I am starting grad school going part-time in a few weeks (one class, one day a week), would be full-time but since I landed a job I didn't want to bite off more than I can chew. I know it's hard work to be a first year teacher and go to school, but I am up for the challenge. Last Fall semester I was in school full-time while working as an IA full-time as well, and made good grades, so I think I can handle it. Plus I have been wanting to go to this University since I was like 12 so I didn't want to give up this opportunity! Is anyone else going to Grad school this year?
Yup, I'll be starting my Master's in the fall as well. I'm starting my second year of teaching. I give you lots of credit for going during your first year! I couldn't imagine trying to do that... I'm even a little nervous about starting it this early in my career.
I've been going to grad school as an aide. Now that I'm a first year teacher, I'm not going to take classes. I am, however, going to sign up for the practicum (which can be done over a longer period of time than just one semester) and whenever I can find my way to observe or participate in other classes (even if it is at another school during my break) then that is my plan. Otherwise, I'm not going to be juggling that. I will, however, resume again in the summer and next year. Good luck!!
I will be starting grad school in the spring - but it is my 2nd year of teaching, I give you kudos for starting your 1st year of teaching. But you will be fine. Just keep it organized and everything will work out! Good luck!
This is my 4th year back teaching, and my 3rd in fourth grade. I started grad school in June. I am taking 3 courses each semester and will graduate next July. It will be tough this year, but by this time next year I will be finished...or beginning my Specialist degree, I haven't really decided yet.
Personally, I think it is great to be in school while teaching. You can take what you learn and apply it directly to your class. You can debrief with other professionals about good and bad things happening in your class. One semester, I was a full time teacher and a full time student! It was crazy, but I truly enjoyed the experience of doing both. Good luck!
Like some of you here, I will be starting grad school in a few weeks. The difference is that I will be obtaining my initial teacher certification in my Master's program because I am a career changer. I've been an RN for quite awhile and I will continue to work while I'm in school until I get to my student teaching assignment which lasts for 12 weeks at the end of my program. I only work 2-3 twelve hour shifts a week, so I have plenty of time available for my school work and the 150 hours of observation time required in my Master's program. I also substitute teach for my district as well. I am SO looking forward to this as being an elementary school teacher is something I have wanted to do since I was about 7 or 8 years old. It's never too late!! :thumb: May I ask if any of you are going to school online and which school you will be attending?
I'm a first year teacher too, and I started my master's online in May. I took five courses over the summer and I plan on taking three in the fall. The way I think about it is this, I took a full course load during my internships when I didn't get paid, and now we get paid to teach and take even fewer classes! I think we just have to stay focused and pick a day/time to complete the work and devote the rest of our time to our job, just like we did in undergrad.
I feel like, if I don't get the ball rolling now, then I really do not think I will have the motivation to do it later when I'm married, have kids and all that good stuff. It was hard work getting into grad school. I can't imagine trying to chase down professors/co-workers for recommendations a year from now. Plus I work better when my life is semi-hectic, I know it sounds crazy, but it's true. I just pulled off 19 credits this past spring, and ended up on the dean's list-I just seem to get things done under pressure. I am not going online which means I have to commute one day a week, which isn't that bad. I'm at Howard University in DC btw.
I will be going to grad school in a few weeks. I'm pretty excited. I waited until I was tenured because of the job market around here. They just love to let non-tenured teachers with masters go because of how much they cost to keep. I will be going to school without that added worry. It's just so competitive around here with so many new education graduates twice a year. I know that many places in the country actually WANT you to have a masters before they'll even hire you but around here, applying for a position with a masters works to our disadvantage. Go figure. I'm really excited to go back to school!
OOo, Zoe, where are you? (you can PM me a general area if you don't want your business out in the open). I'm a young, beginning teacher and currently earning a Masters. Should I be worried about getting let go?
Hi! I going to be a first year teacher in a few weeks...I actually am starting my masters degree the same day as school starts! I'll be teaching PreK, and doing 2 classes online for my degree. I say way to go us! We are willing to take the challenge!
I will be full-time while starting my first year teaching. This is going to be extra challenging because we have blocks, but the kids only take 4 classes, so I have to compress a full year prep into one semester. At least Spring will be like a do-over, with my fall kids the guinea pigs. (joking, sort of) I need to finish my masters before this time next year.
I have an M.A. in my subject area and I think it counts against me at this stage. Why pay a new alt cert intern $1000 more a year when you can get one for less? I would gladly forgo the M.A. rate bump if I could just get the job.
I chose Florida State University because it was all online. I debated going to University of Central Florida because that is where I got my undergrad, but it was a two year program. Honestly, I chose FSU so I could get it done in a year, not to mention it was one of the cheapest in the state. I think the hardest part about choosing a school, was choosing the program. I applied to two totally different programs and chose the one just because of the time.
I looked into that program as well, but since I need to have a program that will lead to an INITIAL teacher certification, I couldn't do it. You apparently have to already be a teacher for that particular program.
