How to Leverage the Holiday Season for Professional Growth

The holiday season brings with it an air of festivity, family reunions, and for many, a break from the daily grind. While it’s undoubtedly a time to relax and recharge, it can also be the perfect opportunity to invest in yourself. A time to pursue personal and professional growth and career aspirations. For those considering a transition into the world of education, this downtime offers an invaluable chance to explore fast and affordable teacher certification programs.

Your Professional Growth Options toward Certification

Traditional teacher certification can be a lengthy process, often requiring a degree in education and completion of a university-based teacher preparation program. For many professionals, this means a costly return to college. However, going back to college might not be a feasible option for many. This is where alternative certification programs come to play.

Alternative teacher certification pathways are designed to bring knowledgeable and passionate individuals into the teaching profession without them having to complete more university classes. These programs recognize the wealth of knowledge and skills that individuals from other professions can bring to the classroom. Whether you have a background in science, the arts, or any other field, there’s likely an alternative pathway that can help you transition into teaching.

Making a Choice that Works for You

Using the holiday season to research these programs can be incredibly beneficial for your professional growth. Here’s how:

1. Time to Research: With a break from regular work, you can dedicate a few hours over the course of a week to understand the various alternative certification options available in your state. Some states have a state-run option, other states don’t offer any alternative certification. Also, there are organizations that provide alternative certification, American Board being one that operates in 14 states across the US.
2. Networking: Holidays are a great time to connect with friends and acquaintances. You might know someone who has gone through an alternative certification program and can offer firsthand insights. Consider joining LinkedIn if you haven’t already done so, and look for posts on alternative certification. Follow some alternative certification organizations to see if their posts resonate with you.
3. Planning Ahead: By exploring these pathways during the holidays, you can start the upcoming year with a clear plan. Many programs have specific intake or enrollment periods, limiting when you can get started. Other programs, such as American Board, have open enrollment 24/7 so you can begin at any time.
4. Self-reflection: The tranquility that the holidays offer is ideal for introspection. Consider what subjects or age groups you are passionate about and how your existing skills can be leveraged in a classroom setting.

For many, teaching is a calling. If you’ve felt the pull towards this noble profession but have been unsure about making the transition, the holiday season might be your perfect time to take those initial steps. By pursuing alternative certification, you can answer that call without starting your educational journey from scratch.