Many college graduates have been laid-off recently due to the financial crisis that grips the entire world. Some are very young, they are the first to be fired, and others approach the half-century mark, wondering about their dwindling 401Ks. Many of these professionals should seriously consider becoming teachers in public schools for two very good reasons: first, there is a shortage of educators and second, it has become a lot easier to get certified.

There are many excellent programs in Texas designed to facilitate your entry into teaching; you don't have to go back to college and sit with students half your age. You can even follow the alternative teacher certification program (ATCP) during your free time at night if you are still working. You will be ready to teach in a couple of months, although you will do so under supervision and with a probationary certificate issued by the state. Most of your training will be done while you receive pay as a first year teacher. To receive your final certificate, you'll have to take two tests: One is called TExES Pedagogy & Professional Responsibility and the other test is related to your specialized area.

Although ATCP's will fully prepare you for both tests (they usually apply a benchmark very similar to the test you will take and determine whether you are ready), these programs do not place you in a school. That you will have to do on your own; the ATCP's, however, will facilitate the process enormously by pointing you in the right direction (They survey job offers from all regional districts). You can even have the cost of being prepared deducted from your first year paychecks.

Good ATCP's will send a mentor/supervisor regularly (first year) to the school where you teach to give you support and offer technical help. You will never be or feel alone during your first year as a teacher; a very experienced mentor will guide you through your first steps by "holding your hand" and making the transition to teaching a lot easier. Whatever your age and experience in the outside world, you'll need close supervision to become an effective teacher. Overconfidence in your skills may result in a rude awakening if you have never faced a group of children or teens. Be humble and listen to those who have mastered the challenging task of preparing the next generation.

If you have received your college degree from a foreign university, specialized evaluation services are ready to match your academic records with American standards. Your local ATCP will provide you with a list of these companies. The main requirement to become a teacher in Texas is a first-rate knowledge of the English language; in some cases, the ATCP will ask you to take a language test to make sure you qualify.

Some people are under the impression that teachers receive very low salaries. Check the website of the district where you plan to apply; they always publish the wages of their teachers, based on the number of years of experience and the graduate degrees they may have obtained. While you can certainly find better salaries in the private sector, there are many benefits which make teaching an interesting option, such as the Texas Retirement System, healthcare insurance for you and your family (free for the teacher), stipends for certain activities (coaching, special education, etc.), and certain rewards which are earned by outstanding schools. But of course money is not the prime motivator for teachers; they are dedicated and enthusiastic people who love to work among young people. Teaching is truly the legendary fountain of youth.

J.C. Sprenger has been teaching at a local high school for 6 years as a special education (inclusion) teacher. Before that, he was a university professor in Mexico (10 years) teaching English to Mexican students. He has a B.A. in psychology and a Master's in Education. Born in Geneva, Switzerland, he now makes his home in Brownsville, Texas. He has been a freelance writer for 15 years in newspapers and recently on the Internet. For more information on becoming a teacher in Texas and alternative teacher certification in Houston, check out http://www.TexasTeachers.org