---

BRIDGEWATER - Foxboro resident Drew Hoyt's original ambition was to be a math teacher when he entered Colby College in Maine about 20 years ago.

But his interest in math took a right turn toward philosophy. After considering an academic career, he then veered toward law school. And after graduating from Boston College Law School in 1995, Hoyt practiced environmental law for more than 13 years. He still does in fact. But not for long.

"The desire to teach math never went away," Hoyt said.

Hoyt is now one of several candidates pursuing teaching as a second career through Bridgewater State College's Accelerated Post Baccalaureate licensure program. The program certifies candidates to teach in secondary schools and, according to school officials, has been growing increasingly popular as the nation's economy has faltered.

"We've had dozens of people contact us in the last few weeks who have been laid off," program coordinator and assistant professor Tom Brady said. "The majority of candidates are second career," Brady said. "We have had lawyers, accountants, investment bankers come through our program."

Those collecting unemployment can have benefits extended for up to 18 weeks if enrolled in the program. Training must be full-time, however, and other eligibility requirements must be met, according to the state Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development's Website, www.mass.gov/eolwd.

Though the job outlook for educators is not as good as it was a few years ago, we "still need schools, still need teachers," Brady said.

The dismal economy has not hit education as hard as other sectors, and there's still a high demand for math, science, foreign language and special education teachers, he said.

Each semester, the college receives about 50 to 60 applications for the program and graduates between 35 and 40 people. At least 15 in each group are preparing for math and science teaching.

About half the program participants are already teaching under a waiver or "preliminary licensing agreement," Brady said. Through their teaching positions, they can satisfy the requirement for the teaching practicum. "Works out very well for them," he said.

Once out, teachers must earn a relevant graduate degree within five years to become a fully licensed professional teacher.

Brady, who taught secondary school math for 10 years, said people to turn to teaching for job satisfaction. "Nothing in the world like it ... People want to make a difference and do something meaningful," he said.

Erika Clare from Attleboro worked for a Providence consulting firm before starting the BSC program in September. She first considered becoming a high school English teacher three years ago.

"I felt a need for more of a challenge in my daily life," she said. "Consulting was fine, editing was fine. Education will make me happier though." While contemplating a new career, Clare tutored on Saturdays at The Steppingstone Academy in Boston, a non-profit organization. She recommends working with children before making the commitment to get certified.

Clare is hopeful, though not overconfident, about the prospect of finding an English teaching position. She recently heard through the grapevine that one school district will not hire because current teachers are delaying retirement, presumably because of the economy.

One consideration for those switching to a career in education is salary. Clare said school officials told her to expect about $40,000 a year to start.

According to Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education figures, the average 2006-07 salary for all teachers in school districts covered by The Sun Chronicle ranged from $54,796 in Plainville to $61,779 in Seekonk. Statewide it was $58,257 in 2007.

Clare left her job to focus on her studies and has prepared for a more modest income.

"I've had to make changes," she said. "(We're) very frugal in our house. We have a strict budget."

In Drew Hoyt's household, salary was talked about at length. There has been "a lot of discussion with my wife, who supports me in this," he said, adding that she plans to go back to work.

"It's going to be a major change for me. I'll be taking a pay cut to become a teacher," he said.

One upside, however, is that Hoyt's 10 years as a lawyer for the state will count toward his future pension. "(I'll) trade today's year-to-year income for building a pension," he said.

For Mansfield resident Chris Leard, salary was less of a concern.

"Money wasn't a motivating factor," he said.

Leard, who plans to be a middle school math teacher, holds a degree in finance. He has worked in retail for 20 years and is now employed as a service associate at Lowe's in North Attleboro.

"Enjoyed doing retail," Leard said, "(But) I'm looking for a new challenge."

Teaching will offer a "good balance between work and life," he said. In retail, there's no set schedule, a lot of weekend work; the day often begins at 6 a.m. "It can be difficult," he said.

Leard thought about becoming a teacher for a long time. With three young children, he volunteered as a math tutor in his children's elementary school. He also has been active with the Mansfield Elementary School Association, a parent group. Last year, he served on the association's board as treasurer.

He finally asked himself: If I don't do it now, when will I? He's encouraged by reports that math teachers are in great demand.

Making the commitment to become a teacher, however, isn't taken lightly by people such as Hoyt, Clare and Leard. Teaching isn't for everyone. Don't step into it if you are uncertain, advised Hoyt. "Have the passion to teach."

However, for those who have yearned to work with children and teens, the profession offers opportunity and reward, if not wealth. The important thing, said Clare, is "to not be afraid to make a change."

ALEX SPEREDELOZZI is an intern at The Sun Chronicle and is pursuing a master's degree at the Harvard Extension School. He can be contacted at asperedelozzi@hotmail.com.