I graduated from undergrad last year and now want to study a Master’s in either Math Education or Social Work. However, I’ve been unable to go back to school because of my economic situation. I wonder: what scholarship or fellowship programs would you guys recommend me as an NY indigent who loves school? Or better yet, what tips would you guys suggest to finance my degree? I want to continue my education. I miss studying! 
What I did was, first, teach for a year. There’s no way I would want grad school on top of that first year of teaching!!
Then, like everyone else I knew, I went to school part time while I worked during the day.
for what it’s worth, I think St. Johns University still gives a big discount… I think it may be up to 40%-- for teachers working in Catholic schools. It’s also possible that if you have a math degree, those Catholic schools may be willing to work with you on certification. Math is a tough spot to fill, and they don’t have the same requirements as public schools. But if that’s a direction you’re thinking of, get your resumes out ASAP-- as in this week. I know that we tend to fill vacancies by mid June.
I recommend CUNY Hunter or Queens College for a masters in education. In state rates are very reasonable and the programs are both thought of well by those in the profession, from what I have been told.
Since you have a first terminal degree, you are eligible for financial aid based on your own income and earnings, even if you are under 24.
I loved so much your answer. Thank you very much! It was very helpful.
I must say, I do not have a degree in math. I did my Bachelor’s in Psychology, but I took a few math classes in college (i.e., Pre-Calculus, Calculus I & II, Linear Algebra, Stats, Financial math, Physics I & II). Furthermore, I have eight years of experience working as a math tutor in both private and public schools. Since I did not major in math while I was an undergraduate student, getting (or working towards) a Master’s degree in Math Education is crucial for me to hold a job as a math instructor.
Would my years of experience and the few math courses I took in undergrad be sufficient to get a job as a math teacher in the classrooms even though I don’t have a math degree at the undergrad level?
I’ve also heard that Lehman College has a great program in Education. Do you know how the Loan Forgiveness program work? That sounds as something I would likely take into consideration.
Not necessarily.
Catholic and private schools aren’t held to the same licensing requirements as public schools. And it’s frequently VERY difficult to find high school math teachers. You might consider sending out some resumes and seeing how it goes.
But do it RIGHT AWAY!!! My friend’s son was hired on Friday by a local Catholic high school. (He does have all the ed credits, and PA certification, but isn’t yet certified in NY.)
That said, those same schools won’t pay for your Master’s. You need it anyway, there’s no reason that they would pay for it.