Interest surges, many make career change to teaching

SIKESTON -- After earning a bachelor's degree in business a few years prior and then working for the family's auto industry, Brad Kolwyck decided he may have missed his true calling.

In January 2008, Kolwyck started the process to obtain his teaching certificate through Southeast Missouri State University's Alternative Certification Program in secondary education.

"I was working in the auto industry, and it started seeing a downturn," Kolwyck recalled. "I knew I always had a passion for teaching and coaching. I played baseball all my life and in college."

Southeast's program assists those who have already earned a bachelor's degree and have some experience in their field obtain teaching certification in Missouri. Applicants must meet several requirements, including having a teaching contract from a school district, to be considered for the program.

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