Back to School for me?

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   ThoughtfulSpotposted 13 years ago

   So, I've been considering returning to school to get my education degree for quite a while... and I think its time.  I've started filling out an application for an online program to get my post-baccalaureat (sp?) teaching certificate.
   
   I'm terrified, but excited too.  Has anyone done this type of program?  Just curious if anyone had any tips... Working on my essay now, might take me away from my hubs for a while, but I guess this is important...
   
   Ok, back to that essay...

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      starme77posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Havent done that type of programn , but i am always taking some kind of school course. Good for you , the more you learn , the more you know, and knowledge is King

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      cosetteposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      i think Crazdwriter is a teacher. anyway, good luck. i am pulling for you. that is quite a wonderful endeavour!

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      1. 68

         ThoughtfulSpotposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks Cosette.  We'll see how it all goes.  Maybe I'll have to drop Crazd a note and see what kind of insight she has!  I've been reading a lot of habee's hubs too.  She has some on how to be a good teacher.  I suppose I'm putting the cart before the horse, but I'm in that mindset right now.

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      prettydarkhorseposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Thoughtless, good luck to you, I now that you will be successful, I also studied while having my children and I am short of Ph.D dissertation, but I managed to juggle my time because of patience and sacrifice,
      
      go girl,
      
      I dont have any idea about that program, but then I also taught in an online environement and all you need to do is just to follow modules, communicate often wih your teacher and colaborate with your virtual classmates through emails etc.

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         ThoughtfulSpotposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks Maita! You go on the PhD... that's quite an accomplishment!

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2. 68

   ThoughtfulSpotposted 13 years ago

   Thanks starme.  Its a little intimidating for me.  I tend to throw myself full force into everything I do.  When I was in college, I barely slept, took way too many credits, etc.  Now that I have children, a home and a full time job, its going to be a whole new world for me... an entirely different kind of balance I'm going to have to strike.  Not sure how that will go.

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   kmackey32posted 13 years ago

   Go for it. I would if I could afford too.

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   1. 68

      ThoughtfulSpotposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I can't, in the slightest afford this. But, I've been letting things get in my way for years.  I think I've decided its finally time to stop.  My husband has been back to school twice now (once for certifications and once for a 2 year degree which he is almost finished.)  We have never had the money.  We never knew how we were going to pay for it, and, somehow, we figured it out.
      
      I may be in debt and best friends with the financial aid department by the time I'm done, but I think it will be worth it.

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   Dink96posted 13 years ago

   If you think this is something that you truly want to do, don't let anything stand in your way.  Things have a way of working out.  I returned to school this fall (only took one class), but it's been a wonderful experience!  GO FOR IT! I'm betting your biggest cheerleaders will be right in your own home.  Good luck.

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   1. 68

      ThoughtfulSpotposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Dink!  Congrats on returning to school.  I think the first class is the hardest - kind of getting back into that mode.
      
      And, you are right, I need to just go for it and stop overthinking things too much.  I've been "thinking" for years.  I have 2 little ones at home, and I'm nervous about balancing, but when my husband wanted to go back, I gave him all of this same advice, and just said "we'll make it work."  I need to take some of my own advice.

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         rebekahELLEposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         if you have the support at home, and really want to do it, go for it.

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   rebekahELLEposted 13 years ago

   good for you! good teachers are always needed, especially younger ones. the older ones retire. so it's a constant flow.
   
   do you have a specific age group?
   I have a degree in early childhood education and taught in the classroom for 14 years. now I'm moving in a different direction, but still using my skills and knowledge.
   
   many teachers balance their career with their family and one of the advantages of teaching as a career is the holiday and summer breaks.

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   1. 68

      ThoughtfulSpotposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I've been really debating between Elementary Ed and Secondary English.  I absolutely love reading and writing, and am passionate about books, and anal about grammar.   However, I adore working with younger children and seem to have a knack for communicating with them.  I think I'll be going for the Elementary Ed (more potential job openings around here has sort of swayed the decision which was kind of at a stand still between the two) but, once I find a job, I may consider broadening my horizons by taking classes to qualify as a teacher for middle school or high school as well.
      
      Thanks to you for hanging in there in a tough service industry! I may seek you out for advice along the way if that would be alright.

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   Denno66posted 13 years ago

   Great idea ThoughtfulSpot! I, too, am going back to school. But, this isn't about me, only that I feel your nervousness. In your case, you've chosen one of the greatest professions; Education is the most important thing in a person's life, it goes way beyond the classroom. A sincere Congratulations to you!

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      ThoughtfulSpotposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Denno!  The nervousness is unbelievable.  You'd think as a grown, confident adult who has done this all before, I'd feel at least a little more "been there, done that."  But, alas, no such luck.  What area are you studying? (If that's not too personal a question.)

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         Denno66posted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Well, thank you for asking(nah, it's not too personal). I'm studying for an Associates in Applied Science in Architectural and Engineering Design(that's a mouthful).

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         1. 68

            ThoughtfulSpotposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Wow.  Color me impressed! An Engineer AND a talented writer.  Not often, you find someone capable of navigating both sides of the brain like that. lol!

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               Denno66posted 13 years agoin reply to this

               Well, when you find the road map, please let me know!

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                  ThoughtfulSpotposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  No chance of that! I tossed my map out the window years ago!

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                     Denno66posted 13 years agoin reply to this

                     Paah!, We don' need no stinkin' maps!

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7. 70

   uliveulearnposted 13 years ago

   Congrats!  It sounds like you have given it plenty of thought and you have great support from your husband.  You may have to do a lot of time management planning together where the kids are involved.  There will be tough days but most will be rewarding.  You are obviously intelligent and articulate.  I know you will do well and have lots to be proud of.  Good luck.

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   rebekahELLEposted 13 years ago

   feel free to contact me anytime. teaching is not easy, but easily the most rewarding career I can think of. it becomes easier with experience, but I don't know one seasoned teacher who is not nervous that first day of the new school year.
   
   I worked with the young ones, and being able to help lay the foundation is amazing, you learn to really appreciate everything in life and look at life differently when you're sitting there helping a child learn how to hold a pencil or the first time a child opens a book and starts reading.
   
   one of the great rewards of teaching is that you learn so much!!
   good luck.

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      ThoughtfulSpotposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you so much.  Now that I've decided to do this, I just wish there was a way to speed up the process and get to the teaching! Helping our interns at my current job, and running the occassional workshop are definitely my favorite parts of my job.

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   uliveulearnposted 13 years ago

   I love your attitude rebekahELLE.  I am sure you are an amazing teacher.  Wish you were here to teach my grandkids when they are old enough to go to school.  It is so great that Hubpages brought you to guide and inspire Thoughtfulspot.

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10. 68

    ThoughtfulSpotposted 13 years ago

    Thanks for the support UliveUlearn!

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    Wayne Orvisburgposted 13 years ago

    All I can say is make sure you check the accreditation of the school you are going through.

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    1. 68

       ThoughtfulSpotposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you.  That is very good advice.  I plan on attending (pending acceptance, of course) an accredited "brick and mortar" university that happens to offer an online curriculum for my area.  But, you are right.  It is scary out there with all of the scams and "online learning" promises that can blindside you.

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