*I do not have an Education degree, but I do have experience working with children in an after-school program.
Hi there, long story short I want to become a teacher. I majored in International Studies, took two years of Mandarin Chinese, took on plenty of leadership roles in clubs/organizations, volunteered, interned, and then came upon a job working with children where I realized I love working with children. It’s extremely fulfilling and made me look forward to my job, even on the bad days. I did not change majors because I was too far into my major (to the point of finishing) and I didn’t have the finances to pay for another major.
So my initial plan after I graduated, was to save up enough money and obtain my TEFL certification so I can teach English abroad. It just seemed like the best bet for me. I love working with kids, I like traveling, and it’s always been on my bucket list.
A good amount of that money (I saved for the certification) has gone to medical expenses (I have a pinched nerve) and the pain was just unbearable so I just really did as much as I could to reduce it (chiropractor, masseur, PT, medications, etc…). It’s been five weeks and now I’m starting to feel I can do more things without pain. There’s still a limit, but it’s not to the point where I spend hours waking up in pain and not being able to move.
Anyway, my county offers a program for individuals, to become ESE teachers, who have a Bachelor’s degree in anything but education (there’s a shortage of ESE teachers). The program offers free training sessions in classroom management, basic teaching, pedagogy, resume skills, disability awareness and etc… There’s also job shadowing and GKE test prep courses. There are also a few other perks. I’m extremely interested in this program, but 1) I don’t have a car and 2) I don’t have money for the tests. My medical expenses put me in a position where I’m financially struggling to come up with enough money for my rent and bills. I can take the public bus to the classes and test prep courses, but when it comes to going to schools I doubt I can rely on an uber/lyft and they will probably end up to be uber expensive.
Further down the road, I was also considering a Master’s of Arts in Teaching in Elementary/ESE or Early Childhood Education. I just love working with kids, helping people, and being in a classroom environment.
I just need an outsider’s perspective. What would be the best option? Any suggestions? I need help making a financially sound decision. I also forgot to mention, if I don’t find a full-time job/career by July then I’ll be moving out-of-state and staying with family. I have also don’t have any financial help from anyone other than myself.
*Currently, I have full-time class load, and two part-time jobs (FWS and freelance), but I feel like I should be doing more. I want to substitute teach, but 1) No car and 2) I work M-F.