Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring History Teachers and Adjunct Professors
For aspiring history teachers, county-based internships offer a cost-effective path to teaching credentials in California, allowing one to "work as an intern at a school" while completing studies. Alternatively, a master's degree in a related field opens doors to prison counseling, providing valuable insight into "the problems that we still have today in the communities," while emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience over immediate high pay.
Entry-Level Positions, Internships, Teaching Credentials, Mentorship, Prison Counseling
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Truth Akins
History Teacher and Adjunct Professor
SAGE Magnet & Cerro Coso Community College
San Diego State University
UCI Criminology and UCLA Urban Education
Criminal Justice
Education
Education
Disabled, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Veteran, Transfer Student, Student Athlete, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Internships are available through most California counties, offering a cost-effective way to gain teaching experience while completing a teaching credential.
2. For prison work, a master's degree in a related field (psychology, social work) is recommended to qualify for counselor positions.
3. Undergraduate students should prioritize gaining hands-on experience through internships, even if the pay is low, to better understand their career goals and make informed choices.
Transcript
What entry-level positions in this field might an undergraduate college student consider?
For K through 12 education, most counties in California have intern programs. This allows you to work on your teaching credential while employed as an intern at a school. Once you have your credential, you should be able to get hired by that school.
Internships through the county are the best resource because they cost less than getting a teaching certificate at a university. You'll only need to pay the county's cost for the certificate and pass certain tests. You'll also need to find a mentor at the school to sign off on some required mentorship activities. Internships are definitely recommended if you want to work inside a prison.
I would still suggest getting a master's degree and entering as a counselor. You just need a master's degree in psychology or social work, or a closely related field. This allows you to work as a counselor and understand people by reviewing their files. You get to interview them individually, which helps you truly grasp the problems that persist in our communities today.
I believe that's the best approach: take a year to gain hands-on experience, even if the pay isn't great. This internship will allow you to get to know people and build relationships. Let people guide you around the prison if that's where you want to be, or show you around schools. Observe what teachers and other staff members are doing.
This way, you can gain on-the-job experience for that year. If you're still an undergraduate, student loans can help cover your bills. Don't focus on a high-paying job; instead, look for opportunities that provide valuable experience. This will help you make a better decision about your future career path.