I can remember this day all too well. The day that I realized that I would need to go back to school and further my education in order to further my career. I cannot express how nervous I was about returning for a master’s degree.
It was hard enough obtaining my bachelor’s degree and that was my full-time job. Now I was going to back to school and teach full time in coherence. I had no idea how I would do this, but as I progressed through my program, I realized that this goal was much more obtainable and manageable than I had originally thought.
Here are my tips on how to balance being a teacher and pursuing a master’s degree at the same time.
To give a little context, when I went for my master’s degree, I was a third-year teacher in 2014. The pandemic had not hit yet so course options were a bit different then. My program was designed where we met at an off-campus location for two years. One day a week we met for two months, and then a new course would begin, and a new professor would appear at our location. Two years, one day a week. At first, this can seem like a big commitment. And in ways it definitely is, but Concordia University Chicago made these a smooth two years and were very adaptable when life events would come up.
Find the Format for You
Today, there are more options for different learning formats. Which one works for you? To be honest, I prefer meeting in-person for class. I am able to focus more in class and get more out of the experience that way. But everyone has their own learning styles and needs and at the end of the day, it is the schedule that works best for you that is going to make you successful with pursuing a new degree.
How to Use Your Time Wisely (What Worked for Me)
In the beginning of my program, I have to admit that I was a bit overwhelmed. I was a third-year teacher, still trying to find my footing as a teacher and now I had a graduate-level course that I also had to focus on at the same. And I’ll be honest, I am quite a social person and love exploring the city life of Chicago. How would I also have a social life on top of all this? I do not mean to flex, but I managed to teach, and complete the two-year program; on top of that, I also did a year-long urban stem program and still managed to have a social life.
How did I manage to do all of this? Here’s the plan that worked for me. During the week, my focus was my job. I needed to focus on my students and ensure I fulfill my teacher duties. I would get all my grading, planning, communication with parents, and the many other duties complete from Monday through Friday.
I had my one special day, however, and that day was Tuesday. On Tuesdays, I would teach and then I would have my course at night. This was a bit of a long day. Teaching for a full day can really tire me out and then I would need to be attentive for a three-hour course after. In the beginning, I was completely drained at the end of my Tuesday. After a while, I figured out some ways to make Tuesday a bit easier of a day.
Pack your lunch, but also pack snacks. You need fuel for your entire day. After work, I had snacks for my car ride to class. This helped give me some energy to make it through class and helped me to be more attentive. I also would treat myself to a reward dinner after class. Pizza was a big winner and once the day was done, I would sit back, eat some pizza, decompress, and relax and be proud of myself for persevering though the day. Then, when the weekends came, I would devote one day to my classwork. I would catch up on readings, review notes, and complete projects. Sometimes, it would take the entire day, other times it would only take half of the day.
And on those days, I would celebrate with a social event with friends. This worked for me. Once I got into a groove, those two years flew by. My biggest recommendation is to make a schedule. Set aside time when you are only focusing on your coursework and time when you are only focusing on your teaching responsibilities. If you blend the two together, it’ll seem overwhelming and unobtainable.
How Concordia University Chicago Made This Easy
Concordia University Chicago makes the whole process very easy and obtainable. Once you get into a groove and find what works best for you, your time completing your program will fly by.
As you progress through your program, things in life happen. Pursuing another degree takes time and during that time, things can happen. And sometimes those life events can get in the way of you attending a class or submitting an assignment. Communication and honesty with your professors will be so helpful to you and give you the support that you need. During one of my courses, a woman had a baby and still managed to finish the class! One time I needed an extension on an assignment because I was visiting family. The professors are very accommodating and willing to work with you to make sure that you are successful without taking away from any major life events that are important to you.
This is a university that takes pride in the students and their success. The hardest part of the entire process is telling yourself that you are ready to do it.
Interested in continuing your education? Check out Concordia University Chicago master’s programs and doctoral programs and take your next step today!