Here’s How You Can Become a Great Teacher Without a University
Posted On July 21,2025
You want to work with kids, but to be a “real” teacher, you need a university degree, right? A traditional four-year university can be a great thing, but not everyone can afford or wants to commit to this path.
Maybe you just finished high school, and in the last few months, you couldn’t wait to get out of those halls and have no desire to spend the next four years in full-time education. Maybe you’ve been working for years, you’ve finally decided on a career change, but the thought of putting your life on hold for four years to go back to school just fills you with dread. Maybe you simply can’t afford a traditional four-year university.
Whatever the reason, you know that a full-time, four-year university isn’t for you right now. Does that mean you’re doomed to a dead-end career? Absolutely not. A two-year vocational school that offers an early childhood education program can be a smarter, faster, and more affordable way to start teaching young children, making a difference, and setting yourself up for long-term career success.
Vocational Schools Get You Out of the Classroom and Into the Real World Faster
It may sound a little backward, since teachers will undoubtedly spend time in a classroom, but many would-be teachers are eager to move from behind the desk and start their careers in front of the classroom. That’s not only not uncommon, but it’s also a great sign that you’ll be a great teacher. You’re excited to get out there and start working with kids. Rather than sitting in lecture halls for years while you take notes about how to be a teacher, vocational schools and career academies begin with practical preparation right from the start. Yes, you will still have some classroom time. But with a two-year program, you’ll be teaching twice as quickly as you would with a traditional university degree.
Vocational Schools Allow You to Begin Your Career with Less Debt
College costs are not what they used to be. The cost of a four-year degree is prohibitively expensive, even if you aren’t going for the costliest options for schools. Add in living expenses, and that four-year degree can mean taking out a loan for a total amount that will take you decades to repay. Yes, you’ll have a steady and reliable career as a teacher, but no one should have to start their career with tens – if not hundreds – of thousands of dollars of debt on their shoulders. Many competent adults examine their options and realize that investing isn’t a wise long-term decision. With a two-year degree from a career academy or vocational school, the cost is significantly less. While it’s still an investment in your future, it’s far more affordable, and you’ll begin your career with less debt than if you’d chosen another option.
Need to Earn While You Learn? Vocational Schools Expect That
Vocational schools are known for their flexibility. This is great news for working adults seeking a career change, full-time parents looking to re-enter the workforce, and recent high school graduates who want to work and earn enough to cover living expenses while pursuing their degree. While a traditional four-year university expects full-time students to prioritize their education over any work commitments, career academies and vocational schools are ready with flexible schedules and built-in support systems. Rather than feeling torn, you’ll balance your commitments, getting ready for your new career while you make enough to support yourself now.
Practical Classroom Training Will Prepare You
Vocational schools and career academies are all about preparing you for real-world career success. This means a program full of hands-on experience, real and practical training, and a good percentage of your degree program spent on practical training when compared to class time. Yes, you will still spend time in a classroom learning educational theories, developmental stages, and best practices, but you’ll also have plenty of practicums, shadowing, and hands-on training. Vocational schools want to make sure that when you finish their program, you are ready for your career.
With the Growing Demand for Early Childhood Educators, You’ll Be in a Great Position
It’s no secret that there’s a shortage of teachers, and with more parents recognizing the value of early childhood education, the demand for quality educational opportunities for children under five has skyrocketed. Early education programs need teachers who are ready to step in quickly. With a two-year degree in Early Childhood Education, you will be in high demand. If you are enthusiastic about your new career, well-prepared by your vocational school, and ready to work, you won’t have any issue getting a job, even without that four-year university degree. After completing the program in only two years, you’ll be able to make a real difference and do meaningful work you can feel proud of.
Don’t let anyone convince you that you must invest in a four-year university to start a teaching career. Whether you’re just finishing high school and want to start your career quickly, you’re an adult looking for a career change where you can make a difference, or you’re at any stage of life and want a career with meaning but can’t afford a traditional university, you can become an early childhood teacher in just two years by attending a career academy.
You don’t need a four-year degree to become a great teacher. Athena Career Academy offers a flexible, affordable path to a rewarding career in early childhood education—so you can start making a difference faster and with less debt. Contact us today to learn more.