Decisions

So I recently figured out that I can FINALLY graduate this December if I take 5 classes this fall. I'm all for that. I need to graduate soon for my own sanity. My bachelor's degree has taken me almost 20 years to complete, so I am ecstatic that the end is so near.

Here is where I have a small dilemma. I originally started my college journey thinking that I wanted to teach elementary school. A couple of practicums in my freshman and sophomore year changed that notion. Then during my educational hiatus I worked as a teaching aide at a local junior high and then a mathematics tutor at a local charter school. This got me to thinking that maybe teaching junior high or high school would be a better fit for me. When I started back to college in this final leg, I began working as a tutor at the college level. I found that I really enjoy this. I love helping grownups (my college is mostly non-traditional students that have returned to college, but this demographic is changing) to finally understand a subject that perplexed them for years.

Now that I am nearing the end of my time as a collegiate undergrad I am faced with having to decide what I want to do now that I am "all grown up." I have seriously been considering teaching at the collegiate level. The local community college often has an opening for a instructor of fundamental mathematics, and I would have the desired requirements. However, this option would only be part time, so no benefits like health insurance. Although, while I work as an adjunct instructor, I could return to school to get my Masters in Adult Education. With my Masters I could qualify for other collegiate teaching positions.

If I decided to go ahead and teach in the public school systems, I have two options there. Option one, I could go through the Regional Education center and get an alternative certification while I teach in the public schools. Option two, I could enroll in my college's VOICE program, which would allow me to obtain my alternative teaching certificate while also earning Masters degree credits.

Personally, I am heavily leaning towards the two options that would earn a Masters degree. All options have their pros and cons. I need something that will offer me benefits like health insurance, but I like the idea of teaching at the collegiate level. Ah, decisions, decisions.