I recommend that you look into special education. Some states will pay you to take classes to become a special education teacher.

Otherwise take beginning classes at night at a community college and work days.

The great thing about becoming a teacher is that there are always jobs available somewhere (especially if you go into math, science, or really anything except English and history) and most colleges have education programs that will train you AND help you get certified in your state. The annoying thing about becoming a teacher is that it’s hard to start without any money (I speak from experience). The No Child Left Behind guidelines for schools mean that teachers should be college-educated and certified, which adds up to a lot of money for the new teacher. Thankfully, many states (and the federal government) can help with the college part, with financial aid and even loan forgiveness programs (where they will partially or completely get rid of certain college loans for agreeing to teach in that state for a certain amount of time, though states vary in this type of help). Check out collegeboard.com for applications for financial aid and specific scholarships. Definitely do community college for your liberal arts classes (writing/English, lab science, language, and other things that most colleges require of all students). If you have a college in mind to transfer into, call them and make sure the credits from your community college will transfer properly to avoid having to take things over again. And finally, use all available resources! I didn’t know what great support networks there were when I started college and there really is a lot of help out there. Talk to your high school guidance counselor, and if that person doesn’t know enough to give you specific help, ask to get connected with someone who can (like a relatively new teacher at your school). When you’ve picked a community college, talk to advisors and admissions people there about class schedules to help to keep your job while you’re at school, how to get your degree as fast as you can while still working, what school to transfer to, and any other questions you have. There are tons of people who are experts in college searches, career counseling, college admissions, financial aid, and teacher training, so find those people! Seriously, becoming a teacher can be kind of a pain when you’re low on cash, but it can be done. Don’t let anyone shut you out because you can’t pay for everything right now, you deserve as good an education as anyone else, and it’s your job to fight for it. Best of luck!!

Please consider going to school even part time. If you get a car/apt/job etc., then you become dependent upon that full-time income to support everything you’ve got. Typically a car payment is for 3-5 years and that is a long time when you’re trying to save.

I opted for a two year degree out of high school and found that I only made slightly more than your average fast food service worker! I then got married and had two children … last year I returned to college to become a teacher (we have something in common!) and I took ALL of my courses online so it didn’t interfere with taking care of my kids. Perhaps a local community college (which is, btw, much cheaper than a university) would offer some online or even hybrid classes that you could work in around your job?

One other thought, how long have you been supporting yourself? If you qualify for the status of “independent” student, you should qualify for tons of financial aid and you might not even have to work. You could go to school and live off what you get – just be wary of taking out loans. You’ll have to pay them back and honestly the rates aren’t that good – hovering at 6.8% for me!

You should apply for grants and loans from financial aid. I don’t know what I would have done without financial aid. You don’t have to pay back grants, but you do have to pay back loans. You should also apply for scholarships.

You can start out at community colleges just for your basics- usually the first 2 years. They cost MUCH less than normal college and also offer financial aid. Make sure that the college that you want to eventually go to accepts community college credits and that your community college is accredited. You could also work part time. I worked about 15 hours a week my first semester. I was pretty busy, but I still had some time to hang out with friends. You should go and talk to your high school counsellor to make sure that you have all of the information that you need and that you meet all of the deadlines for applying for financial aid/scholarships. I hopethis helps. Good luck!

I was in the same boat. My family is poor, neither parent has a degree. One works in manufacturing making just $30k/year and the other works as management at a retail store making less than $25k/year and with a family of eight $55k/year doesn’t go far at all.

I never in my life asked myself whether or not I was going to college, it was where. You need an education to better your chances of getting a high paying job.

And so, I took out student loans, I’m a sophomore in college and have just less than $30k in loans, and will have at least $60k in loans after I’m done with my undergraduate and $90k in loans after my masters degree. I estimate that it will average to $900/month in payments for 10 years.

Does it suck? YES, but it is just a fact of life and I’m really willing to make that sacrifice for the sake of getting a good job and education.

Good Luck, I’d suggest you go to community college first and get a taste for it, then transfer somewhere else you’d like to go. If you take a year off you may not go back. :-\

Try night community collage firs with a day job. If you really want to do it you will!

I did it that way some years ago and I was an orphan too. Today, as a retired engineering executive, I.have no regrets at all. It took me a little longer than usual but I did it.

NDS

getting your liberal arts courses completed at a community college would be your best bet and would save you a lot of money, then you can transfer to the school of your choice and participate in internships. my friend started out as a substitute teacher, but now she is filling in for a kindergarden teacher who is on pregnancy leave. if that teacher decides that she doesn’t want to come back the school board is planning on asking my friend to stay full time. hope everything works out for you.

It also depends upon what state your in. Then look into the website for that state and see if there are details on the website. Lastly, ask your high school guidance counselor. That is why they are there.

if you are broke, why would you take a year off. keep going to school till you reach your goal, and work part time. there is help out there.