What makes more sense?

**Kerjack** · 07-21-2011, 11:32 AM

Education wise.

I'm 22 years old and only have my highschool diploma. I know I need to go back to school but wonder what route I should take.

I want to work with children so I have 2 options I've been mulling over;
Early Childhood Educator or Teacher, specifically French or History not picky on the age.

I have been researching on both options and if I do ECE I could take a 2 year course from my home town college, or I could take an online diploma from a college in a near by town. Both would get me the same diploma but I'd have the ability to work full time while doing the online version. Plus you go at your own pace and take as many classes as you want at a time. Not to mention you only pay for the classes you sign up for. If I take this route I will be learning French on the side as well.

If I want to become a teacher I know I'll have to take some upgrading courses before being able to start the teacher course. So it'll take me close to 6 years. Plus I will have to move away from my town cause the University here doesn't offer French as a Major. And it'll cost alot of money.

I'm not a fan of school, never have been. One of the reasons why I've never attempted college yet hah.

If it was you in this position which would you choose?

**MissSeetonFan** · 07-21-2011, 11:48 AM

I would consider children and see what ages REALLY appeal to you. Do you like toddlers - 1st graders? Go for Early Childhood Education. If older kids - then see what options there are for Teacher.

You might be able to at least start your college education from home if you want to be a teacher. Work full time and save up as much as possible, taking basic courses online or at the local college to get them out of the way o that you could transfer to a University and just pound out your education in under 6 years.

Look at the jobs that each degree can lead in to. Do you really want to go with Pre-Schools and Daycare or would you rather be in a school or tutoring situation? Check out jobs that look interesting and call them up to see what their requirements are. That might help you make up your mind.

**Contrary Housewife** · 07-21-2011, 02:06 PM

Which career has the most job openings?

How many French teachers does a school hire vs. the number of "elementary school age" teachers?

**lottaLove** · 07-21-2011, 02:19 PM

What part of the country are you in? I know it is VERY hard to get a permanent position as a teacher in Ontario right now. The people I know who managed to secure full time positions had backgrounds in special education. A lot of supply teaching, not a lot of full time positions.
Do you speak French at all already?

**dinah** · 07-21-2011, 02:34 PM

in most cities/provinces there is a big shortage of trained ECE's. some things to consider about daycare: changing diapers, chaos, sometimes split shifts, spending time outside almost every day, chaos.

the pay is less then a teacher, but it is dificult to get on as a permanent teacher these days.

**mauimagic** · 07-21-2011, 03:00 PM

Follow your passion!! That being said, it seems as if ECE would be the easiest route for you at the present time. You can always expand and build on your education later. Please let us know what you decide to do!!

**ladykemma2** · 07-21-2011, 03:12 PM

if i could steer you towards science and math, huge demand for those teachers. i will say this honestly, and not to hurt your feelings, fat chance of getting a job in french or history.

elementary ed would be less risky.

**dinah** · 07-21-2011, 04:46 PM

another option is to be an educational assistant; which is some divisions requires no formal education. i was an EA for a couple years. i enjoyed it.

**mndtrp** · 07-21-2011, 04:59 PM

Out of your choices, I think ECE would be a better option. That's without knowing a single thing about you, though.

**mh3rdwheel** · 07-21-2011, 06:13 PM

If you decide to do classes online remember one thing, the classes are accelerated, I took online classes and if I took more than two I was over my head. I went to Rassmussen College in MN, they would assign a report instead of a couple of weeks to do this I had one week this was inpossible when I worked full time and dealt with my husband's congestive heart failure.

If you take online classes do no more than 2 or 3 at a time.

**Imarachne** · 07-21-2011, 06:25 PM

I think you are smart to consider lots of options available. Good luck !!

**flashyMcGee** · 07-21-2011, 08:06 PM

Originally Posted by Kerjack

Education wise.

I'm 22 years old and only have my highschool diploma. I know I need to go back to school but wonder what route I should take.

I want to work with children so I have 2 options I've been mulling over;
Early Childhood Educator or Teacher, specifically French or History not picky on the age.

I have been researching on both options and if I do ECE I could take a 2 year course from my home town college, or I could take an online diploma from a college in a near by town. Both would get me the same diploma but I'd have the ability to work full time while doing the online version. Plus you go at your own pace and take as many classes as you want at a time. Not to mention you only pay for the classes you sign up for. If I take this route I will be learning French on the side as well.

If I want to become a teacher I know I'll have to take some upgrading courses before being able to start the teacher course. So it'll take me close to 6 years. Plus I will have to move away from my town cause the University here doesn't offer French as a Major. And it'll cost alot of money.

I'm not a fan of school, never have been. One of the reasons why I've never attempted college yet hah.

If it was you in this position which would you choose?

Choose the path that will make you more marketable.

**mommy4ever** · 07-21-2011, 09:02 PM

Depending on where you are will depend on how in demand you'd be.

In Canada there is a shortage of childcare workers. It can be rewarding, but the pay isn't that great, and unless you own the daycare, it never pays that great.

Teachers... many many will be retiring. We forget that. Yes there are cut backs, my kids have gone to 4 different schools, and there are 2 to 3 retiring EVERY YEAR.

If you plan to teach elementary, taking early childhood, can count as some of your course, but do speak to a University advisor.

As to french teachers, LadyKemma, here in my province it is a mandatory course for all children grade 4 and up now. So there is indeed a demand for it. We have teachers coming from other provinces to teach it.

However if you are just learning it now, unless you are linguistically gifted, it might be a challenge. Parents are really hard on the teachers that speak poorly, since most of the parents had to take french in their youth as well. If you are taking courses to brush up on french, then you'll be fine.

**alotofgooddeals** · 07-21-2011, 09:40 PM

hehe but i am partial...I work with 3-5 children that have special needs....and i can say there are days that are very hard..hospital visits and some very sore days but most days are very rewarding and i love them all so very much....today a little girl sat there and laughed while we were playing and working...something she rarely does...ah...how my heart melted right on the spot...however i would think that working with children in a school setting does require some type of forml training...my company use to have ed tech 1's but they are no longer and are aiming at only keeping the ed tech 3's which is 3 years of college...do what you feel is best..

**heartofmine** · 07-21-2011, 10:25 PM

There is a need for math and science teachers right now. French is very specialized and jobs are few and far between. Working with special needs children is also very specialized and again jobs are few and far between. History and English there are less jobs in but there are jobs.

My daughter is going into secondary ed with a focus on English but is going to take more praxis tests so she can also teach in other categories including science and history. She graduates in December and is getting ready to do her student teaching.