[quote=EconProf]CArenter: Are you sure about that? I’ve heard the opposite–that although they pay much less, private schools attract teachers that covet the smaller class sizes, more motivated students, involved parents, and a less unionized, government-controlled atmosphere. I’ve read of younger public school teachers moving to private schools for just these advantages.
Let’s hear from others. especially teachers and parents, on this subject.[/quote]
This is based on my experience as I went through the credential program, volunteer time, and teaching experience in a public school district. I’ve never heard anyone in the credential program say that they wanted to work in a private school. Everyone I’ve ever talked to wanted to work in the public school system because of the better pay, benefits, and relative stability/security usually found in the public sector.
As a student, I spent a number of years in private school, and the teachers there wanted to be there because students were better behaved and performed better, academically. It was a religious school, so some teachers wanted to be there for religious reasons, too. Still, we knew of a number of them who were trying to get experience so they could work in the public school system.
FWIW, private schools do not have to hire credentialed teachers, though the individual schools might require certain degrees or credentials.
Must private school teachers possess a valid California teaching credential?
No. EC Section 48222 specifies only that private school teachers be “…persons capable of teaching”. However, many private school teachers do possess current California teaching credentials. An NPS (defined in #10, above) that accepts public school students with individualized education programs must have appropriately qualified and credentialed staff.
Public schools have to hire credentialed teachers (which is a two-year, post-graduate program in most California colleges and universities), or those who are in the final stages of getting credentialed, or those who are in internship programs with the school district (getting credentialed via the employing district, which tends to be a very, very small minority of teachers). There is a possible exception for those who have six or more years of teaching experience in a private school — which is why a number of private school teachers are there for the experience, as they can possibly bypass the credential program, and/or strengthen their resume so that they have a better chance of being hired at a public school.
I’ve never heard of a public school teacher who wanted to transfer to a private school — and I’ve known a lot of teachers. Not saying there aren’t a few of them out there; but, in general, most teachers prefer to work for a public school district.
