Going back to school

hollerjeepgirl

Hi mommas -

I have my BS in Criminal Justice and was going to go back to school for my Masters in Elementary Education. I have a 2 year old, a full-time job and I'll be going to school full-time. This means BIG changes for my family. I've been job hunting anyway since my current office is moving too far away.

Do any other momma's have any advice they can pass on to me? I'm more concerned with paying bills if I'm not working (DH is going to continue working FT). I'm looking for jobs on campus as well, that'd make things a lot easier for me & if it's easy enough work I can just do homework there.

If you went back to school full-time, how many hours a semester did you take & how many hours did you work per week?

Thanks in advance! 

BeckyTheEngineer

I am now finishing my grad degree, and I have a 14 month old and 2.5 year old. A great deal of my coursework has been internships, so I have been working as an intern at least 40 hours a week, in addition to courses.

One thing that is great for me is that I chose to do my classes online. Early on, it meant that I would do all of my work during nap times and weekends, so I was able to be a SAHM for a while. I generally would take two 5 credit classes at a time, but on occasion took 1 class or 3.

Financially, we mainly lived on my husband's salary. It did help for sure when we didn't have to pay for daycare. For me, online was the way to go.

morrkim

I am only working part-time on my Master's in special education, but if you are full-time you might be able to get some loans and I have heard that you can get extra for living expenses while in graduate programs.  I am not taking enough hours to qualify, but I am getting my loans from undergrad reduced because I teach in a high needs field.  If you teach in a high needs field or a title one school you might be able to get the loans forgiven.  I currently have gotten one loan completely taken care of and at the end of this year I should have the other gone or reduced.

I do most of my classes online, but I was doing that anyway because I live so far away from my college, but its the closest that has my degree program.  It has been a lot harder to focus since having Alexis, but I'm getting it done. 

hollerjeepgirl

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hollerjeepgirl

Thank you! I'm hoping we'll get some help paying for daycare from my parents or IL's, that would save us so much during the year. We're already making plans now and working financially to make sure we don't have any expenses. We've very lucky that we have both sets of parents who would help us out in a heartbeat. I wish this program offered online, I asked but they don't. Congrats too on finishing your grad degree and your 2 LO's! I'm nervous about spending time with my DS but I know we'll make it work. DH is really supportive about me going back. My mom offered work that I could do at home if I can't find a PT job on campus or near campus. I guess I'll have to wait and see if any opportunities arise and/or what my course schedule looks like.

 

BeckyTheEngineer:

I am now finishing my grad degree, and I have a 14 month old and 2.5 year old. A great deal of my coursework has been internships, so I have been working as an intern at least 40 hours a week, in addition to courses. One thing that is great for me is that I chose to do my classes online. Early on, it meant that I would do all of my work during nap times and weekends, so I was able to be a SAHM for a while. I generally would take two 5 credit classes at a time, but on occasion took 1 class or 3. Financially, we mainly lived on my husband's salary. It did help for sure when we didn't have to pay for daycare. For me, online was the way to go.

hollerjeepgirl

I will definitely look in to this. I get so overwhelmed when I look at loan information at home. I've heard of scholarships and loans helping out though.  That's really great that they're reducing some of your loans reduced. How long until you're done teaching special education?I originally went in asking to teach high school & the advisor recommended the EC-6 program certificate and if I complete that I also get a Masters degree in it. I said "sign me up!"

I live about 20 minutes away from campus, but work 45 minutes away from home. I've been miserable in my job for months & know this is the right step for me and my family. I don't have any 2nd thoughts about becoming a teacher regardless of what some of my teacher friends say. I'm excited for the challenge  

morrkim:

I am only working part-time on my Master's in special education, but if you are full-time you might be able to get some loans and I have heard that you can get extra for living expenses while in graduate programs.  I am not taking enough hours to qualify, but I am getting my loans from undergrad reduced because I teach in a high needs field.  If you teach in a high needs field or a title one school you might be able to get the loans forgiven.  I currently have gotten one loan completely taken care of and at the end of this year I should have the other gone or reduced.

I do most of my classes online, but I was doing that anyway because I live so far away from my college, but its the closest that has my degree program.  It has been a lot harder to focus since having Alexis, but I'm getting it done. 

morrkim

hollerjeepgirl:

I will definitely look in to this. I get so overwhelmed when I look at loan information at home. I've heard of scholarships and loans helping out though.  That's really great that they're reducing some of your loans reduced. How long until you're done teaching special education?I originally went in asking to teach high school & the advisor recommended the EC-6 program certificate and if I complete that I also get a Masters degree in it. I said "sign me up!"

I live about 20 minutes away from campus, but work 45 minutes away from home. I've been miserable in my job for months & know this is the right step for me and my family. I don't have any 2nd thoughts about becoming a teacher regardless of what some of my teacher friends say. I'm excited for the challenge  

morrkim:

I am only working part-time on my Master's in special education, but if you are full-time you might be able to get some loans and I have heard that you can get extra for living expenses while in graduate programs.  I am not taking enough hours to qualify, but I am getting my loans from undergrad reduced because I teach in a high needs field.  If you teach in a high needs field or a title one school you might be able to get the loans forgiven.  I currently have gotten one loan completely taken care of and at the end of this year I should have the other gone or reduced.

I do most of my classes online, but I was doing that anyway because I live so far away from my college, but its the closest that has my degree program.  It has been a lot harder to focus since having Alexis, but I'm getting it done. 

 

This is my 5th year teaching and I have been teaching special Ed since graduating college with a bs in elementary education and an emphasis in special education.  I have around 2-3 years left before graduating, depending on if we move closer or not.  I can only take one class at a time because I live 2.5 hours from campus and I have to leave early from work to get to class on time so I only take one class at a time. I have been very lucky.  my professors work with me so i don't have to go in each week; usually once a month. I also took a semester off due to the pregnancy and not wanting to drive that far at 8 and 9 months pregnant, so I am slightly behind.