Do You Love Math Or Science And Want To Teach?

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Woodrow Wilson. All opinions are 100% mine.

Did you know that there are a shortage of math and science teachers in our schools?  I sure didn't.  Math was always my favorite subject in school, and I was pretty good at in.  In fact, my sister just started college, and the first class she is taking in math.  When I talked to her the other night, she was telling me that she has forgotten so much since high school (she graduated 12 years ago).  She started asking me questions, and I was pretty impressed with how much I remembered.

I have been toying with the idea of going back to school, which is something I wish I had finished right out of high school.  I was thinking of maybe getting some type of English degree, but now I might look into math.  I mean, if there is a shortage now, it's a good time to look into that career, right?  In fact, if you are a recent college graduate or someone who works in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, or math) and is looking for a career change, you might want to look into The Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship.

To qualify, candidates must:
- Have completed an undergraduate degree in a STEM field by June 2011.
- Have graduated with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
- Demonstrate a commitment to the program and its goals.

If selected as a fellow, you will receive a $30,000 stipend to complete an intensive master’s degree program at one of fourteen participating universities. You will also complete a field-based master’s degree in teacher education, commit to teach for at least three years in a high-need school, and receive intensive support and mentoring in the classroom.

For more information, or to apply for this fellowship before the September first deadline, visit www.wwteachingfellowship.org.

American Public University

Going back to school can be a difficult decision to make, especially if you are a mom.  I know I have been struggling with it for quite some time now.  My kids are old enough now where I do not have to cater to their every need, and they are all in school during the day.  I know now is the perfect time to start focusing on myself, and better my education.  I have been giving a lot of thought to what I would want to study, and I am leaning towards something to do with writing.  I don't want to be the next great novelist, but maybe I could better my grammar and understanding of the English language enough to get a real job writing articles for magazines, or something like that.

I was actually inspired by my sister who recently enrolled in college.  She just turned 30 and has two young children, one of which is under a year old.  She works full time, and is still finding the time to go to school.  I think if I finally decide to do this, I would want to go to school online, just because it would fit into my lifestyle easier.  One of the major thing to consider is what school I want to go to.

I was asked to write about American Public University, so of course I read up on what they have to offer, and to be honest, I was impressed.  They offer monthly courses instead of semester courses, and the classes are 100% online.  If you are like me and took a few college courses when you graduated high school, some of those credits may be transferable.  I am not sure how many of mine would be since it was about 20 years ago, but it's worth looking into.  Back then I was focusing on Early Childhood Development, and as much as I still love kids, I'm not sure that is the direction I want to take right now.

Another obstacle standing in my way is the cost of going to school.  I am pretty sure that I could qualify for some type of grant, seeing as how I am a mom, and my husband doesn't make very much money.  That said, the tuition is very reasonable.  For an undergraduate, it's only $750 for a three credit course.  (they have not increased undergraduate fees in over 10 years)  Graduate courses are $900 for a three credit course. 

These are just a few of the highlights of attending American Public University.  For more information, click here.  You can even chat live with mothers who are currently attending the University, and hear how they are making it work in their busy lives.  Helenjene Curtis is going for a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and will be live chatting on Tuesday, August 24 at 8pm ET.  Jenn Deater is working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management, and will be live chatting on Thursday, August 26 at 12pm ET.  You can follow the link above to find information about registering to chat with either (or both!) of these ladies.  I am sure they will have lots of interesting tidbits to share about how they are juggling family, careers, and studying.

I requested some information from the University to learn more about the 100+ degrees and certificates they offer, and hopefully I will be able to pinpoint exactly what I want to study. 

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of American Public University. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

The End Of Another School Year

 I can not believe that next Friday is the kids last day of school.  Where has this past school year gone?  It seems like only yesterday that I was registering them.  Time flies, I guess.

It's crazy to think that I am now the mom of two teenagers.  Ryan will be in 9th grade next year, and Kasi will be in 8th.  They are growing up way too fast!  Ryan is dreaming about driving, which is legal at 15 down here in South Carolina.  But, just because the law says he can drive, it doesn't mean that he will.  I think that is too young, and plan on making Ryan wait until he is at least 16, and has taken some driving classes.  They actually offer those in the schools down here.  I bet I would be driving now if they were offered to me in NY.  Well, maybe not.

I wish he would be thinking more about furthering his education, and doing better in school.  I know it is not easy to qualify for a college loan, but I think having good grades helps.   Or maybe that is for scholarships.  Either way, I want him to get into a good college, so he can study automotive like he wants to.  I want my kids to all have good jobs one day, so that they don't struggle financially like Junior and I do.  If that means having to take out student loans and work through college, than that is what they will do. 

I mean, when they have to take me in someday, I don't want to be living in their car with them.