SAHMs who went back to school when DS/DD was little?

[Alys the Cat]

Hi. I still don't even know if quitting my full-time job is financially do-able right now, but I'm brainstorming ideas. Could I use some of my SAHM time to prepare for a career change? I'm in government marketing/PR right now, but have thought about becoming a teacher. Not sure I'd want a full classroom of kids, but the idea of being a reading specialist appeals to me. (And I like the idea of having a teacher's schedule when Nick is ready for school.) Did any of you go back for your Master's while taking care of DS/DD? My undergrad degree is in English, not education, so I'd have a fair number of prerequisites, plus graduate level classes. I'd want to take at least two classes a semester. Would I be able to handle the workload and give DS the attention he deserves?
Thanks for your help!

[cmo]

In terms of handling the classes and workload, it's definitely doable, especially if you are going part time. Many schools offer night or Saturday classes to accomodate those with day jobs. Even if you took day classes, grad school classes usually meet only once or twice a week. Some programs are geared towards folks with FT jobs, some are more for a traditional FT student.

I already had my Master's by the time DD was born, but I can chime in a bit on teacher education. Things can vary from state to state, so I'd definitely check in to your state's requirements first. It's probably online. A lot of education programs have programs for people like you, i.e. who already have a non-education degree but want to go into education. Some states with teacher shortages also have a fast-track program that give you a bare-bones training and gets you into a classroom fast, without even a student teaching component, if I remember correctly. There are other certification-only programs (my sister did one of these) that take about a year (full time), sometimes with an optional Master's attached if you take additional classes within a certain amount of time. There are other traditional Master's programs that earn you the degree and certification all at once. It's nice to have the Master's though, because it usually means a few extra thousand a year in salary. I did a Master's program that earned me a degree in Library Science, plus a few extra classes to get certified to work as a school librarian. My state was one of the few (if not the only) that don't require a teaching certificate to be a librarian as long as you have the state certification in library science. I really liked working in the library/media center, and thought it was one of the best jobs in the school: you get to see all ages, you discover all kinds of wonderful books and tie them into lessons, no report cards, and no matter how bad it got with any given group, they'd be gone in a half hour! If I couldn't have worked in the library, I might have been the gym teacher, for similar reasons! It really is a good career for a mom; the hours match up nicely with your own kids', you get insight into how & what works in schools, and while the pay won't make you rich, in most states it's a decent income. Good luck to you!

Chris

[toomanystrollers]

Yup, it can be done :) Just start off slowly and before you know it, you'll be done!! I finished my MS (management) right before delivering baby #3. Starting this January, I'll be taking some evening courses in preparation of an accelerated MS in nursing.

Another plus, it's good to get out of the house!! I figure by the time our youngest is in first grade (5 more years), I'll be ready for my new career.

[ddmarsh]

I had DS's #1 and #2 while in graduate school; and then DS #3 while in law school. I always found that it was the best of both worlds - being able to stay at home but yet have some stimulation and get out amongst big people for a while :).

Good luck!

[aliceinwonderland]

well, it depends what yoou want to do and what kind of program, and also whether it is full- or part- time.

I never was a stay at home mom. Had DS while working at my last job, fully intending to go to law school (both were very well planned). Took maternity leave, then quit, took summer off, and here I am.
Going to law school full time and being a somewhat decent mother is BY FAR the hardest thing I've done, and I very much feel the strain. ANd I am vey lucky in having a tremendously supportive DH and family.

[s_gosney]

I think that yes it can definitely be done, but you have to go in informed and with you eyes wide open, and then be honest with yourself and make some decisions. When dd was born, I was in classes for my last year of undergraduate work. I took two weeks off, and she went with me to class for the rest of the semester. Then in the spring, she went to daycare while I was in class and I studied while she slept or nursed or played. Those days after she could sit and before she could crawl were the absolute best because she would play alone, but couldn't get into anything. Fast forward to now...I'm in my first semester of grad school and it has been really tough. But, I don't have the most supportive dh in the world, so that could really help if your dh was willing to carry some extra load. Also, I don't have a good napper/sleeper, so that complicates things too. If I knew that every day between 1 and 3 she would be napping, life would be a lot easier. Also, while I wouldn't call her high needs, she's definitely high energy, so if she's awake, she needs my full attention. So, what I do is put her in daycare most afternoons so I can get some work done. Then, she can have my full attention in the mornings and dh can watch her in the evening (theoretically). It's hard, and I've decided to cut back on my classes for the spring because I'm not willing to put her in daycare more than she is right now and this semester has been way too stressful. But, like I said, it's definitely doable. I would also echo what the pp said about checking into the specifics of certification in your state to see if there are any fast-track options. Feel free to ask any more questions!

[cleo27]

Chris,

The school librarian career sounds very interesting. I am just curious what state you are in? I am in Maryland, and don't know what would be required here. I have a Bachelor's degree in "General Studies" (seriously... :) ) I really considered elementary education, but it never felt quite right and then finally I wanted to just be done w/ college (after 6 yrs), so with all the credits I had I was able to graduate quickly with the General Studies degree. Also, I love books and reading and have thought about becoming a librarian.

I am in banking right now and am pretty much burned out. Still trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up!

I think I will look into this option.

Thanks,

Cleo
Proud Mama to Lindsay, 6/2/04

[Alys the Cat]

Thanks, everyone. I'm encouraged that it can be done -- but I'm very discouraged by teachers' salaries. I live in south Florida, and would be looking at about $35k to start, even with a Master's degree.
Chris -- the librarian option appeals to me, too. I'm just concerned that there would be very few openings available. (Since reading specialists are in "critical shortage," according to the Florida Dep't. of Ed., I figure it would be easier to be placed.)
As far as DH being supportive, he's basically on board -- but he's definitely more $$-focused than I am. He's wondering why I'd give up a good career with great benefits, and invest in an education that will ultimately result in a lower-paying job. I guess it's a trade-off for having a teacher's schedule.
I hate big decisions! This would be a HUGE change for us!