Teachers ... need some input!

[Holland73]

I am a 1st grade teacher in my 3rd year of teaching. I have always known I was not a 'forever' teacher and would eventually follow my passion (counseling, and not school counseling) once my ds was in school. He is currently in 1st grade, which has been a challenge... I am surrounded by 6 year olds 24/7!!!

Anyway... I will be returning to grad school full-time in April for a Master of Arts in Couseling Psychology. It will be 2 years of full-time course work during which I will continue teaching full-time. The 3rd year is practicum, which is when I will, most likely, have to stop teaching full time.

It is going to be impossible to "hide" that I am back in grad school, especially since I will have to withdraw from the School Advisory Team in April, which will require an explanation to my principal.

I guess I am just wondering if it is necessary to have to "hide" my new career direction? I am technically 'tenured,' so I don't believe they are legally able to fire me as long as I continue to do my job.

Any thoughts or suggestions???

[Aquitane]

Many, if not most, teachers return to get graduate degrees. They are not always in education. If you are seriously concerned, you might not advertise what you are specifically going back to school to do. You might say "counseling" when pressed, but I wouldn't think your district or principal would HAVE to know that you are planning for this degree to take you to a new career.

If you get more $$$ depending on how many credits past a bachelor's degree you have, you might have to submit a transcript to your district, but otherwise I don't think this would be a problem. I mean, the counseling classes might be for ed. counseling, you know?

Also, FWIW, it is ALWAYS harder to teach the same grade your child is in. I have been told this by friends, and it was crazy at our house last year when I was teaching 4th grade, while my son was a 4th grader himself.

Good luck in your new endeavor!

[Holland73]

Thanks! I have basically come to the same conclusion you wrote below, in addition to two other veteren teacher friends/colleagues... so, that is a good thing.

As for teaching the same grade level as your child... OMG, it has not been easy. I am so ready for this school year to be finished!!!!