Jeff for America

I’m enrolled in a masters degree program with Teach for America at UPenn and take classes once a week and one weekend per month. It’s a good program with some flaws but I mostly enjoy my professors and course work. Although it can be overwhelming to write a paper and plan for school, I managed to find a balance by the end of the year. Next semester will be easier. I actually just finished my last class for the first year last night – Education Law. I loved every minute of it (except when I didn’t) and it really got me to thinking about law school or working with something related to constitutional law and education. I just love applying legal concepts to different scenarios. I have developed a strong affinity for that type of thinking. Not sure if it would serve me well in law school, but I have at least found an interst consistent with my experiences. All of my classes were not as engaging, but they all served some purpose in preparing me for this first year of teaching.

The other week I finally got the tuition figures for the two-year program and decided to break down the cost for each class meeting. That was a mistake. The program costs about $38,000 over the two years, and each class meeting costs approximately $350. That means every week I’m paying $350 – $1000 for my masters. Put in those terms, it is just an insane proposition. Absolutely insane. I’ve been saving most of my income, so it should be paid off by next May. That means, though, that I won’t have much savings either. A trade off I’m willing to make.

By the end of next year, though, I will have my teaching certification and an M.S. from UPenn, which isn’t such a bad deal. I guess I’m just used to being at public schools, so this sudden hike in money for school is a bit bewildering. Makes me want to go to law school at another UC. Boalt Law is sounding real nice right about now. But that’s all to consider for another day.

- Jeff