Back to School
For the past 8 years I have been a substitute teacher with a local school district. At first, teaching was supposed to be a temporary position for me. My husband was just beginning to bring in income from his business, but not enough for the two of us. So, sick of corporate jobs and recently laid off, I plunged into teaching. At the time, the local school district only required a Bachelor’s Degree and a basic skills test. Many of my friends had gone this route and had actually become teachers, being hired immediately with emergency credentials. This wasn’t what I was expecting, nor did I think I wanted to teach for long. Subbing gave me some flexibility that a full-time job did not offer. I could still help my husband with his business on my days off and after school.
In the beginning, I subbed sporadically, but eventually became a favorite at a couple of schools. Pregnant teachers who soon would be on maternity leave would request me, and soon I was teaching in back-to-back long term assignments. Out of 180 school days, I soon averaged 170 working days. I realized I was executing all of the duties of a full-time teacher, yet on half the pay. Eight years into subbing, I realize I need to go back for my teaching credential. So, this week I start part-time at a local state college.
Bad Timing
As much as I am a positive person, I do realize that going back for a teaching credential this year may be horrible timing on my part. The state I live in is basically broke. The money for education has been greatly reduced and many current teachers have been laid off. Subbing for me this year will also be a bit stressful since many of the laid off teachers have been thrown into the sub pool, increasing the amount of teachers available to take on a temporary position.
Even though I am attending college part-time and won’t finish with a credential for 2 years, there may not be any jobs when I finish. Again, bad timing on my part. However, if I put off getting a credential for a few more years, I know I will regret it once the state recovers financially and begins hiring teachers again. I feel it’s best to be tenacious and achieve my credential goal; a better safe than sorry approach.
Tuition, Books, and Fees
I won’t say how long it’s been since I attended college, that would give away my age. However, it’s been a while and tuition has doubled, though it’s still affordable at my local state college. Years ago, my parents paid for my tuition, I was very lucky to have earned a BA without taking on debt. Then, I applied for student loans for some additional courses after I had graduated (I’m still paying these off ). Now, I intend to pay for my tuition out of pocket, in cash. Since we’re saving for a house with the intent on purchasing within the next year, I decided it was best not to apply for any new loans. I also decided that since it is such a short program, full-time students can complete it in 1 year, I figured it didn’t make sense to take on new debt.
I am becoming a budgeting maniac! I set aside a small amount, about $400 a month, towards the next semesters tuition. Any amount that I’m short is, unfortunately, coming out of our ‘house’ fund. Since I live within 4 miles of the school, I decided not to purchase a $300 parking permit. Instead, I enjoy riding my bike and can save money at the same time. Luckily, I live in a very temperate climate; not too hot, not too cold, not to wet, etc. I’ve also become a bargain shopper. I was able to price check all of my required course books and purchased them through Amazon and Ebay (some are used, some are new). The total for 7 books was $152.00, quite a deal considering one of them sells for $131 at the campus book store.
Half Full/Half Empty Outlook
Once I’ve completed my credential program, the worst case scenario I could encounter is that there still won’t be any teaching jobs available. Of course, being a ‘glass is half full’ type of gal, I figure I can always go into private school. I could also continue subbing until positions opened up. Hopefully, two years from now the economy will be in recovery and more funding for education will increase.
The best case scenario is my state’s economy will recover, providing more funding for the schools; schools will begin to hire more teachers because of reduced class sizes. Because I am well known in one particular school, the idea of hiring me has already been brought up. The teachers are rooting for me to be hired as soon as it is feasible. It’s a good thing that eight years of teaching elementary-aged children has taught be to be patient.
