I would be interested in knowing why I am at this moment considered 100% qualified to teach at any community college in this country, but not qualified to teach high school students. Unless they were high school students dual-enrolled at community college...
Without knowing where you live and exactly what your educational qualifications/ background is, I really can't say for certain. I can offer some suggestions, but I don't want these seen as etched in granite:
Teachers have training in Special education.
School Law, There are things you can do in Colleges that you can't in High schools etc..
Test creation and development.
Curriculum development.
Student teaching under a cooperating/ mentoring teacher.
I know that there are Vocational education programs that allow you to teach after taking 5-6 classes, and I have several friends that have gone through "Alternative Certification" programs that gave them credit for life experience.
Looking at your state requirements, and based on your degree in science/engineering, you ARE qualified to walk into a classroom this September under the alternative licensure program your state offers. The only additional requirements are 12 semester hours (which some districts will pay completely or partially) and 50 hours of supervised student contact (observations). The only approved program is through the Kaplan school and is available online. 12 semester hours are divided into 'quarter hours' and include Ad psych, Ed psych, Reading in the content area, exceptional children, methods, history of ed, and some pedagogy. You state has one of the easiest alternative certifications I've ever seen.
However, even though I hold a Masters from UVA and have been certified in my state for 10 years, I would qualify for the same type of license you would have as I am missing at least two of the required courses. I was surprised as I thought VA had 100% reciprocity with all states but Michigan and NY.