You’ve Graduated - But You’re Not Done!

Dr. Robert Mitchell Assistant Professor, Leadership, Research, and Foundations, University of Colorado-Colorado Springs

As you finish your degree and/or your educator preparation program, you are ready to begin your first year as a “real” teacher. However, you aren’t quite done with college. As you progress through your teaching career, you likely will have to add to your formal education with more college courses to support your growth as a teacher. Sometimes, it might be due to state requirement mandates, or it could lead to increases in your salary, or it may lead to opportunities within your school district. Before you start down the trail of even more school, keep the following points in mind.

Take time and live

While it may seem natural to head back to school immediately, give yourself a break. Your first year of teaching will likely be exhausting, and jumping right back into a college classroom might not be the best option. Take the year off from attending classes. Focus on your teaching, your school, and your students—and remember to take care of yourself. You can start school again next year.

Be choosy

When you are ready to go back to the university or college setting, take some time to research your options. The school you previously attended might not be the best option for graduate classes or teacher-specific coursework. Check out a few other schools; talk to trusted mentors as well as other teachers about where they enrolled. Learn as much as you can about any program in which you are interested before beginning coursework.

Be clear about what you need

Today’s colleges and universities offer hundreds of options regarding courses, programs of study, and advanced degrees. Be clear as to what your district expects and the procedures you need to follow before starting any program. Getting a master’s degree might be a good idea, but make sure it is valued and rewarded by your district. Again, more information is better.

Try to avoid paying sticker price whenever possible

We all know that college is expensive, and graduate school is even more costly. Before registering and paying tuition, explore existing programs that may help reduce the cost. Many universities have special agreements with school districts for reduced tuition. Don’t be afraid to ask. It might save you some of your hard-earned money.