I'm currently working toward a Bachelor's in English. My goal is, after receiving a more than sufficient education, to become an English teacher at the Secondary level. Earlier in my college career I was interested in teaching at the college level, and thus wasn't worried about the Education degree. However, since turning my attention to high school I've given it much of my attention.

Will receiving a degree in the field I wish to study, as opposed to one in Education or (Field) Education, hurt my chances of being hired? Another way to ask it is, I suppose, "Is it common for teachers to get hired with a temporary teaching certificate?"

Also, though it is a different question, would working to get my Master's before entering the job market be a better idea than waiting until after I have a job? I recognize that having a higher degree (Master's or Doctorate) can increase pay, but is it worth the early investment once necessary loans are factored?

I am a high school English teacher, and I graduated from college in 2006. At my school in Iowa we majored in the English and minored in Secondary Education. In some states, like California, you can get a credential in a year after completing a four year degree.

I would not recommend getting a masters before having experience. Many other candidates will have some experience and won't have a masters making them cheaper to hire. These candidates are more favorable in most states. California also hires teachers on Emergency credentials in some areas.

I totally disagree that education classes are a waste of time.
Many universities have great education classes. Mine were very helpful to me in my current career.

I would recommend going to a professor who has worked as a teacher. My professors helped me so much with getting a job right after college.

Being hired on a temporary certificate depends on the state that you're looking to work in. Midwestern states are overwhelmed with teachers and without the necessary education courses you won't get a license and they wouldn't even look at you for a job. Sttes like New Mexico and Texas will issue temporary certificates while you work to complete courses that will lead to a permanent license. Some districts have programs that will assist you in paying for the programs.

As far as the Masters goes, I know everyone says you have to have a Masters. But, if you're looking at high school, they would automatically have to pay you more for higher education, and you might have a tougher time if they can get someone for less starting money. Teaching at the college level, it would certainly help.

There used to be some unconventional programs that would require a Bachelor's Degree in the field and then follow it up with teaching courses (I went through such a program), but it's rare.

What you absolutely have to have will depend on the state you're trying to work in, but it is generally true that you'll want the Ed degree. Which is unfortunate, because the ed courses will be mostly a waste of your time, whereas courses in the subject you're going to teach would be useful (nothing like knowing what you're talking about once you hit the classroom).

In most states, the pursuit of a masters degree will be essentially mandatory, but in many districts the district will help pay for your course costs, so you may want to hold off on the masters for financial reasons. I agree that a double major would be a good choice.

Most schools, at least in the Midwest, will not hire English teachers on a temporary teaching certificate. Generally, it is only science and math majors that are able to get temp. certificates, since that is where most of the teacher shortage seems to be. You would be best to try and double major. Having a B.A. in English and a B.A. in Secondary Education should also help to increase your starting pay. There are some private schools who will take teachers that only hold a degree in their field, but most public schools will require a teaching degree.