Ask HN: Online BS – Grey Beard needs advice

16 points by pizzaknife 2 years ago | 15 comments

I am interested in pursuing a BS in either CS or Mathematics. I have had(and still do have) a multi-decade career programming. I would like to retire and teach in a public school setting (8th thru 12th grade ideally). I am without a 4yr degree and in order to be elligable to teach in a state institutional capacity, i need said degree(i refuse to consider myself "self taught" at this point bc realistically i have only been as successful as i have bc others have invested their time and attention towards my growth. id like to return the favor as the saying goes).

THE QUESTION: given i am interested in teaching at the late-middleschool/highschool level, does pedigree of degree matter(lets assume my cv speaks for itself and the degree is a technicality/constraint)? If it does matter - please suggest a program or share your experiences. and yes im fairly set on teaching for 10yrs during said retirement from "industry". thanks in advance!

zxexz 2 years ago |

Assuming US, based on terminology used. Have you considered teaching at community college? Depending on the state, the degree requirement may be dropped altogether, and I'd argue you could "give back" just as much, if not more - a lot of CC students would definitely benefit from, and appreciate, learning from someone with a long tenure in industry. Especially someone successful who does not have a "traditional" education.

AHatLikeThat 2 years ago |

As a former US teacher who gained certification in two states, I suggest that if you are also US-based, talk to the board of education licensing department for the particular state you are planning to teach in. They can explain the specific requirements for teaching the subject matter that interests you.

Public schools are desperate for teachers. As long as the college/university holds accreditation, no one will care which one you choose, what matters is credits in various areas and the major/minor. Some states have programs to allow you to complete your certification requirements while teaching, but every state is different. Again, the state board licensing dept is the place to get these questions answered.

Finally as a former middle school teacher, I commend you. Our nations kid's really need caring people with real-world experience to bring that expertise and passion to the classroom. Good luck!

HorizonXP 2 years ago |

Maybe adding your location would help centre some of the discussion.

A few questions, feel free to leave them unanswered.

1. What leads you to believe you'd be a good teacher? 2. Why are you looking at the high school level? Not higher or lower? 3. Why focus on local school systems in-person vs. online? I'm not suggesting Udemy, but I'm thinking something more focused with kids looking for privatized learning.

I ask these questions as a dad to a 5 year old that I'm trying to teach programming to, eventually. Just looking to hear perspectives.

thiago_fm 2 years ago |

I think you are underestimating the difficulties of teaching kids at that age, or pedagogy itself.

Better to study the 4 years to become a teacher online and see if it's something you would like to do.

I'm not a teacher anymore, but have been involved in it before and decided to not pursue the career.

iteria 2 years ago |

So... I did a quick Google and a lot of online teaching positions for AP classes merely require a BS in something related. The BS is the continuing degree I see over and over again. That said, I bet if you could get a hold of a human in a smaller outreach type program, they'd hire you no problem. If you just want to teach with no regard to money, then something like the TEALS Program might appeal to you.

bathyspheric 2 years ago |

After a career in a science, engineering and IT, I am now teaching computer science and maths in high school and loving it. In Australia, any previous degrees would have a big impact on what additional training you would need before teaching. But to answer your direct question, any and all of your industry experience will be valuable in a high-school context, whatever its ‘pedigree’ or quality.

To teach, however, you are likely to need an education qualification. In Oz, this could be a 2 year Masters of Teaching provided you already have a degree of some sort to act as a content base (3 yr Bachelors is fine). There are accelerated 18 month courses available, mostly online but with significant periods of in-school practical experience (2-3 slots of 4-8 weeks).

Both the education and the pracs are very valuable to your teaching roles. The reduced contact over working days, and weeks of holiday are great, but you will still need plenty of energy for the kids, and there is plenty of outside-hours of work too, but you choose when and how you do it.

SOLAR_FIELDS 2 years ago |

I cannot speak to either of these programs but other people on here talk about WGU for undergrad and OMSCS from GaTech for masters as rigorous programs that are quite good value for the money. Example discussion here: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=25471029

jonnybgood 2 years ago | |

+1 for WGU. Their CS program just recently became ABET certified.

eldavido 2 years ago |

Bit of unsolicited advice. It's very possible you've had a great career as a programmer. But for better or worse, high schools are academic environments where you can't write "elligable" and expect to be taken seriously.

If you aren't willing to correct this, this may not be the path for you.

000ooo000 2 years ago | |

What a load of BS. You think the former tradesmen that moved into teaching all have perfect spelling? Clearly they have no value and nothing to offer interested kids if they misspell 1 in 100 words.

bb88 2 years ago |

Well, from one grey beard to another, thank you. Some poor soul is going to have to figure out the code I wrote these last 10 years.

I would say, algebra is the easiest. Python is the next easiest.

I remember being taught applesoft basic as a 5th grader and enjoying it.

woleium 2 years ago |

Take a look at the masters program at Charles Sturt uni in Australia, they allow course credits for experience, and you can attend virtually.

zx8080 2 years ago |

Formal requirements for a public school teacher depend on a country. So it makes sense to add some relevant details.

globalnode 2 years ago | |

in australia i believe its a bachelor of education minimum? with some specialisation in the area you want to teach. this alone puts me off entirely. which is probably why i would be a terrible teacher, so system working as it should? who knows.

bradgranath 2 years ago |

Your technical know-how won't be questioned. But you have to get certified as a teacher.