Is teaching in the daytime and earning your master's degree at night extremely exhausting?

Question

Hey guys--

I'm going to start teaching secondary English next fall and I'm enrolling in a graduate program that grants me a Master's degree and initial certification. Is this extremely challenging? Should I complete the program before I start teaching, or should I not worry so much about it? And please, share your own experiences with a intial certification grad. program. Thanks!

Answer 1

I did it... taught at school during the day, worked on my master's taking courses in the evening until 9:00 p.m., and loaded up my summers taking classes.  I had my Master's in under two years.  It was challenging.  I must note that this was before I had children at home... and I think, now being a father of four, that I would have certainly slowed my pace to spend more time with my children.  I also had an understanding spouse... and you'll need that as well.  Be advised your social life will pretty much be on hold if you pursue an aggressive time frame.

Answer 2

It's not the hardest thing I've ever done in the entire world, but it isn't easy. But... it's only temporary. You'll be fine, just use the weekends to catch up on rest, homework, and grading. Keep remembering that it is only temporary... you will have your weekends back soon enough.

If you don't start now, you will be exhausted anyway in 2 years, and be no closer to finishing your degree. Why not jump in with both feet?  I finished in 2 years -- although I planned to finish in 1. I ended up having a baby after year #1. I was tired, and I wasn't the best student in the class, but I finished, and I still maintained my grades AND my job, and didn't lose my sanity. Well, just a little.

Answer 3

Take it on if you can.  No guts no glory.  Hard work always pay off in the end.