Job Security vs. Pursuing the Dream

[circleart]

I have been accepted into an MFA-Painting program at the San Francisco Art Institute.

And an Early Childhood / General Childhood Masters of Education at the Bank Street College of Education in New York City.

Bank Street is a prestigious teaching program that pretty much guarentees a teaching position in any type of elementary school.

I would have summers off and full benefits.

The MFA qualifies me for ...not so much.

I would get to develop as an artist, which is great. Maybe I could get a teaching gig too.

I'm thinking I could go back to school for a Masters of Education, or any other professional program later on.

Any thoughts?

Thank you!

[so47]

In this economy? Go for teaching. It sounds like a great opportunity. And can you really afford to be a student for a M-FA followed by another degree? If you can, you are very lucky and go for it. But for me, I would be worried about having a job to pay all those students loans off with!

But also note, I am a scientist and am practical almost to a fault. So that definitely puts some bias in my advice

[Sassytune]

I will also claim bias, being a pragmatist.

You say after the MFA, you *may* get a teaching gig - sounds pretty iffy to me.

Is the MFA program funded or are you going to incur bucket-loads of debt? Personally, I would be leery of incurring debt.

With the summers off, full benefits and a hefty paycheck after you get your teaching job, can you not take summer classes in Art school and develop as an artist? Just a thought.

Good Luck with your decision.