I have a B.A., I want to teach High School, but I can't afford to go back to school. Help me please!?

Question

Please help! I currently work 45 hours a week with about 1.5 hours total commute per day (total time away from home is 52.5 hours a week). I make just enough to get by (pay my rent, student loans, bills). I live in Pennsylvania. My Bachelor's is in English Writing/Composition. I also minored in Economics. I have a lot of passion for many subjects, and am very bored with my current job but it pays very well. I can't afford to change jobs right now. I also cannot afford to go back to school. This is my dilemma. Can anyone please help me in this situation? I just want to become a teacher and make enough money to stay in my apartment. I don't know where to start.

Answer 1

Join teach America.  I believe that they help you pay for you master's while on the job for them....good luck!

Answer 2

You can take night classes? You have to have a teaching degree to teach. You could substitue to see if you like it? Check with your state's requirements for teachers to see what kind of degree is required.

Answer 3

in NC you can teach but have to go back to get your teaching license.  you have to take classes to get your license and as long as you are working toward getting you teachers license you can teach.  it is called lateral entry.  You would have to teach High school English and maybe could teach economics also.  You may want to check your state to see if they have this type of program.  with the teaching shortage I am sure they do.

Answer 4

I began my teaching career right after leaving the corporate world with the agreement I would go to school while teaching and get provisionally certified. I'm not sure about PA, but there may be similar programs in the inner city if you're willing.  It's the critical needs areas where they make these concessions the most: math, science, etc. However, I had a great principal and was able to transition after a year of teaching media to English.  Also, special ed is a critical needs area and often districts will pay for your education. Advice:  find out what the critical needs areas there are in local districts and if they offer temporary certification.  Some districts will even pay your tuition while you teach.  Once you get certified in one subject, all you need to do is test into another to receive certification.

Answer 5

Sounds like you are in a tough situation.  There are night classes and many, many of us get through the program (primarily) that way because we have to work.  However, you should be aware that in most states there is some type of student teaching involved (in CA is 2 semesters about 6 weeks the first time and 10 weeks the second time) and that must be done during the school day and there is no way around it.  So when you consider how much it will cost you to go back to school, you will need to take that into account.  My job worked with me so I was able to keep working, but my hours were much shorter during that time so I had to have some money put away.  As to money, the only thing I can think of is a student loan and there are loans that will give you the money you need to live on during that time.  I would not suggest trying to make it to whole two years that way, but you could borrow what you need for school with some extra to take care of whatever hours you'll need to cut when you student teach.  It is pretty tough for many of us, but it can be done.  Best of luck to you!

Answer 6

In Texas, we have a program called alternative certification.  It can be done on-line or through a university program.  It's a quick way to get a teaching certification if you already have a bachelor's degree.

Call a local university and see if there are any state program's or look on-line for Pennsylvania alternative teaching certificate.