Hey everyone - I'm a teacher in PA and was wondering when most teachers start their grad programs. This is my first year, and I don't even want to start thinking about looking at schools til the summer time. I'm almost positive us Pennsylvanians have 6 years to get 24 post-bachelor credits before our certificate expires. I'd like to start sooner rather than later, but just can't imagine looking at anything until summer! My only worry is that I know you have to apply months ahead of time and I don't want to fall too far behind@
I started the summer after my first year. I probably would have started earlier if I had the money. I'm used to being really busy all the time, so I like going to grad school while I'm teaching. I found a local college that offered both online and in-person classes so it would be easier to finish. I am just finishing up an internship now and I will be done in May this year!
I did the same as Alice. I was a lawyer before becoming a teacher, but I still had an initial license from my minor in Ed. from my undergrad.
I'm in my third year of teaching and just started grad school this past fall. I think I would have been okay starting it right after my first year, but I'm glad I decided to wait one more year. I feel a lot less stressed this year, so adding on grad school hasn't been too bad.
I think it's better to start your grad work right away. Not only is it a good idea to just keep moving with the whole school thing, it will also let you scoot up the payscale a little faster. Remember that once you move up, you'll always make that extra money. So if you make an extra $2,000 per year for having X number of credits, you'll make that extra $2,000 every single year, which will really add up over the course of your teaching career.
I started upgrading my certification (not my Masters) last year... that kind of fell apart when I ended up without a job at the end of the year. I've come to the realization that I would like to scratch the certification upgrade route that I was taking, and will instead take my Masters... but I need to make sure I have a little more job security before I start on my Masters.
It's my 2nd year teaching, and I'm applying to a grad program this week. I wanted to give myself 2 years to breathe and figure out what I wanted to do. I plan on started this coming fall. I'm ready and excited!
I'll be finishing my 3rd year teaching this year and will be starting classes this summer or fall, depending on what is offered/times. I was so burnt after my undergrad I needed some time away! And it's been a really stressful 3 years for me. A regional campus where I got my undergrad has a full masters program, which is nice! So I still have to go to class..but I don't mind, that will make me be more focused/organized knowing I have to go somewhere! lol I'm an art teacher...and for the most part am just an unorganized person..well its more like organized chaos!
I have to go back soon, but I'm having a problem figuring out what to major in for my masters program. I have my certs in el and sped ed. I want to be on an administrative team, but NOT a principal. I want to create behavior programs. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
I started grad school before I had a job. Had no trouble at all finding employment even though the district that offered me a contract pays people with master's degrees about $8,000 more a year (and my master's isn't even in education)
When did you find your job? I had the same experience--Masters degree with no teaching experience. I got my first teaching job four years ago. At the time, my district was hiring left and right, literally thousands of new teachers every year. In the last couple of years, though, due to huge budget cutbacks, they've been a lot more selective about who they hire. In my district you won't get hired with a Masters degree and no experience unless you a) know somebody and/or b) are licensed to teach a high-need area like math. I'm sure it's not like that everywhere in the country, but it's certainly how it is here.
I would go back asap. I wish I had gone back sooner so that i could get the pay increase faster. Teachers are not paid very well here in georgia. I do recommend Walden University. I have been going online through their program and have really enjoyed the experience. Everything I have learned is really useful and practical.
Is Walden an entirely online school? I did my master's thesis on how employers perceive education and only three survey respondents would consider a degree from an online university acceptable, though most saw nothing wrong with a 100% online degree through a brick and mortar university
I waited until my 9th year of teaching to start my grad program this year and really, it was just finally the best time for me. I should have gone right after my undergrad but my kids started growing up and I had to be there for them more and more. When they were little, I could keep them busy with day care, school, park programs, sports lessons, etc...but when they got older and wanted to hang out a t home more, I needed to be around to supervise them. I'm glad I did because they are both really great young adults. Now I'm in grad school in a hybrid program where I attend face-to-face classes three to four times out of 8 week classes. The cohort meets 5 minutes from my home and we stay with the same group of people for the entire 2 years. Works for all of us and the program I'm in as a brand new program being offered this year at the university. It's an educational technology masters. Pretty cool and useful stuff!
Go and get it as quickly as you can before you get tied up with kids, soccer, ballet, and everything else. Its also just easier when you're younger. I started mine 10 years after I started teaching. I couldn't really afford it before then because I was tied up with my kids.
I found my job in December. I may have an advantage in that my degree is not in Education though its still an a subject that hasn't been ruled illegible for the pay increase.
I just started three weeks ago. I'm going through Walden and really enjoy it at this point. I'm in my third year of teaching and am really glad I have my feel on the ground before I started! I'm looking forward to having my degree in 18 months . . . as long as I can stay on track! Good luck in making your decision!
I started taking courses during my fourth year of teaching... prior to that I wasn't sure if I wanted a Masters in Education or something else. Luckily I was able to transfer to an awesome program that is targeted specifically toward experienced bilingual teachers - and it's over 90% funded by grants! For me it was definitely worth the wait. Initially I thought I would get a Masters in Ed. Admin and now I know I would never go that route.
