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[Bebpo]

I'm thinking about doing a program and getting certified as a teacher. So for anyone whose done this I have a few questions:

--Can you start off working as a substitute teacher? Or do you have to be a main teacher first?

--Are jobs tough to find as a teacher? I don't really want to relocate, so I'd be looking at jobs around a 30-40 mile radius (there are probably 10-30 schools in that radius).

I'd like to be a professor but right now I'm feeling the money, time, and effort required to get through grad school when I might not even be able to find a teaching job afterwards would be kinda a waste. So I'm thinking about settling with being a public school or private school teacher.

And I just want to say that coming out of college and finding that there are no jobs willing to hire you for more than minimum wage really sucks >_<

 

[RevenantKioku]

I substitute teach high school often, and I'm still in college. Depends on the state for the requirements. NJ is 65 college credits, for example.
I know a bit about NJ, though.
From what I'm told, there are two ways. The standard way, ie get your teaching degree/certificate. Or there is what they call the "alternate route". You have your degree in something, you hook up with a certain teacher or teachers in the school, and get a basic feeling for the job before you get a true position. Or, depending on how desperate you are they just slap you in front of a class. (Retired engineer tried that at my old HS and he got eaten alive and quit after a few days, haha.)
Contact the Board of Education in your area though, they'll know what can be done easily for you. Depending on your area, they may really need some people. A LOT of teachers from my old HS have been retiring recently, for example.
I've got a feeling I'm gonna end up teaching myself, haha. It seems like it's in your blood.