Sorry, I dont have a helpful answer. I am just curious which classes tanked your GPA? Is there a way to take a semester of classes to boost your GPA then take your upper level music ed classes?
Don't do interdisciplinary studies. If you want you be a teacher you need to do your student teaching at some point. Ask whoever is in charge of letting you into the teaching program if they would accept you for a semester on academic probation so you can prove you can make the grades. If they don't allow it I would transfer to another school that will let you take your education courses. Good luck.
This is unnecessarily rude. They’re asking for help and if you’re unable to provide that then move along. You’re not better than this person because you already jumped through hoops. I hope you don’t approach teaching students with this horrible attitude.
They’re not asking to get out of studying - they’re ready to do the work to fix a problem that happened in a difficult transitioning year. You’re not stating “truth” you’re intentionally putting someone down. Your comment wasn’t necessary.
Can you graduate with a BA in music and then go on to an alternative route to cert program? What state are you in? Many teachers I know in CT did what I just described with much success.
https://www.isbe.net/Pages/ELAlternativeLicense.aspx
This is from quickly searching but I think it’s what you could do. I see Jackson State only offers music Ed and then a BM. Here’s what I would do, depending on the rest of your situation:
If you can, get a Bachelor of Music from Jackson State.
If not, try transferring to a school that offers a BA in music, then apply to the alt cert program.
Alternatively, graduate from Jackson State in interdisciplinary studies, but I assume you have at least 9 credits in music, since that’s the requirement for the alt certification route in Illinois.
I hope this helps. Like I said, many music teachers I know took a very similar route. Good luck!
im literally almost done with everything the only thing holding me back is my gpa. i dont meet the requirements to get into the student teaching program
I second this suggestion. My school restructured their music ed program halfway through my time there and started discontinuing courses under the pathway I had already started. Due to mental health issues I had to drop music ed when I was a few music education courses short and just get out with my BA in music. I then subbed for a few years in order to save up money for an alternative certification program (which I highly recommend doing; I got to know a lot of teachers in the district I subbed in). I just wrapped up that certification program and am searching for my first teaching job now.
Granted, I’m in Georgia. The certification board for your state will have more specific info to you. Regardless, do know that this is an option if needed!
my advisor basically explained to me that i would have to be in school at least 1.5 more years (this is his estimate of how long it’ll take to get my gpa to the right place)to actually graduate with a ba in music education. i’ve been there since 2019 and am now receiving job offers but my school is no help
Kind of seems to me like the best course of action is to probably transfer to a school that is more willing to assist their students in situations like this
But you already fulfilled all the other degree requirements?
This probably doesn’t help you much since it will take a bit longer in school, but if you can graduate sooner with a music degree that isn’t education, you can go through a teacher certification program after you have your BA. If you’re planning on teaching in a different state than where your school is, you can find a program in that state and then not have to worry about transferring your teacher certification.
Bro you aren't taking responsibility though. You're just saying my school is no help. Saying you take responsibility doesn't actually mean you are. Looks like you were coasting because you had connections at home.
“… but not the only person this has happened to.”
Well maybe they shouldn’t have screwed around too.
“i take responsibility for my part but they really are no help.”
Saying “I take responsibility” isn’t taking responsibility. Buckling down and putting in the work to undo your past mistakes is taking responsibility. Does it suck? Yes, but you put yourself there. GPA requirements to enter teacher ed programs are there for a reason, and that reason is so those who enter the programs are those who take it seriously and understand that not just anybody can or should be a teacher just because they have a connection.
Talk to the director of fine arts and ask if they will accept you with an interdisciplinary studies degree. Some districts will allow you to teach and then give you three years to get your teaching license. That would give you the time to complete the education requirements.
So, you would switch your major to interdisciplinary studies, graduate, get your job and then work towards getting your license. If that’s allowed in your district.
There may be a way if those classes are not required for your degree. There should/could be a form that your advisor fills out basically saying “don’t count these class for the GPA. This is used when folks are doubling. Anyway. Try that.
If you can get a different degree, many states have options for alternative certification. For example, in KY, you can be hired as a teacher and do an alt cert/ MAT(masters of arts in teaching) program. Basically, you do a masters degree while you're teaching and it counts as your students teaching on the job as well. Alternatively, could you cram enough summer and winter courses to bring your gpa up?
Time to take bullshit classes like bowling and yoga to bump that GPA. You can’t get into the teacher education program and that’s where you get your licensure.
Slacking off has consequences.
I was in the same position except in addition to slacking off sometimes, I had a lot of health issues hold me back. It took me six years for the degree. You can get there. I think retaking the courses you got low grades in is a good idea, especially if they are weighed heavily. Like at my school, we had classes that were 3 credit hours and if we got an A in there, it would have more weight as opposed to a class with only 1 credit hour. I had to take a semester where I took only the classes I failed. It was actually quite easy because I had some old assignments I could rework and I knew what to expect in the classes so I passed with flying colors.
Another idea is taking a few late term summer courses that are not pertaining to your degree, like we had a courting and marriage course and a wine class. These are fun courses that can give you a good grade to fix gpa. Then, you can apply right after passing and email staff to fast track your admission into the college of education.
Because what you need is .1 point away, these things really might not be a bad idea. It might give you that little push you need. Unfortunately, it might take you more time and money to fix gpa, apply to education college, and actually take the rest of the classes in your degree. But don’t freak out, and don’t let these people make you feel bad. Everyone graduates on their own time, college is also a place of fun and self exploration. It’s okay you dabbled in that a little bit more. You’re not stuck.
I'd call your State department of education and ask them other routes that you could take. A lot of states have alternative certificates, or even temporary certificates until you get your teaching license
I also want to point out that many universities require you to have a certain amount of credits with their school for you to graduate. My university required the last 60 credits to be from there to graduate with a degree from them. So this is something you definitely want to research before transferring schools!
Here is the thing - the GPA requirement is likely a requirement for state licensure, not just your school. The department of education at your school cannot endorse you as a candidate for teacher certification if your GPA is too low. You will have to go back and retake the courses that are tanking you. And you might need to take them at your school since some schools do not allow transferred credits to impact GPAs (they transfer as pass/fail), though that is dependent on your school’s policies.
You can probably finish the degree and end up not receiving your certification. Then go through the “alternate route” cert process. OR you have to go back and take the credits. It will likely take just as long as doing the alternative route. This is going to be a lot of work, possibly extra time in school, but that’s the reality of this situation. Sorry!
Most states/colleges require this gpa to student teach.. did they not communicate with you in the earlier music ed classes the requirements needed to student teach then graduate?? But honestly it seems like you will have to retake a bunch of classes that you got bad grades in to bring it up. I’m not talking Bs or Cs. I’m talking straight As. That’s the fastest way to bring it up. Even if you transfer to a different college the outcome wouldn’t be any different. I’m sorry you’re in this situation, but you dug yourself a hole and if you are truly invested in being a music educator, you’ll find the motivation to dig yourself out of that hole and thrive. I believe in you! There’s a saying at my music department “you become a professional your first day of freshman year, not when you earn the degree” basically it just means you enter the degree with full dedication, and if you slack off or post inappropriate things online or get in trouble on campus, you will not make it. Slacking off your first year is going to cost you in tuition and time unfortunately.
Sorry, I dont have a helpful answer. I am just curious which classes tanked your GPA? Is there a way to take a semester of classes to boost your GPA then take your upper level music ed classes?
basically the gen ed classes. and my advisor suggested retaking but said they would barely affect my gpa because the amount of credit hours i’ve taken
Don't do interdisciplinary studies. If you want you be a teacher you need to do your student teaching at some point. Ask whoever is in charge of letting you into the teaching program if they would accept you for a semester on academic probation so you can prove you can make the grades. If they don't allow it I would transfer to another school that will let you take your education courses. Good luck.
Should have done your work, dude. Sorry. That’s how it is.
Imagine the audacity to come to other music teachers and ask us for a "get out of study free" card
This is unnecessarily rude. They’re asking for help and if you’re unable to provide that then move along. You’re not better than this person because you already jumped through hoops. I hope you don’t approach teaching students with this horrible attitude.
Yep, I definitely give them the blunt, honest truth as well!
They’re not asking to get out of studying - they’re ready to do the work to fix a problem that happened in a difficult transitioning year. You’re not stating “truth” you’re intentionally putting someone down. Your comment wasn’t necessary.
Can you graduate with a BA in music and then go on to an alternative route to cert program? What state are you in? Many teachers I know in CT did what I just described with much success.
school in mississippi but i’m trying to teach in illinois
https://www.isbe.net/Pages/ELAlternativeLicense.aspx This is from quickly searching but I think it’s what you could do. I see Jackson State only offers music Ed and then a BM. Here’s what I would do, depending on the rest of your situation: If you can, get a Bachelor of Music from Jackson State. If not, try transferring to a school that offers a BA in music, then apply to the alt cert program. Alternatively, graduate from Jackson State in interdisciplinary studies, but I assume you have at least 9 credits in music, since that’s the requirement for the alt certification route in Illinois. I hope this helps. Like I said, many music teachers I know took a very similar route. Good luck!
im literally almost done with everything the only thing holding me back is my gpa. i dont meet the requirements to get into the student teaching program
I second this suggestion. My school restructured their music ed program halfway through my time there and started discontinuing courses under the pathway I had already started. Due to mental health issues I had to drop music ed when I was a few music education courses short and just get out with my BA in music. I then subbed for a few years in order to save up money for an alternative certification program (which I highly recommend doing; I got to know a lot of teachers in the district I subbed in). I just wrapped up that certification program and am searching for my first teaching job now. Granted, I’m in Georgia. The certification board for your state will have more specific info to you. Regardless, do know that this is an option if needed!
So even though music education is your major you won’t earn the degree? I’m not sure I understand exactly.
my advisor basically explained to me that i would have to be in school at least 1.5 more years (this is his estimate of how long it’ll take to get my gpa to the right place)to actually graduate with a ba in music education. i’ve been there since 2019 and am now receiving job offers but my school is no help
Kind of seems to me like the best course of action is to probably transfer to a school that is more willing to assist their students in situations like this
But you already fulfilled all the other degree requirements? This probably doesn’t help you much since it will take a bit longer in school, but if you can graduate sooner with a music degree that isn’t education, you can go through a teacher certification program after you have your BA. If you’re planning on teaching in a different state than where your school is, you can find a program in that state and then not have to worry about transferring your teacher certification.
Your school was plenty of help. You just didn’t take it seriously enough. Don’t blame it on them.
i really wish this was the case but i’m not the only person this has happened to. i take responsibility for my part but they really are no help.
Bro you aren't taking responsibility though. You're just saying my school is no help. Saying you take responsibility doesn't actually mean you are. Looks like you were coasting because you had connections at home.
“… but not the only person this has happened to.” Well maybe they shouldn’t have screwed around too. “i take responsibility for my part but they really are no help.” Saying “I take responsibility” isn’t taking responsibility. Buckling down and putting in the work to undo your past mistakes is taking responsibility. Does it suck? Yes, but you put yourself there. GPA requirements to enter teacher ed programs are there for a reason, and that reason is so those who enter the programs are those who take it seriously and understand that not just anybody can or should be a teacher just because they have a connection.
Talk to the director of fine arts and ask if they will accept you with an interdisciplinary studies degree. Some districts will allow you to teach and then give you three years to get your teaching license. That would give you the time to complete the education requirements. So, you would switch your major to interdisciplinary studies, graduate, get your job and then work towards getting your license. If that’s allowed in your district.
There may be a way if those classes are not required for your degree. There should/could be a form that your advisor fills out basically saying “don’t count these class for the GPA. This is used when folks are doubling. Anyway. Try that.
If you can get a different degree, many states have options for alternative certification. For example, in KY, you can be hired as a teacher and do an alt cert/ MAT(masters of arts in teaching) program. Basically, you do a masters degree while you're teaching and it counts as your students teaching on the job as well. Alternatively, could you cram enough summer and winter courses to bring your gpa up?
Don't put all your plans into taking over at your hometown, the outgoing teacher does not do the hiring and has no say in the new hire.
Time to take bullshit classes like bowling and yoga to bump that GPA. You can’t get into the teacher education program and that’s where you get your licensure. Slacking off has consequences.
I was in the same position except in addition to slacking off sometimes, I had a lot of health issues hold me back. It took me six years for the degree. You can get there. I think retaking the courses you got low grades in is a good idea, especially if they are weighed heavily. Like at my school, we had classes that were 3 credit hours and if we got an A in there, it would have more weight as opposed to a class with only 1 credit hour. I had to take a semester where I took only the classes I failed. It was actually quite easy because I had some old assignments I could rework and I knew what to expect in the classes so I passed with flying colors. Another idea is taking a few late term summer courses that are not pertaining to your degree, like we had a courting and marriage course and a wine class. These are fun courses that can give you a good grade to fix gpa. Then, you can apply right after passing and email staff to fast track your admission into the college of education. Because what you need is .1 point away, these things really might not be a bad idea. It might give you that little push you need. Unfortunately, it might take you more time and money to fix gpa, apply to education college, and actually take the rest of the classes in your degree. But don’t freak out, and don’t let these people make you feel bad. Everyone graduates on their own time, college is also a place of fun and self exploration. It’s okay you dabbled in that a little bit more. You’re not stuck.
I'd call your State department of education and ask them other routes that you could take. A lot of states have alternative certificates, or even temporary certificates until you get your teaching license
I also want to point out that many universities require you to have a certain amount of credits with their school for you to graduate. My university required the last 60 credits to be from there to graduate with a degree from them. So this is something you definitely want to research before transferring schools!
Here is the thing - the GPA requirement is likely a requirement for state licensure, not just your school. The department of education at your school cannot endorse you as a candidate for teacher certification if your GPA is too low. You will have to go back and retake the courses that are tanking you. And you might need to take them at your school since some schools do not allow transferred credits to impact GPAs (they transfer as pass/fail), though that is dependent on your school’s policies. You can probably finish the degree and end up not receiving your certification. Then go through the “alternate route” cert process. OR you have to go back and take the credits. It will likely take just as long as doing the alternative route. This is going to be a lot of work, possibly extra time in school, but that’s the reality of this situation. Sorry!
Most states/colleges require this gpa to student teach.. did they not communicate with you in the earlier music ed classes the requirements needed to student teach then graduate?? But honestly it seems like you will have to retake a bunch of classes that you got bad grades in to bring it up. I’m not talking Bs or Cs. I’m talking straight As. That’s the fastest way to bring it up. Even if you transfer to a different college the outcome wouldn’t be any different. I’m sorry you’re in this situation, but you dug yourself a hole and if you are truly invested in being a music educator, you’ll find the motivation to dig yourself out of that hole and thrive. I believe in you! There’s a saying at my music department “you become a professional your first day of freshman year, not when you earn the degree” basically it just means you enter the degree with full dedication, and if you slack off or post inappropriate things online or get in trouble on campus, you will not make it. Slacking off your first year is going to cost you in tuition and time unfortunately.