Help please--Anyone go back to school to be a teacher? How long did it take?

[Tracey1974]

I'm thinking of doing a career change into something I kind of always wanted to do. It took me 8 years to put myself through and finish college but being in the corporate world isn't all it is cracked up to be. I always wanted to be a teacher but "that wasn't where the money was" so I took a different route. Money isn't everything these days and I'd like to take a shot at teaching.

I live in PA and have a social sciences degree. I'd like to get into early elementary or K-8 if there is such a thing. Has anyone gone back to school to get their teaching certificate? Were you able to do it while working a full time job? Just wanted to get some feelers out. Thanks!!

 

[magicmirror]

I just returned to college and am doing the same thing. I think it depends on how many courses you need. Since you already have one degree you should have most of your basic courses already, I would guess you could do it in 2 years, probably less.

 

[lillygator]

I would check and see if the schools have any sort of specialized track. I know here in Florida there is a track for people who already have a degree to come back to school and earn a teaching degree in less time than normal....well here in Sarasota (USF) anyway, nto sure about the whole state.

 

[SDFgirl]

I did. I had a business-related Bachelor's degree and was working in Human Resources. While I liked my job okay, I never felt passionate about it and couldn't see doing it as a career for the rest of my life. So, I listened to my gut and went back to school to teach.

My program was a Master's program designed for people who are working full time. Classes were on weekends and evenings. They have elementary, middle, and high school certifications. All told, it was five semesters of very intensive work. That inclues your student teaching semester.

As for working full-time...many people in my program did it, some with kids. Myself, I worked full-time for 3 of the 5 semesters and eventually got so frazzled and tired that I quit my full-time job and started working part time as a nanny. My program was feasible for those working full time, if your job was flexible. For instance, we had to do a certain number of observation hours in local schools per semester. Most people just took time off from work to do that, but if you didn't have the vacation time and/or flexible boss, that could have been an issue.

Then, of course, comes the issue of the student teaching semester. I would have had to quit my job anyway to do this, with no guarantee of a job afterwards. Some lucky few could take an unpaid leave from work, most had to quit. You also have to deal with making no money for several months because it's so much work, you can't get a night job. But, everyone found a way to work it out.

I know job prospects vary from state to state, but I had no problem finding a job after I graduated. I graduated in December and started teaching at a wonderful school in January. Most of the people in my program also found jobs right away.

It was a challenge, and scary at times, but it was a wonderful decision for me. The hugs from the kids, the smiles, the "breakthroughs" with difficult children - it makes my day every day. There have been many times I cried out of pure frustration or sadness, there have been times I doubted if I would be a good teacher or not...but through it all is a feeling that I'm finally doing the "right" thing. This first semester of teaching has been very, very emotionally difficult and very rewarding too. Do not ever go into teaching if you want a job you can forget about at night. You can't - I think about my job all of the time. Sometimes that gets on my nerves, but I know it's worth it.

I hope I've given you some information you can use. Please, please feel free to PM me with questions. I would have loved someone to bounce ideas off of when I was just beginning this process. Good luck with your decision!!

 

[golfgal]

Well, it depends. In Minnesota, it will probably be different in PA, if you want to do elementary education it will probably take 2 1/2-3 years since Elementary Education is a BA major in itself. Since you already have your general eds covered, you would just need to take the El. Ed course. If you wanted to do secondary ed 7-12, you could get it done in under 2 years because for secondary ed you get a major in a subject area, Social Science in your case, and then get a minor in Secondary Education. You will also have to do a student teaching period-a semester or so.

Check online to see what your area college requires for their education courses and that will give you a good idea what the state requires for certification.

 

[jw50]

Make sure you research all of the options that are available and the pros and cons of each. The quickest route to certification may not be the best route in the long run.

If you are going to invest that much time in getting certified, a Masters degree may make the most sense. When my wife decided to become a teacher it took her about 2 years to get a Masters in Education which was actually quicker than it would have taken her to get certified if she had just taken the undergraduate courses.

 

[Marseeya]

I'm thinking of doing a career change into something I kind of always wanted to do. It took me 8 years to put myself through and finish college but being in the corporate world isn't all it is cracked up to be. I always wanted to be a teacher but "that wasn't where the money was" so I took a different route. Money isn't everything these days and I'd like to take a shot at teaching.

I live in PA and have a social sciences degree. I'd like to get into early elementary or K-8 if there is such a thing. Has anyone gone back to school to get their teaching certificate? Were you able to do it while working a full time job? Just wanted to get some feelers out. Thanks!!

I'm in PA, too, but on the other side of the state. My DH is from Easton.

Do you just want to get certified to teach, or do you want to get your masters? Frankly, it could take just as long to do it either way, so I'd go for the masters. Just start calling around your local colleges and ask about post-baccalaureate (sp?) certification and they should be able to tell you what you'd need. It has taken me 2 years to get my masters degree, and that's full time with me not working.

 

[ahutton]

Just a place to check, but look at your State Board of Educators Certification. They often have information available about financial assistance for professionals who want to teach, scholarships and such. They also may have guidance assistance to help you talk through your options of a fast track cert program vs. going back to school for another degree. In Austin you can actually do your learning time while you are teaching, lots of districts are in such need of teachers it is necessary.

Something to consider - if you can in your area - maybe sub for a while to see if you really can get passionate about teaching? I didn't sub, but I took on a couple classes in public speaking. Those kids were some of the best of the best, and it still was not at all what I expected.

 

[grlpwrd]

Make sure you research all of the options that are available and the pros and cons of each. The quickest route to certification may not be the best route in the long run.

That is so true. Here in Virginia we have a certification program for teachers for those who have their bachelor's. I looked because I was considering teaching and here you earn about $2000 to $3000 less per year this way compared to if you have your master's which does add up over time. Definitely check it out.

BTW I am back in school, too. I have a few people in my classes in their 40s and one gentleman who retired from the navy who are earning their education degrees and then they plan to eventually earn their masters.

Yes, your journey may not be as long as you think because you have basic courses earned plus you could probably earn your masters in a special program while teaching.

GL!

 

[Tracey1974]

You guys are awesome- I didn't even think of the Master's idea! I'm home today so I guess I'll start googling. I just think maybe that would be the better long term career choice for me and I have to start somewhere! I'm sure I'll be PM'ing some of you- thank you for your help!

 

[llij]

Good luck in whatever you decide to do!

My undergrad is in Business and I decided to go back to school to get my license. Like others have said, it was actually easier and made more sense for me to get my Masters in Elementary ed so that is what I did. There are many career switchers in my program which is neat. For the most part, the program takes 2 years but I am taking a little longer due to my having a baby this year. Best wishes and pm me if you have any questions.

 

[Bbgrizzle]

I went back to school after I had kids (I did not have an undergraduate degree at that time, just about 30 credits toward a degree in Psychology). I majored in Elementary Ed and it took me about 6 years off and on. Took time off after I had my youngest daughter. If your kids are older, it won't be that bad, but if they are young, like mine were, it is VERY hard! Especially student teaching. For me, student teaching with my BEAST of a cooperating teacher was far harder than my first year teaching.

If you geniuinely love children, you will love teaching. It is the best. Especially teaching Kindergarten, like me! I think they change more the first year than any other year they are in school! Seeing them start the year not even knowing all their letters and sounds and then seeing them actually reading by the end of the year is awesome!

I agree with the poster who said you should substitute teach for a couple years while you are going to school. You get good classroom management experience and you can get good ideas from other teachers. It makes practicums and student teaching a little easier. Good Luck!

 

[Megan23]

I didn't exactly "go back" to school, but I had a similar situation I think. I got my bachelor's degree in three years, graduated and everything, and then the year right after I did a one year post baccalaureate program that got me my teaching certificate. This was through Rio Salado Community College in Arizona. I do live in Arizona, but their program actually serves out of state students as well, and the program should turn over to any other state's department of education requirements.
Anyway, the program should supposedly take 1.5-2 years, but I was on top of things and got it done sooner. Everything is online except for tests which would need to be proctored for out of state. I think that if you're willing to spend an hour or two each night, then you could definitely work full time and do the program as well (maybe take more than a year though). I was working part time, but all of my free time was not spent on school. The assignments for the classes can be done relatively quickly. The program just gets you a teaching certificate, but you don't need any extra coursework as long as you have 24 credits in your area (which I'm sure you do, considering how you have your degree). The only difference is that you are interested in elementary while I did secondary. I don't think the program differs too much, but it will have slightly different requirements.
Anyway, the program was a lifesaver to me because I didn't want to spend more than one extra year in school, and it was the only program I could find that would get me my certificate in a year.
Hope that helps a little!

 

[NookOfTheNorth]

When I looked into getting my teaching certificate in 7-12 English (already had a BA in English) from West Chester University, it was going to take me about 2 years. Granted, this was 13 years ago. Aye Carumba, time flies.

Anyway, when I got married and moved to MD, Towson University had a 1 year (from June to May) full-time Master of Arts in Teaching program. The program is meant for working adults that already had a bachelor's degree. It was an intense program, and I only worked part-time (could afford to do that because it was pre-kids).

I know here in WI a few universities have started a similar program, and I do believe it is the best way to go. It's great to start off a little higher on the pay scale.

 

[KarenB]

I did this!! I started college "from scratch" at age 38. It took me 4 1/2 years to get my BA degree in education. I had/have a family (2 kids and a DH) and worked on the weekend as a waitress. It was a long haul, but I was hired just out of school and I am finishing my third year in a job that I love. My goal was to graduate and get a full time position by age 45, which I did. I can remember asking myself a few times, "What in the world am I trying to do?" I can remember a professor came into the place I worked at and really laid in to me about all I was trying to do-school, work, kids, house, yada, yada, yada.

Good luck!
Karen

 

[Lisa_Belle]

Our state has a "non-traditional" track that allows college graduates the opportunity to take the Praxis tests and then enroll in a two-year mentoring program while they teach. It costs about 2,000 per year, but while earning money in the field. Some school districts and private schools seek out these teachers because they have "real life" experience they bring to the classroom, while others will only hire teachers with an education degree. But some of the best schools hire these teachers. The teachers generally earn a salary based on their level of degree - a bachelor's degree pays a bachelor's salary and a master's pays a master's salary, even if the degree isn't in education. Since most states have at least some areas with teacher shortages, such a program is worth looking into.

 

[LindaG4458]

DSIL did this. She was in a Master's program in classes for one year, then did a full year of student teaching. This is her third career. She has a BS, PhD, and two MSs. She had run a research lab but didn't make enough money, became an engineer and worked in the field for about 10 years, then decided to teach.

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

good luck with what you choose to do, i would love to be a teacher!!!

 

[Missamoncus]

I am doing this right now! Actually, I start my first classes June 5 and picked up my books today. I have a BFA in theatre and have worked in theatre and theatre education after school programs for the last 17 years. Now I am going back for a Masters of Education , Special Ed. cerification k-12. I will be teaching with my masters by Fall 07. This is a special program
for folks who already have thier Batchelors. I will attend full time both summer sessions this year, fall and spring , both summer sessions next year
and then I will be supervised and mentored for the first year of my job.
It is a lot to learn and a lot of concentrated coursework. There are programs like this all over the country because of teacher shortages.

Melissa