OT: Going Back to School to Become A Teacher

duckman · 06-11-2004, 12:09 PM

Well, I've tried going to work in insurance after I was discharged from the Air Force and found that it really wasn't my cup of tea. Too many hours with too little results. Plus, I feeling more like I was being a nuisance than a help for people. So I've given up on this attempt to get back to living a normal life and return to school so I can teach English in high school.

I went to the Veterans' Administration and applied for vocational rehabilitation so that I could get all my school expenses (books, tuition, supplies) paid for. I was approved and I will be attending in the fall. I'm so glad that I can go. I can now go on and become the thing that I've wanted to be since I was 11. I'm really looking forward to going.

Thank you all for the prayers.

judicial clerk · 06-11-2004, 12:13 PM

That is very exciting. It is so nice that the school will be paid for.

MacroGuru · 06-11-2004, 12:14 PM

Good Luck Duckman.

I have always wanted to teach and coach, but I lucked into the IT industry, and the paychecks I receive right now outweigh the teaching paychecks to my wife.

So until I win the lottery, or my plays in the stock market amass me money, I truly feel it will be just that for me. A dream.

duckman · 06-11-2004, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by indoorsoccersim

Good Luck Duckman.

I have always wanted to teach and coach, but I lucked into the IT industry, and the paychecks I receive right now outweigh the teaching paychecks to my wife.

So until I win the lottery, or my plays in the stock market amass me money, I truly feel it will be just that for me. A dream.

Yeah, I can understand it. I know that is not the big bread winner, but happiness isn't about money. I was getting paid well in insurance, but it was just too much of a burden on me. Besides, the $1200 I get from Uncle Sam every month because of my physical problems helps out with the lower income.

JeeberD · 06-11-2004, 12:18 PM

Don't wash the kids mouths out with soap...

duckman · 06-11-2004, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeeberD

Don't wash the kids mouths out with soap...

Gotcha!

CamEdwards · 06-11-2004, 12:21 PM

that's great, Duckman. I'm really happy for you.

When you become a teacher, I'd recommend the APOE instead of the OEA as a teachers union. The dues are much cheaper, the liability insurance is as well, and you don't have all of that OEA nonsense to deal with.

Celeval · 06-11-2004, 12:24 PM

Rock on. Good luck, my fiancee did that three years ago - she just now graduated with a Masters in Education, and is loving it.

duckman · 06-11-2004, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamEdwards

that's great, Duckman. I'm really happy for you.

When you become a teacher, I'd recommend the APOE instead of the OEA as a teachers union. The dues are much cheaper, the liability insurance is as well, and you don't have all of that OEA nonsense to deal with.

Thanks for the info, Cam. Are these both Oklahoma unions? I may teach elsewhere when I graduate. Things would have to improve drastically for me to consider staying in Oklahoma to teach. How is the new job going for you?

CamEdwards · 06-11-2004, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duckman

Thanks for the info, Cam. Are these both Oklahoma unions? I may teach elsewhere when I graduate. Things would have to improve drastically for me to consider staying in Oklahoma to teach. How is the new job going for you?

Things are going great, thanks.

OEA is the state affiliate of the National Education Association, and APOE is the state affiliate of the Association of American Educators.

Where are you going to school, by the way?

corbes · 06-11-2004, 12:34 PM

Congratulations, duckman, from a fellow teacher.

I respect and admire those who come to teaching as a career change -- they bring such valuable and unique perspectives and experiences to the classroom! And especially you, as a veteran.

Good luck, d, and again -- congrats.

duckman · 06-11-2004, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamEdwards

Things are going great, thanks.

OEA is the state affiliate of the National Education Association, and APOE is the state affiliate of the Association of American Educators.

Where are you going to school, by the way?

No problem, Cam. Gld to hear you are doing well.

I'll be going to Rose State for my basics and then off to Central Oklahoma to finish up. I've been think about moving out to Arizona after that to start my career.

Passacaglia · 06-11-2004, 12:43 PM

Good luck, duckman! I'm in my last semester of summer classes, and I'll be student teaching this fall. I'm very excited!

Super Ugly · 06-11-2004, 06:40 PM

Good luck, dude! Maybe one day I'll have the guts to teach as well.

Leonidas · 06-11-2004, 08:28 PM

I hope it works. I'm debating right now what to do when I retire from the AF. I have 6 more years. I can take the money and run as a scumsucking contractor for $70-80K or go into teaching like I want for as you know, a whole lot less. Hard choice.

duckman · 06-12-2004, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Passacaglia

Good luck, duckman! I'm in my last semester of summer classes, and I'll be student teaching this fall. I'm very excited!

Glad to hear about that! I bet it is very exciting for you. Do you have to complete your degree before you student teach? This is the part that I'm still not sure of. I've been trying to get information on that, but I can't seem to find it. My main obstacle is that the VA requires that I have to complete the program in only 48 months. So That means I have to complete my studies by August 2008.

Joe Canadian · 06-13-2004, 08:50 AM

DON'T DO IT! Teaching is too hard because you can't put soap in kid's mouths!!!!

In all seriousness, good luck!!

korme · 06-13-2004, 09:03 AM

Cool duckman. So your health problems are over?

duckman · 06-13-2004, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shorty3281

Cool duckman. So your health problems are over?

No, not really, Shorty. My lower body is a train wreck as I have nerve damage in the right leg, both knees have cartilage damage, and I have a degenerative disc in my lower back which just makes everything worst. The VA counselor wants me to apply for full disablility (100% is $2200/month) so that I don't have to work ever again. I'm too young to think about "retiring". I believe that I have a lot more to give to society than to be a 27 year old retiree.

Chubby · 06-13-2004, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duckman

Glad to hear about that! I bet it is very exciting for you. Do you have to complete your degree before you student teach? This is the part that I'm still not sure of. I've been trying to get information on that, but I can't seem to find it. My main obstacle is that the VA requires that I have to complete the program in only 48 months. So That means I have to complete my studies by August 2008.

Student teaching usually occurs during the last year of study.

duckman · 06-13-2004, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chubby

Student teaching usually occurs during the last year of study.

That's good to hear as my counselor is trying to tell me that I have to graduate first to beome a student teacher. I was able to find out on the UCO website that I have to have 3/4 of my studies done before I can participate in student teaching.

Chubby · 06-13-2004, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duckman

That's good to hear as my counselor is trying to tell me that I have to graduate first to beome a student teacher. I was able to find out on the UCO website that I have to have 3/4 of my studies done before I can participate in student teaching.

Yup, you don't go to normal class the last year. You just student teach, you have to come up with lesson plans and shit so there is regular school work that has to get done while studnet teaching.

The only thing I can think of is that your counselor meant you have to graduate before you can substitute teach but even that's not true.

duckman · 07-29-2004, 04:43 PM

Okay, I went down today and enrolled. I'm going to try 12 hours this semester to see how it goes. Classes start on August 23. I can pick up my books on the 9th.

SnDvls · 07-29-2004, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duckman

No problem, Cam. Gld to hear you are doing well.

I'll be going to Rose State for my basics and then off to Central Oklahoma to finish up. I've been think about moving out to Arizona after that to start my career.

My wife teaches out here in Arizona. If you come Chandler and Gilbert are the fastest growing areas that pay well and will have some new high schools and jr. highs in the next few years. Let me know if I can help.

duckman · 07-29-2004, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnDvls

My wife teaches out here in Arizona. If you come Chandler and Gilbert are the fastest growing areas that pay well and will have some new high schools and jr. highs in the next few years. Let me know if I can help.

My brother lived in Chandler for about 5 years after moving back to Oklahoma. I love the Phoenix area. I went there a couple times while he lived there and I fell in love with desert climate. One of my favorite places.

Thanks for the offer. When I do get to that point (graduated) I'll give you a holler.

SFL Cat · 07-29-2004, 05:02 PM

Good luck, duckman. I respect people who choose to answer the call to enter this line of work. I think outside of parents, teachers have a lot to do, both positive and negative, in shaping young lives.

I come from a family of teachers. My mom and step-dad both taught, my sister taught and is now a elementary school principal. One nice benefit is that two month vacation during the summer (unless you teach somewhere where they go year-round).

Any hoo, good luck.

ScottVib · 07-29-2004, 05:03 PM

FWIW duckman I'm doing the same thing.. only I'm going through Connecticut's Alternate Route to Certification program... where it takes people from the professional ranks and puts them through courses for a year and then into the classroom. (My student teaching would be a 4 week period in Jan-Feb)

Well I'm trying to do that... Over 90 applied for 15 spots in the subject area I want to teach (Math).. I made the first cut (to 35) and had my interview today... just need to hope that I was better then at least 20 others.

albionmoonlight · 07-29-2004, 05:04 PM

Good luck.

duckman · 07-29-2004, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottVib

FWIW duckman I'm doing the same thing.. only I'm going through Connecticut's Alternate Route to Certification program... where it takes people from the professional ranks and puts them through courses for a year and then into the classroom. (My student teaching would be a 4 week period in Jan-Feb)

Well I'm trying to do that... Over 90 applied for 15 spots in the subject area I want to teach (Math).. I made the first cut (to 35) and had my interview today... just need to hope that I was better then at least 20 others.

I'm sure you'll do fine. If you want it bad enough then you'll get it.

GrantDawg · 07-29-2004, 07:42 PM

Good luck both of you. I wish I could do that.

Dutch · 07-29-2004, 08:28 PM

I would be afraid the class would want to beat me up after school....good luck!

GrantDawg · 07-29-2004, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch

I would be afraid the class would want to beat me up after school....good luck!

Well, with your personality...

duckman · 08-08-2004, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

Well, with your personality...

Zing!

duckman · 08-08-2004, 11:56 PM

Tomorrow I go to the college to finally pick up my books and my supplies. They were redoing the software for the vouchers so I had to wait for such a long time.

Anyways, I'm looking forward to my first day. You never know. I may do a dynasty about my first year in college.

ScottVib · 08-13-2004, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duckman

I'm sure you'll do fine. If you want it bad enough then you'll get it.

Thanks for the luck guys... today I found out that I did in fact get into the program... if all goes well this time next year I'll be preparing for my first year as a high school math teacher.. and will be back on the field coaching football.

duckman · 08-13-2004, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottVib

Thanks for the luck guys... today I found out that I did in fact get into the program... if all goes well this time next year I'll be preparing for my first year as a high school math teacher.. and will be back on the field coaching football.

That's great! I'm glad that things are working out for you.

Crapshoot · 08-13-2004, 11:13 PM

Long time no see Scott- the former JM winner is now virtually absent at the boards that were once his domain...

Good to see you'r becoming a math teacher - good luck.
.
Duckman, more power to you- Im damn impressed with your perspective that you'd rather not retire. Out of curiosity, given the medical condition, can you take the 100% thing and still choose to work (as long as you pay your own work and school expenses) ? Good luck by the way- Im 21, and my master plan had been to be retired by 30- Im glad there people who have a less lazy outlook that I do..

duckman · 08-14-2004, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aadik

Duckman, more power to you- Im damn impressed with your perspective that you'd rather not retire. Out of curiosity, given the medical condition, can you take the 100% thing and still choose to work (as long as you pay your own work and school expenses) ? Good luck by the way- Im 21, and my master plan had been to be retired by 30- Im glad there people who have a less lazy outlook that I do..

Thanks for the kind words. To answer your question, you cannot collect 100% disability from the VA and work at the same time. There are some loopholes when it comes to going to school. I can go to school and collect 100% if I'm are deemed "unemployable" by the VA. I'm currently in the process of getting myself approved so I can completely focus on school. If I am approved (and I should given my condition), I would collect $2300. I would then also colect $575 for a stipend while attending.

Zippo · 08-14-2004, 10:34 AM

good luck man!

Raiders Army · 08-14-2004, 11:15 AM

Good luck duckman! I'm sure that Debra La Fave is one of the true inspirations out there for teachers!

duckman · 08-14-2004, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raiders Army

Good luck duckman! I'm sure that Debra La Fave is one of the true inspirations out there for teachers!

Maybe if you are into little girls/boys. Bleh!

duckman · 02-17-2005, 11:59 AM

Okay, I figured I give everyone interested an update.

I did finished my first semester with two A's and two B's. I just found out a couple weeks ago that I made the Vice-President's Honor Roll (like that is real important).

I'm currently doing extremely well this semester. I'm very suprised with the information I have retained from high school because I haven't been there in ten years. It's making the classes much easier to understand and I should have no problems making the grade this semester. I'm actually looking forward to attending some summer courses.

Anyways, thanks for the continued well wishes.

Noop · 02-17-2005, 12:06 PM

I think you'll be a good teacher. I respect anyone who can put up with the crap some student do these days. Thank you for your service in the Armed Forces and thank you for becoming a educator.

Crapshoot · 02-17-2005, 12:11 PM

Good for you. Despite our differences, Im firmly of the believe that anyone who is willing to work this hard to teach and help other kids is deserving of respect.

btw, any clue about whether the future holds - private schools an option at all ?

duckman · 02-17-2005, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noop

I think you'll be a good teacher. I respect anyone who can put up with the crap some student do these days. Thank you for your service in the Armed Forces and thank you for becoming a educator.

With some of the crap that some students pull these days, my training in the military will be very beneficial.

Your welcome. It's was a pleasure to have served.

duckman · 02-17-2005, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crapshoot

btw, any clue about whether the future holds - private schools an option at all ?

I would take a private school position if they pay as well as the public school counterpart. I've learned that some private schools pay much less than public school and don't provide the same benefits. I would like to teach in a private school due to the involvement of parents is much greater. It would make my job so much easier.

I have thought about leaving only because Oklahoma is currently 50th in the country in teacher's salary. However, Governor Henry has raised pay already once, gave teachers 100% coverage on health insurance, and plans to give another pay increase this year. If they keep making these improvements, I will most likely stay here, so I can be closer to my son.

Passacaglia · 02-17-2005, 04:43 PM

Congrats, duckman! Good luck, and keep me posted!

ScottVib · 02-17-2005, 04:48 PM

Congrats duckman.

FWIW on my part I finish my student teaching tomorrow. I passed my final evaluation on Tuesday, so really I'm just "playing out the string" (Doing an activity and giving two tests tomorrow). All I have left is to pass the exam and I should be all set to begin next year.

duckman · 02-17-2005, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottVib

Congrats duckman.

FWIW on my part I finish my student teaching tomorrow. I passed my final evaluation on Tuesday, so really I'm just "playing out the string" (Doing an activity and giving two tests tomorrow). All I have left is to pass the exam and I should be all set to begin next year.

That's awesome! What will you be doing while waiting for the fall?

Dutch · 02-17-2005, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duckman

With some of the crap that some students pull these days, my training in the military will be very beneficial.

Your welcome. It's was a pleasure to have served.

At least you can bitch about the military all you want and nobody can say shit to you.

06-11-2004, 12:14 PM	#3
MacroGuru Coordinator Join Date: May 2003 Location: Utah	Good Luck Duckman. I have always wanted to teach and coach, but I lucked into the IT industry, and the paychecks I receive right now outweigh the teaching paychecks to my wife. So until I win the lottery, or my plays in the stock market amass me money, I truly feel it will be just that for me. A dream. __________________ "forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future"

06-11-2004, 12:18 PM	#5
JeeberD General Manager Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Town of Flower Mound	Don't wash the kids mouths out with soap... __________________ UTEP Miners!!! I solemnly swear to never cheer for TO

06-11-2004, 12:21 PM	#7
CamEdwards Stadium Announcer Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Burke, VA	that's great, Duckman. I'm really happy for you. When you become a teacher, I'd recommend the APOE instead of the OEA as a teachers union. The dues are much cheaper, the liability insurance is as well, and you don't have all of that OEA nonsense to deal with. __________________ I don't want the world. I just want your half.

06-11-2004, 12:43 PM	#13
Passacaglia Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Big Ten Country	Good luck, duckman! I'm in my last semester of summer classes, and I'll be student teaching this fall. I'm very excited! __________________ Pride and Prejudice -- an FOF9 Lions dynasty, starting 1966

06-11-2004, 08:28 PM	#15
Leonidas College Benchwarmer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: East Anglia	I hope it works. I'm debating right now what to do when I retire from the AF. I have 6 more years. I can take the money and run as a scumsucking contractor for $70-80K or go into teaching like I want for as you know, a whole lot less. Hard choice. __________________ Molon labe

06-11-2004, 12:13 PM	#2
judicial clerk College Benchwarmer Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Portland, OR	That is very exciting. It is so nice that the school will be paid for.

06-11-2004, 12:24 PM	#8
Celeval Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Cary, NC, USA	Rock on. Good luck, my fiancee did that three years ago - she just now graduated with a Masters in Education, and is loving it.

06-11-2004, 12:34 PM	#11
corbes College Benchwarmer Join Date: Nov 2003	Congratulations, duckman, from a fellow teacher. I respect and admire those who come to teaching as a career change -- they bring such valuable and unique perspectives and experiences to the classroom! And especially you, as a veteran. Good luck, d, and again -- congrats.

06-11-2004, 06:40 PM	#14
Super Ugly High School JV Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Look behind you	Good luck, dude! Maybe one day I'll have the guts to teach as well.

06-13-2004, 08:50 AM	#17
Joe Canadian College Prospect Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada	DON'T DO IT! Teaching is too hard because you can't put soap in kid's mouths!!!! In all seriousness, good luck!!

06-13-2004, 09:03 AM	#18
korme Go Reds Join Date: May 2001 Location: Bloodbuzz Ohio	Cool duckman. So your health problems are over?

07-29-2004, 05:02 PM	#26
SFL Cat College Starter Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: South Florida	Good luck, duckman. I respect people who choose to answer the call to enter this line of work. I think outside of parents, teachers have a lot to do, both positive and negative, in shaping young lives. I come from a family of teachers. My mom and step-dad both taught, my sister taught and is now a elementary school principal. One nice benefit is that two month vacation during the summer (unless you teach somewhere where they go year-round). Any hoo, good luck.

07-29-2004, 05:03 PM	#27
ScottVib High School Varsity Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: My Computer	FWIW duckman I'm doing the same thing.. only I'm going through Connecticut's Alternate Route to Certification program... where it takes people from the professional ranks and puts them through courses for a year and then into the classroom. (My student teaching would be a 4 week period in Jan-Feb) Well I'm trying to do that... Over 90 applied for 15 spots in the subject area I want to teach (Math).. I made the first cut (to 35) and had my interview today... just need to hope that I was better then at least 20 others.

07-29-2004, 05:04 PM	#28
albionmoonlight Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: North Carolina	Good luck.

07-29-2004, 07:42 PM	#30
GrantDawg World Champion Mis-speller Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Covington, Ga.	Good luck both of you. I wish I could do that.

07-29-2004, 08:28 PM	#31
Dutch "Dutch" Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Tampa, FL	I would be afraid the class would want to beat me up after school....good luck!

08-13-2004, 11:13 PM	#37
Crapshoot Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Dec 2003	Long time no see Scott- the former JM winner is now virtually absent at the boards that were once his domain... Good to see you'r becoming a math teacher - good luck. . Duckman, more power to you- Im damn impressed with your perspective that you'd rather not retire. Out of curiosity, given the medical condition, can you take the 100% thing and still choose to work (as long as you pay your own work and school expenses) ? Good luck by the way- Im 21, and my master plan had been to be retired by 30- Im glad there people who have a less lazy outlook that I do..

08-14-2004, 10:34 AM	#39
Zippo High School JV Join Date: Jan 2004	good luck man!

08-14-2004, 11:15 AM	#40
Raiders Army Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: The Black Hole	Good luck duckman! I'm sure that Debra La Fave is one of the true inspirations out there for teachers!

02-17-2005, 12:06 PM	#43
Noop Bonafide Seminole Fan Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Florida	I think you'll be a good teacher. I respect anyone who can put up with the crap some student do these days. Thank you for your service in the Armed Forces and thank you for becoming a educator. __________________ Living in an Oligarchy.

02-17-2005, 12:11 PM	#44
Crapshoot Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Dec 2003	Good for you. Despite our differences, Im firmly of the believe that anyone who is willing to work this hard to teach and help other kids is deserving of respect. btw, any clue about whether the future holds - private schools an option at all ?

02-17-2005, 04:43 PM	#47
Passacaglia Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Big Ten Country	Congrats, duckman! Good luck, and keep me posted! __________________ Pride and Prejudice -- an FOF9 Lions dynasty, starting 1966

02-17-2005, 04:48 PM	#48
ScottVib High School Varsity Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: My Computer	Congrats duckman. FWIW on my part I finish my student teaching tomorrow. I passed my final evaluation on Tuesday, so really I'm just "playing out the string" (Doing an activity and giving two tests tomorrow). All I have left is to pass the exam and I should be all set to begin next year. Last edited by ScottVib : 02-17-2005 at 04:50 PM.

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