You can Become a Teacher While Working Full Time

Posted On September 28,2020

The thought of going back to school to become an ECE while juggling work and family commitments might seem a bit overwhelming at first, but with some proper planning and organization, it’s perfectly achievable to earn a degree in early childhood education while still working a full-time job.

Create a Designated Study Space

Instead of using your couch or bed to study, which can lead to tiredness or fatigue, creating a designated study space will help you remain productive and alert throughout your schooling.

Prioritize Your Tasks

For those students juggling multiple responsibilities, prioritizing your tasks will be a key part of your success. Write important deadlines and dates on a calendar, including exam dates. If you’ve never used a planner before, now is a good time to consider investing in one.

Manage Your Time Well

Time will be a precious commodity while working and pursuing a degree in early childhood education. It may feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish all the tasks on your to-do list, so effectively managing your time will be important. If procrastination is a habit, now is the time to break it. Instead of waiting until the last minute to cram for a test, designate a set time to study, even if it’s only short blocks of time throughout the week.

Streamline Your Tasks

Streamlining your tasks will make it much easier to get everything done. For example, if you have a project to complete at school, consider finding a way to incorporate it into your daily life if at all possible, so you’re able to do both at the same time. Instead of keeping your home and school life separate, try to integrate them as much as possible in order to make the best use of your time.

Tap Into Your Support Network

Your support network should be made up of positive people who are in the position to help you achieve your goal of earning a degree in early childhood education. Your support network might include family, friends, children, coworkers, neighbors, fellow students, or anyone willing to offer their support and encouragement to help you succeed. Whether it’s getting together with a group of fellow students to form a study group, or asking a relative for help with childcare needs, build your support group to include as many people as you can and don’t be shy when it comes to asking for help or communicating your needs.

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Take Care of Yourself

When you’re busy working and going to school it can be easy to overlook the importance of proper nutrition and getting enough sleep. Taking care of yourself is vital in combating fatigue and avoiding burnout. If you aren’t functioning at your optimal level, everything will suffer, including your schooling. Eating right, making time for things you enjoy, and getting some regular exercise will help keep you on track with all of your responsibilities.

Remember Your Long-Term Goals

Whenever you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, focus on the end goal to help guide yourself out of a slump. Going through school to become an early childhood educator is temporary, so while you are going through the process of obtaining your new career keep your eyes on the prize. You’ve got this!

If you’re ready for the exciting and rewarding challenge of going back to school to become a teacher, contact Athena Career Academy today. We offer flexible class schedules taught by caring, experienced faculty who will prepare you for a lifetime of success.

Learn More about Our Early Childhood Education Program