I'm in the process of getting an M.A. for "Early Childhood" (Pre-K through Grade 3). I have been laid off from 3 paralegal jobs since my DD was born in October of '08, and I am burned out on law firms (though I still submit to those positions when I see a suitable one). I started out planning to go "Alternate Route" and already have my provisional certificate, so I could teach tomorrow if I got a job...but I was told that many districts won't consider Alternate Route candidates so I decided to go on and get the full degree.
I already have a B.A. in English/Drama, an M.A. in Theatre and years of experience working with kids in the arts (though usually not for pay). My DH works at the University where I take classes so I get a tuition break (not free though!) At this point I am going to take 6 credits this fall and 9 next spring (including student teaching).
Generally I am trying to stay calm - be realistic about the challenges I will face in getting a job, but also not get negative about it! I am tutoring after school four days a week and that's something. I have tutored in the past. I'm on the substitute list in my town as of the start of this month (though I haven't been called YET). There's no way to be sure how things will be in 18 months when I'm done with my degree...so I am forging ahead.
Best of luck with your decision...and don't get TOO stressed about possibilities in the future, if you know what I mean. I have a good friend who constantly reminds me not to try to solve all the problems and "what-ifs" at one time because I'll drive myself crazy; I need to focus on the here-and-now (while not negating the facts!) HTH.
I already have a B.A. in English/Drama, an M.A. in Theatre and years of experience working with kids in the arts (though usually not for pay). My DH works at the University where I take classes so I get a tuition break (not free though!) At this point I am going to take 6 credits this fall and 9 next spring (including student teaching).
Generally I am trying to stay calm - be realistic about the challenges I will face in getting a job, but also not get negative about it! I am tutoring after school four days a week and that's something. I have tutored in the past. I'm on the substitute list in my town as of the start of this month (though I haven't been called YET). There's no way to be sure how things will be in 18 months when I'm done with my degree...so I am forging ahead.
Best of luck with your decision...and don't get TOO stressed about possibilities in the future, if you know what I mean. I have a good friend who constantly reminds me not to try to solve all the problems and "what-ifs" at one time because I'll drive myself crazy; I need to focus on the here-and-now (while not negating the facts!) HTH.