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Share this4 Myths: Changing Careers To Become A Teacher
Have you ever Googled what it takes to become a teacher but got lost along the way?
Perhaps teaching has been on your heart and mind for years, but the idea of starting over is too much to fathom, especially given the challenges of today.
If you only take one thing away from this post, remember this: it is possible. You don’t have to start over, we need teachers, and you can do it.
My name is Kristen Nielsen and I’m the Director of Recruiting for Adult and Graduate Education programs at Roberts Wesleyan College. I’m here to help you discover your opportunities.
I’ll start by debunking a few of the most common myths about becoming a teacher, specifically pertaining to adult learners.
Myth: I have to start over
Truth: You can start where you are now
Many people believe that in order to become a teacher, you have to drop whatever you’re doing and go back to square one.
That’s simply not true. You don’t need to earn a second bachelor’s degree and you don’t need to have previously completed education coursework.
There are New York State certification programs that are geared towards “career changers” and people with degrees in something other than education.
You can build off of your past knowledge and experience and then complete all of the education classes you need through an approved teacher education program.
Depending on what degrees and credits you already hold, all of this can be done at the bachelor’s or master’s level.
Myth: I have to quit my current career to pursue teaching
Truth: You can continue working while going back to school
As the need for teachers has increased, so has the innovation of colleges across the state to meet those needs. It's not realistic to expect working adults to drop everything in order to invest in their education.
Look for flexible programs with evening and online classes.
For example, our master’s program in either early childhood, childhood, or adolescence is a hybrid mix of evening and online classes. It can be completed in as little as 16 months, or taken at a slower pace to fit your busy lifestyle.
If you don’t yet have a bachelor’s degree, our Pathway to Teaching, B.S. degree-completion program can be completed in less than two years while attending class one night a week.
Are you already working in a school setting in a support or substitute role? You may be able to find programs that allow for job-embedded fieldwork placements.
If you are looking for work while going back to school, subbing could be a great option, whether done individually or through a fellowship program.
Myth: It’s too late for me to start
Truth: Life experience and age can be assets, not obstacles
Are you concerned about the cost of starting a new career at this point in your life? There are plenty of opportunities for growth from additional certifications, responsibilities, degrees, and more.
If you have the passion to teach and you plan to work for at least 10 more years, I believe you can see the return on investment.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average public school teacher wage in New York (including NYC) is $79,650. While a first-year teacher will start at a much lower rate, the earning potential is there.
Are you concerned about fitting in or feeling relevant in the classroom?
At Roberts, we are proud of our diverse student body. Student ages range from 22-62 and everything in between.
Age differences create a richer classroom experience and help every student widen their perspective on life.
Here are the testimonies of two students in Roberts’ Adult and Graduate Teacher Education programs.
After Jack W.’17 (M.Ed.) retired from serving 20 years in the military, he went back to school because he felt the need to continue serving.
“[Because of my past,] I felt I had life experience to offer my students,” shared Jack. “Students don’t just want a prescribed lesson. Sometimes, they want to hear about your life. They appreciate you showing them your human side.”
Perry M.’21 (Pathway to Teaching) decided to make the change in his career at age 56.
After some soul searching, he set a new life mission, to which he would hold himself accountable. “I wanted to treat each day as a gift, and an opportunity to help make a small part of the world in which I live better.”
And what did Perry find?
“Each school year provides 180 days of time with my students to help them to become better versions of themselves."
“I started [this] program at the age of 56. Embrace each moment as it comes because each moment is a gift," he says.
"Life is full of precious and remarkable moments. When I walked through the PTT program, I discovered so many of those moments.”
Myth: There aren’t any jobs
Truth: We’re in a teacher shortage and we need people like you
Somewhere, there’s a student who needs you now, more than ever.
Historically, the NYS teaching market ebbs and flows, and we are currently facing a significant teacher shortage.
- The U.S. Department of Education predicts America will need 160,000 new teachers per year
- In NYS, we will need up to 18,000 new teachers every year
- Since 2009, there has been a 53% drop in college students enrolled in teacher prep programs across the state
- NYS Teacher Retirement System predicts that 32% of NYS teachers could retire in the next several years
- The U.S. Department of Education has identified 18 areas of teacher shortage in New York (compared to only 2 areas a decade ago)
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically increased these needs.
According to the American Federation of Teachers, 1 in 3 teachers say the pandemic has made them more likely to retire earlier than planned. Those numbers were highest amongst those over the age of 50 or with more than 20 years tenure.
Moving Forward
It is my hope that you are finishing this article with a better understanding of your options to pursue your pathway to teaching.
The opportunities are great and the need is even greater.
Take the next step and start searching for the right program.
Regardless of what degrees or credits you currently hold, Roberts Wesleyan University may have the program for you with both bachelor and master level pathways for aspiring teachers.
Want to learn more? Book some time with me to talk about your journey forward.
Sources:
https://www.aft.org/sites/default/files/survey_school-reopening_augsept2020.pdf
https://www.nysut.org/resources/special-resources-sites/look-at-teaching/becoming-a-teacher-legacy
https://www.wsj.com/articles/teachers-are-quitting-and-companies-are-hot-to-hire-them-11643634181
https://www.nysut.org/resources/all-listing/research/fact-sheets/fact-sheet-teacher-shortage-in-new-york-state
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes252012.htm
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