Ask the Experts

In this troubled economy, how can teachers be expected to afford the high cost of teacher training?

Every business expects to re-invest some of the profits back into that business. The percentage can vary, from 10% to 50%, with newer businesses investing more because of start up costs. When you invest in more training, it’s like investing in yourself, and that has a payoff of a lifetime of teaching.

In the beginning, it was hard for me, just out of college and with two young children. The reward was that every unit of training I took, I was able to keep the students growing, and staying for a longer period of time, with more success. It was a win-win-win situation: I became a better teacher, the students learned better, and they continued longer. So the training has more than paid for itself; it was the best investment I ever made! It taught me how to teach, and my degrees taught me what to teach.

Use many ways to save money:

  • Ask your school, Suzuki group, or parent group to help with teacher training costs
  • Apply for the an SAA scholarship (due February 5)
  • Share rides
  • Share hotel rooms
  • Camp out
  • Buy food at the grocery store instead of restaurants

You will be enriched by the experience, and you will be teaching more effectively, which will translate into more money in the long run.