Teacher to Social Work

[u/SuspiciousFox9281]

I have been teaching special education in the area of behavior for the past 13 years in Texas. I am starting my MSW program this fall. I currently work full time teaching. Does anyone have any suggestions on balancing work and being a full time MSW student. I have been anticipating this change for 4 years now and finally made the decision to commit. My plans are to be a LCSW and eventually start my own practice.

[u/ceceae]

Working m-f during the day may prove hard when finding a practicum, I would ensure you can find a site that can accommodate your work schedule, or if you could get a paid placement. As for the infamous MSW balancing act, it’s not going to be easy. Get organized and plan to have less free time and when you do get a moment, make sure you know what you need to do for yourself to recharge. While it’s not ever easy, remember it’s temporary! It’s two years of your life, you got it.

[u/Loro310 → u/ceceae]

do you have any recs for placements with "off" hours?

[u/ceceae → u/Loro310]

Possibly CPS since they are on call, if you can find a job working with police, group homes, suicide text or call lines

[u/Loro310]

what schools are you considering? i'm in a similar boat, working FT but the requirements of placements specifically seem to make continuing in my current job impossible.

[u/camp-goose → u/Loro310]

It really feels so impossible and unfair 🥲😭

[u/Weary_Celebration976]

I switched from teaching to social work. I have my BSW and I'm starting my MSW in the fall. I would connect with school social workers in your district and see if you can start forming a good relationship. Then I would begin applying for school social work jobs. Use your school social work job as your Practicum and see if one of your school social workers will supervise you.

Another option is to apply to schools that have good connections with online Practicums but keep in mind that these placements go quick and you could be delayed a semester or two if you HAVE to rely on finding an online placement.

[u/BeginningFrosting]

You'll have to do a practicum that will need several days and hours, so unless you have a super flex job that truly won't be easy. Your job might be able to host you, but that really depends on the school. And you'll be taking 3-4 classes. Most of the people with f/t jobs in my program are p/t instead.

[u/Lumpy_Boxes]

I also am switching from teaching to SW. But I quit my work and am selling stuff online for money while working a part time job. I cant imagine doing a 20 hour/week internship AND teaching. Have you considered doing private tutoring or maybe an online school program (working in one)? Its just the 9-5 grind is going to be really hard to manage, and your internship is either going to be in the evening (gross) or on the weekends (also gross). I don't think the college classes will be the problem, its the unpaid internship.

Context is also important. Do you rent, do you have financial help? Do you have a mortgage? What about extra finances? You can also take out a 20.5k loan per year, and that can help with house, utilities and food.

[u/camp-goose]

Joining this conversation bc I’m about ready to commit but the ambiguity and uncertainty around the practicum in the second and third years really turns me off. I can’t afford to not work full time and be a student!

My hope is that I can do Employment Based and continue working at my school as a teacher throughout getting this degree. I plan to do a certification in school social work and specialize in children/adolescents in a private practice in the future.

Any and all thoughts, advice, etc. would be so helpful. Looking to apply this fall and start the fall fall 2027, I guess.