Is there a way to become a teacher without college?

[Mysticrose]

Twice I wasn't able to enroll. One was because of a transript issue. Now it's a financial issue. It's stressing me out. I want to help special needs students but college is making it impossible for me to achieve that goal.

 

[JmpMster]

In my state it would not be - at least not an actual teacher. You can be a teacher aide , but that is a non-instructional positional. You can look up the requirements for different levels of positions in your state on your state board of education site, but if your goal is to become an actual teacher I expect you will find you need college education- and wanting to go into special education will increase the amount of formal training and education needed.

 

[Mysticrose]

It's so tough though. They wouldn't let me enroll because my transcript didn't come in time. Now I might miss this semester because I have no way to pay for it. It feels like they keep finding a reason for me to not let me enroll...

 

[AlexiMarie7]

Our goals are sometimes delayed due to factors outside of our control. But if we are passionate which you seem to be, we press on and continue to try, even if it takes a bit longer to achieve. Don't let obstacles steal your dream, use them to reinforce your commitment.

Single defeats are not final defeats. Don't give up. If you need to take some time to get tuition and other costs together, do it and try to be disciplined in saving and then go back more focused, without money stress hanging over you.

 

[Acy]

Hi Mysticrose. I can imagine it "feels" as though they're stacking the odds against you. I'm sure though that they were just following the rules they have for admissions. There are always deadlines and things that must be included on time.

You feel let down atm. As @AlexiMarie said, one defeat is not a final defeat in this case. Can you find a way to keep saving some money so that you CAN start next semester? Maybe you can find some volunteer tutoring or teachers' aide positions - and they might even help you in your career and job search the long run. I sure wouldn't give up if it's something you really want to do. Maybe step back a bit to see if there are ways to do it in spite of the temporary setbacks. *

 

[may71]

You might be able to volunteer with special needs students. This would also help you to figure out how you would feel about doing this as a career

 

[Mysticrose]

I had before and I enjoyed it.

 

[JmpMster]

If the goal is to simply help special needs individuals there are many organizations that do that - for example Pathways and Catholic Charities, and I believe ARC is nationwide...- both that have paid positions helping special needs peopel of all ages in many different ways- from just going out in community as an activity aides and activity coordinators to job coaches and assisting with appointments. The county will have listings of the places that provide those services in your area and you can contact them for employment options and requirements.

 

[Walker]

In my state you can work with special needs folks with no college. It's not teaching but it would be something you could do anywhere with no experience until you get started on your degree. I'm sure every state has places that are relatively the same though I'm not sure how one goes about searching for jobs there. For us, in CO, it's developmentally disable group homes or some such idea. We even have placements for people to come live with you in your house and get paid for it. My ex wife and I did that for a while back in the day and it was pretty good times. The money in that field if awful, but so is teaching, so I guess you're set up well for that.