HOUSTON -- Many laid off workers are going back to school to become teachers. In fact, so many are returning to the classroom that some teacher certification classes are now full.
Houston Community College's fast track teacher certification course is one of the courses that has grown in popularity.
"The interest has increased, I would say, starting this last year," said Anna Go, Director of the Teacher Certification Program. "We have individuals coming from finance, the real estate market, engineering and oil and gas."
Teaching is seen by many people as recession-proof, and in bad economic times, there's lots of interest in it.
"My father was a high school librarian for 21 years, so I kind of know about job stability. I think that getting into this field and knowing there is job stability is a reassuring feeling," said student teacher Rebecca Cote.
One point the teaching profession is often criticized on is the pay, but teachers coming out of the HCC accelerated certification course earn about $45,000 a year.
"When you think about it, you are being paid a salary and you're only working 180 days," said Go.
The HCC course costs $4,600, and it takes two semesters to complete. If you have a bachelor's degree of any kind, you can enroll.
But before you do, make sure you like children, because regardless of how secure the job is, this career is all about the kids.
