- Report: #355563
Complaint Review: University Of Phoenix Online - Phoenix Internet
-
Author Confirmed
Why?
University Of Phoenix Online
universityofphoenix.com Phoenix, Internet, U.S.A.
Web:
N/A
Categories:
Business Rating:
(0)
Tell us has your experience with this business or person been good?
University Of Phoenix Online Now I can't get a job--THanks! Phoenix Internet
My story begins in May of 2006. I had toyed with the idea of going back to get my Master's Degree for many years ,but finally decided it was time. I searched the internet because I did not have the time to physically go back to school and wanted to complete my degree online.
Shortly after filling out my information, I was contacted by the University of Phoenix. I talked with an incredibly helpful woman (Neal Hambright) who helped me through the enrollment process and I was set to begin my program.
After taking the first class, I realized that I was in the wrong program because my goal was not to become a principal but to become certified to teach. I called and discussed with Denise Brandenburg my academic counselor my need to become certified to teach and explained that that is why I was going back to further my education. I told her that I enjoyed working with younger children and that I would like to teach pre-k, kindergarten, first or second grade. She put me in the Early Childhood Education program and everything went well until I was waiting for my certification letter that they needed at the teaching job I got after graduating in December 2007. My boss needed proof of my certification to be able to continue to employ me. This is when the trouble started.
I contacted several people and was given the run around. I finally was able to speak with Denise Brandenburg after many attempts. I explained the situation and stated that since I had made my intentions clear from the beginning (to become certified to teach) someone obviously had put me in the wrong program. She said well that would have been me and they train us not to make mistakes.
My boss informed me that my salary would be cut by $5 an hour to repay all the money that the pre-k program had overpaid because I assumed I was certified. This also meant the program did not get as much money for the children in my classroom. Anyway, my job ended for the year in May and I will not be able to return until I am certified.
I am a single woman and I have bills to pay. I have been unable to get a job ( no one will hire me without certification) and I have just used up the little bit that I had in savings. I have already received a bill for my student loans (over $50,000 dollars) which I have had to defer of course.
Without certification, I am not able to get a teaching job therefore I am unable to pay back the student loans.I want University of Phoenix to be held accountable for THEIR MISTAKE. I would appreciate any help available!Thanks so much!
Gini
Harrison, Tennessee
U.S.A.
Shortly after filling out my information, I was contacted by the University of Phoenix. I talked with an incredibly helpful woman (Neal Hambright) who helped me through the enrollment process and I was set to begin my program.
After taking the first class, I realized that I was in the wrong program because my goal was not to become a principal but to become certified to teach. I called and discussed with Denise Brandenburg my academic counselor my need to become certified to teach and explained that that is why I was going back to further my education. I told her that I enjoyed working with younger children and that I would like to teach pre-k, kindergarten, first or second grade. She put me in the Early Childhood Education program and everything went well until I was waiting for my certification letter that they needed at the teaching job I got after graduating in December 2007. My boss needed proof of my certification to be able to continue to employ me. This is when the trouble started.
I contacted several people and was given the run around. I finally was able to speak with Denise Brandenburg after many attempts. I explained the situation and stated that since I had made my intentions clear from the beginning (to become certified to teach) someone obviously had put me in the wrong program. She said well that would have been me and they train us not to make mistakes.
My boss informed me that my salary would be cut by $5 an hour to repay all the money that the pre-k program had overpaid because I assumed I was certified. This also meant the program did not get as much money for the children in my classroom. Anyway, my job ended for the year in May and I will not be able to return until I am certified.
I am a single woman and I have bills to pay. I have been unable to get a job ( no one will hire me without certification) and I have just used up the little bit that I had in savings. I have already received a bill for my student loans (over $50,000 dollars) which I have had to defer of course.
Without certification, I am not able to get a teaching job therefore I am unable to pay back the student loans.I want University of Phoenix to be held accountable for THEIR MISTAKE. I would appreciate any help available!Thanks so much!
Gini
Harrison, Tennessee
U.S.A.
4 Updates & Rebuttals
Sandra
Hyde Park,Massachusetts,
U.S.A.
certification only comes from a certified program
#2Consumer Suggestion
Thu, July 31, 2008
You might want to check with your state's department of education to see if you can take other courses from a certified school. UP almost got me until I check them out. I took a local program for my masters that was cheaper, 8,000 and finished in 18 months. You might go that route. I would not beat a dead horse. You have no chance of getting your money back. I wish you well.
I Detest Scammers
Beltsvile,Maryland,
U.S.A.
Responsibility
#3UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, July 31, 2008
I am sorry you had such a difficult road. From the last response, are you now certified and able to get your job back or at least another job in the field you love? I hate to be like the wet blanket but I used to work at UOP and was an Education advisor/admissions for some time. When you first started your classes you would have signed an enrollment agreement. It clearly states that obtaining your state credentials is necessary in order to be certified and that the degree does not lead to automatic certification. I know this because like I said, I specialized in the education programs and everywhere from the degree website with the course descriptions to the enrollment agreement state that you must take the state exams in addition to your degree to get the desired certification. I am guessing, you kind of maybe read over it but did not really. Or maybe you asked flat out if the degree led to certification and an admissions officer told you 'yes'. If that happened then you were misinformed. However, it has been my experience that potential and new students just do not read the admissions information as they should. This is not a slight to you, many many people do not read things as they should and are upset in the end. Also, certification (as you know) is a State issue. Every student in the MA/early child hood program shares desires to be certified and have a great career working with children when they talk to the advisors...that is a given...but that is like a law student telling it's law professors they want to be a great defense attorney-it is understood that they still have to take the bar exam. So honestly, unless you asked someone if the program was an automatic certification and they said yes- I can't see how you are angry with the school?? Good luck in your career! I too love working with children!
Gini
Harrison,Tennessee,
U.S.A.
University Of Phoenix
#4Author of original report
Thu, July 31, 2008
I wanted to explain one thing that may have not been clear! My academic counselor led me to believe that this program did lead to certification. I know that you have to take a state test and the Praxis exams. I have done that! I just wanted to clear this up as I had gotten a response which stated that the university does not just give you certification. I do know that;what I was angry about was being led to believe that I was in a program that would lead to eventual certification!
Constance
Virginia Beach,Virginia,
U.S.A.
You have to go and take your State exam to be certified...
#5Consumer Comment
Fri, July 25, 2008
In most states you need a license to teach. It is one thing to obtain your degree and another and another to be licensed (or certified as you said). You might for example receive your degree from an institution in one state and want to teach in another. In order to be licensed in TN, you must complete a program in education, get a recommendation from the college or university you attended, and take the Praxis Series Exams for state licensing. Your college or university does not provide this to you, you have to apply to take the state exams and do so in person yourself when the state administers them. Tennessee.com has the licensure standards in pdf format on their website here: http://tennessee.gov/education/lic/doc/accttchlicstds.pdf
