I thought I had heard some states with teacher shortages only require a bachelors degree in any subject to teach. I'm in Illinois, a recent graduate working in advertising but realized business isn't for me, I'd prefer to teach. I have taught ESL students and after school programs so I have some experience and am not just someone who decided I wanted my summers off. Could someoen let me know what states just require a bachelors degree?

I think you are talking about an alternate certification program where you can change from any career to education. You usually have some course work to complete in the transition, and according to the need, and/or areas you are qualified in would determine how quickly you could be placed in a classroom.

In Texas you need a Bachelor's Degree in Education with a teaching permit. You have to take the appropriate State certification tests in your subject areas, although Texas does recognize the other states' tests. Since you're from Illinois, you would have to contact the State Board of Educator Certification at http://www.sbec.state.tx.us/sbeconline/default.asp
The areas of most need are Bilingual, ESL, math and science. Good luck!

All of them!!

Public schools require certification, but you could look into private schools. They don't usually have to follow the same kinds of regulation.

Idaho requires a bachelors although you may have to take some education classes before being certified. You certainly don't want to stay at with only a bachelors for the pay...........

In Texas, with a BA, who can start teaching immediately. They do a criminal check and you begin teaching. You are required to take educ. classes, but very few. You must finish these classes within a certain time and then you will be Texas State certified. This program is called, "The Teaching Fellows". This program is through the University of Texas and I think it is free.

I don't know about all of the states, but I know in New Mexico you can get a pre-level 1 license (similar to an emergency license) if you have a Bachelor's degree and a school district is willing to hire you. It's an application process, and the license is only good for 3 years. But you can't actually teach in a public school without some sort of license.

It would be good to check requirements in states that you're interested in teaching in.

There are several states that just require bachelor's degrees to teach, however, that bachelors usually has to be in Education. You can get a teaching license through a one year MA in Teaching degree though.

Not any more, not with No Child Left Behind Act.
I'm in Louisiana and just got certified. I already have a B.A. and I went to college at night for my 9 education courses, then took off a semester from work to do my student teaching.

It's the same all over. You have to be certified, so I understand. But check and see if you couldn't teach as you got certified. I just don't think you can anymore.

All states require certification.

BUT

All states have alternate entry for those who wish to come to teaching - always at hard to staff schools or subjects.

The programs are called internships. See your states certification website.

Prerequisites: You cannot just begin. All programs require tests prior to beginning - basic skills as well as subject matter certification.

During the program: They hire you with the agreement that you will be in the program for 2 years - The program consists of college classes twice a week at night, sometimes weekends for the two years. (you basically earn your credential through the program while you are teaching.)

Types: If sponsored by the school district - its called District interns. If Sponsored by the University - University interns.

Good luck!~

Choose the states in which you are interested. Then go to its state department of education, usually the website has a teacher licensing link. Look for alternative licensing. Also, look at the assessment or curriculum requirements for the subject or grade level you intended to teach to see what the kids are expected to learn. If that doesn't scare you off, try job shadowing to get a better feel for what the whole teaching experience is about. However, be prepared to take more classes to prepare for your specific level or subject. The federal No Child Left Behind law requires that all teachers be qualified for the subject in which they each. Advertising background does not automatically qualify you to teach ESL or most subjects.
However, many districts allow people with college degree to substitute teach. This might be a way to try out all day teaching in various situations before jumping into the teaching pool. We need good teachers, so please research this a bit. Some child may be waiting for you to share your words of wisdom.
Finally, there are school business alliances such as the program called Mini Society in which business people go into the classroom and help the kids select a project, make a marketing plan etc. That could be a good combination of your background and the need to interact with kids. Good luck.