Has anyone gone back to school to become a teacher?

Original post by Mandy77

Jul 12, 2004 10:19 AM

I am thinking of doing this but I will have to go for a few years and won't even have my masters. I will probably be in my early 30's by the time I can my first teaching job.

Has anyone done this?

Betty Posted: Jul 12, 2004 04:37 PM

Re: Has anyone gone back to school to become a teacher?

I agree. I didn't have teaching undergrad so I was in the program for people changing careers. Most schools should offer this.

StepherG Posted: Jul 12, 2004 04:43 PM

Re: Has anyone gone back to school to become a teacher?

Thank you!!!

nehaliasz Posted: Jul 13, 2004 09:44 PM

Re: Has anyone gone back to school to become a teacher?

Add me to the list! I want to kick myself because I had always wanted to be a teacher, but when I worked for WDW, I decided I wanted to go into Hospitality Management or become (get this) a wedding coordinator!! After I got my degree (Liberal studies with minor in Hosp. Mgmt and concentrations in Communtications and Behavioral Studies) I realized that I didn't want to be working in a hotel, or at weddings when my family would be at home since they're mostly on weekends. I am now a teaching assistant at a Montessori school here in CA, but I want to go back for my masters when we move back to NY. I'll probably go to Dowling. Just another thing I need $$ for!

Finoflynn Posted: Jul 13, 2004 11:01 PM

Re: Has anyone gone back to school to become a teacher?

Posted by StepherG

I am in the same boat! I have a BS in communications, but want to teach elementary school age children. I have no idea how to even begin....I've searched on the internet the requirements to no avail. Can anyone tell me what I need to do?

The NYSED website is good but pretty overwhelming. (even for a teacher who is onb it all the time, like moi)Pick a school first and contact them. That way you can do the classes you need AND take the tests you need for certification. And dont even worry about your age. Ive had some student teachers older than me and its just great to see people dedicated and loving what they are doing. FM me if you have any questions.

holly231 Posted: Jul 13, 2004 11:24 PM

Re: Has anyone gone back to school to become a teacher?

I have an A.S in Finance & Investments, but wanna be a teacher in the worst way!!!!!!! I guess I should call around teh colleges here and see what they have to say..I hope SOMETHIING can transfer for me....I cannot afford another loan

beachgirl13 Posted: Jul 14, 2004 11:13 AM

Re: Has anyone gone back to school to become a teacher?

Another one here! Don't let age discourage you. I am 29 and just got certified. Also, the AP where I student taught told me he liked that I've been in the 'real world' and have other experience. So sometimes it's to your benefit!! Good luck with everything.

KerrC Posted: Jul 14, 2004 11:17 AM

Re: Has anyone gone back to school to become a teacher?

I begin my Masters in Ed. this coming September. This is something I've wanted to do for a long time.

matron Posted: Jul 14, 2004 12:03 PM

Re: Has anyone gone back to school to become a teacher?

I'm 28 and I just completed my masters in elementary ed at Dowling. The problem I'm facing is that my husband and I are going to start TTC soon and I don't want to leave my teaching career in my first year. I also would like to be a SAHM, at least while my baby is a newborn, so I feel like my timing is all off. Also, under the new requirements, your initial certification is only valid for 3 years (nonrenewable) and you need 3 years of teaching experience (+ credits) to make your initial certificate professional. This basically means that you need to be working as a teacher FT from the time you graduate for three consecutive years, or your certification goes nowhere. I'm not trying to discourage you, but if you plan to have a baby soon, this is something you should take into consideration. I wish I would have figured this out before I dove head first into this. I've been fighting NYS over this (it's pretty much illegal) and I have the head of Ed at Dowling fighting NYS for me too. It sux. Sorry to be a bummer! Also, you should seriously consider going into special ed, or secondary science, math, or foreign language because LI jobs are hard to find! (eew, I'm such a downer...) But teaching is very rewarding and nothing compares to it. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

Sanna Posted: Jul 14, 2004 12:04 PM

Re: Has anyone gone back to school to become a teacher?

Have any of you considered becoming a NYC Teaching Fellow? I teach at a school in the Bronx (a very nice school) that has hired quite a few fellows who range from recent college graduates(with non-ed degrees) to those changing careers. I know that you teach while you earn your masters in education (NYC covers a lot of the cost --if not most-- and its a lot less than a private college) and you complete it in two years. Check out www.teachny.com for more information!

Good luck!

matron Posted: Jul 14, 2004 12:08 PM

Re: Has anyone gone back to school to become a teacher?

Posted by Mandy77

Everyone is making me feel better about this, thanks!!!

I guess my biggest problem right now is the money issue. We have so much out in student loans right now and the thought of taking out $20k more really scares me!

You should also consider where you will be in life when your loans start kicking in. My husband and I are looking for a new house and now that my loans are kicking in (and I've been unemployed for quite some time because of student teaching), getting approved for a mortgage is going to be rough. I really, really don't want to discourage you and apologize if I sound like I am, but I wish someone would have talked to me about these things before I left my job.