the state license via the local school board was that they did not require any proof that I actually had a college degree. In fact, they didn't require any proof that I even had a high school diploma. All they did was perform a criminal background check on me (I passed). Actually "really surprised me" is an understatement. I brought this up with the HR person, and she said that the incredibly lax requirements had always kind of surprised her too but she tried not to think about it too much.
She told me that I would likely be able to work every day if I wanted because they never have enough substitute teachers. The problem might be the wage; the pay is substantially better than minimum wage, but three times less per hour than what I would make as a regular teacher (note that I'm not substitute teaching for the money...only to find out if I like teaching...I don't intend to do it every day).
However, like I said, the state does not require that you even have evidence of a high school diploma. Given that the pay for substitutes is substantially better than minimum wage and that school districts are apparently perennially desperate for people to babysit classes, you think that the general public in the unemployment lines would have figured out that they could get as much work as they wanted as a substitute teacher. No college degree required. Hell, you don't even need to prove that you have a high school diploma. Just pass the criminal background check (and have a pulse).
How much do you know about the qualifications of the people teaching your kids?
