Feasible?

[quasarvs]

This may have already been asked, but..
Well I'm still rather young in terms of the average workforce age and I'm at a point of just waiting for my diploma and applying for jobs.
It has been really interesting reading about the different kinds of jobs that many have had for part-time or extra work. I already have one of those jobs, and am looking for a part-time position (temporarily) in my field of history.
I am very blessed to have had an interview just this past week at a possible job in my field and it looks very positive.

Anyway, that's some of my story, so my goal right now is just to start making some real money. IF I finally get a good full time position in the future, I was wondering for all you who are more experienced, IS it feasible to study for a teacher's certificate as well as a Master's degree?

My personality is an extrovert who has to learn to be more disciplined. So would it be something that I should even consider for the future? Or would it be more feasible to do one or the other rather than both simultaneously, while working?
What I end up doing ultimately depends on my financial status, BUT if that works out is it feasible?

Thanks for your thoughts!

[sanantone]

I'm not that old myself, so I don't really have any advice. But it might help others to answer you if they knew what kind of teacher certification program you're looking to complete. Are you looking at a post-bac, alternative, or one that's in a degree program? Have you looked for master's degree programs that include the certification process? Whether or not you can focus on two things at once also depends on your individual characteristics. Regardless of extroversion or introversion, some people can juggle 2 or 3 degree programs at once while others struggle to finish one.

[quasarvs]

Are you looking at a post-bac, alternative, or one that's in a degree program?

I've looked at alternative programs through the state for my state, because I'm done with my B.A. and I figured they would be cheaper than through a school in a degree program.
However, I didn't know about post-bac unless that's the same as alternative.

Have you looked for master's degree programs that include the certification process?

No, I have not yet. I need to though. I wasn't really aware that Masters programs had that option.
I'm looking at both the Masters and the teaching certificate as future items that I can begin after saving up for them or getting a job that will pay for them right away. I don't want to get into debt for education.
Right now I was just wanting to see if anyone had some feedback on their Master's experience.
When I mentioned that I was considering being a teacher to one of my TESC professors, he suggested I go on to Masters to get a better teaching job. He stated that teaching was a good thing to consider if I have a good experience in the classroom,.. that is. In a way I think I would enjoy working in a challenging classroom environment, but I want some experience teaching I think first.
So anyway, Thank you for your thoughts, Sanantone.

[sanantone]

I guess it depends on the state. Colleges often have post-bac certificate programs that lead to certification. Then, there are for-profit companies and non-profit organizations that offer alternative teacher certification programs. They aren't colleges, so you won't get a conferred graduate or post-bac certificate. WGU has master's programs that lead to certification and I'm sure that there are other colleges that do as well. The thing I don't like about that route is that it's traditional in the sense that you have to pay the school to do an internship for a semester without pay. I know at least a few states have alternative teacher certification programs where you can teach on a probationary license for a school year and then get your full license. The first year of teaching is your internship and you're paid just like any other teacher. That will be the route I'm taking if I'm not accepted to the PhD programs I've applied to.

I know someone who plans to take the traditional route, but within her baccalaureate program. She plans to work 40 hours a week AND do a full-time internship for a semester without pay. I don't know how she's going to do it. That's about 80 hours a week.