I'd Like to Teach, But I can't Afford To

I have to wonder... If schools are in such need of teachers, why is it so hard to become one?

I'm looking through teacher certification programs, and either they have rigid start times (which is understandable) or are expensive as hell (not so understandable). I found one program that costs $4,000! I never thought I'd be saying, "I'd like to teach, but I can't afford to." My best bet still seems to be the certification program with the Dallas district. The big problem there is that that would involve moving to Dallas. When I was single and had only myself to consider, that wouldn't be a problem (other than logistics). As things currently stand... I've looked into getting certified here in Austin. Seems I've missed the deadline and would have to wait till early next fall to get the process started.

I don't want to wait that long.

I want to teach.

Besides writing, it's the only thing I know would satisfy me. As much as I enjoy the company I work for, this is by no means a career move. It's a paycheck. Until I get into writing (well, getting paid for writing) or teaching, nothing's going to be a career move.

Is a little career fulfillment too much to ask for??

J