Casey Jensen ⋅ Saint Louis, MO Express Scripts ⋅ 17 years experience

Hey Mark - I can appreciate your question as I just went through this thought process. I currently have a full time job, family responsibilities, and was just accepted into a new education program. The program itself will require an estimated 30 hours per week. Basically, I am scheduling two full time jobs while ensuring my family is taken care of.

Your question is really concerning the time commitment to school versus sacrifice to your family. If you are doing an online program then you have significant flexibility to manage the family vs school time. I was in this position during my degree, let me tell you, there was a lot of late nights and missed family time on the weekends in order to finish assignments. I did my best to balance what I could when I could. My wife is a wonderful supporter of me continuing my education journey and it is our open communication that got us through my education.

If you decided to pursue an advanced degree or vocational license you need to encourage your family to commit to the program and have open communication. Remember, it is a temporary time effort and struggle that generally will open doors to your dream job.

Personally, yes the temporary struggle is worth the pursuit to a dream job.

I wish you the best of luck!

Keriann Sabatini ⋅ Philadelphia, PA Deloitte ⋅ 5 years experience

A number of my classmates (in a part-time MBA program) are working full-time and in classes in person or online at night/during weekends. Employers generally will provide some financial some assistance with tuition/expenses. As mentioned in the other comments, your level of flexibility is key as well.

Rex Conger ⋅ Gilbert, SC Perry Memorial Hospital NR NH Pensacola ⋅ 50 years experience

You can always look to your current employer for additional training (and you will probably be successful if you have demonstrated to them that you apply every bit of education they provide to enhance the work you are doing for them.

Now the harder question - what are you willing to do? I was able to get a bachelors and masters by using the GI Bill and going to night school (now you can do allot on line). Are you willing to give up some of your family life and recreational time to get your career moving in the direction you want?

It ultimately is up to you and the commitment you and your family are willing to do.

Susana Moraga ⋅ Hayward, CA California State University East Bay ⋅ 20 years experience

Mark,

Thank you for your service and your desire to teach.
I googled Workability4CT and got the following link: http://abilitybeyond.org/programs-services/tickettowork/
I know there is funding for 4-year degrees through the Department of Rehabilitation and the universities that have Workability4 facilitate services on campus.
Good luck in finding out about local resources.
Best,

Caroline Howard ⋅ Memphis, TN Bartlett City Schools ⋅ 30 years experience

I don't know how Voc Rehab works, but any counselors worth their salt are going to try to build on your passions and, of course, your talents and abilities. I can tell you that we need teachers in every field because so many of us are on the edge of retirement. I checked out your state and found this link:
https://teach.com/become/teaching-credential/state-requirements/connecticut/

It indicates that there is a shortage in numerous areas. Look at these and see what you think. Also, you might just go visit some campuses right now. Kids are not there, but administrators are, and you might be able to just have an informal chat to see how they would feel about hiring someone with your experience. We had a retired Memphis cop join our staff where he spent 6 great years.

Also, start doing some networking and see who you know who knows teachers. (We are everywhere.) They know everything about which programs are best. Might you visit your local college and see what programs they have? I know a guy who was in food sales who finished his BS degree, then substituted in classrooms while working on his certification. He has now been in a local high school teaching business for 8 years.

I would not advise online programs for teachers unless you already have a teaching job and are using it for a masters. The networking you do at school is valuable.

Here is another link called Troops to Teachers (google it for lots more)
https://proudtoserveagain.com/States?state=Connecticut
Information about each state that participates is listed by state, and that's the one for your state.

I can't answer your question about paying bills - gotta do that! But if the stats are right, teachers get paid well in your state. Good luck, and thank you for your service!