Any teachers out there have information (generally) on certification and student teaching?

It varies widely by state and by how badly the state needs teachers.

As a general rule, it’s about a year’s worth of classes, plus student teaching, and you can usually take them at night. If you’re in a state that really needs teachers, you might be able to get provisional certification and then take the required classes over the next few years.

Your best bet, as you’re in school now, is to consult the education department—they can give you more concret information.

This question is very difficult to answer without knowing which state you are in. You can look at http://www.nbpts.org/ for information on credentials to be certified across the states.

Unless you want to teach in France I can’t help.

Alright, well, thanks anyway. I want to teach in Illinois, if anyone sees this still, and has Illinois information.
@ds: If I spoke French, then that might be an option. As it stands, I only know a little Russian. ;-)

@DS: I’d actually like to teach in France. What do you know?

State of Illinois Teacher Certification Requirements