I am in my 10th year teaching chemistry at Salem High School. In the 2020-2021 school year I began teaching AP Chemistry. At our school AP Chemistry has been offered as a Running Start course, which means students can earn college credits through Manchester Community College by successfully completing the course. I feel that this is an incredibly valuable opportunity for my students. However, the requirements of Running Start are that the instructor must hold the same level of credentials as an instructor at the NH Community College System Level. This would require a Master's in Chemistry. I have been able to keep my course Running Start approved by starting work on graduate level classes.
I applied and was accepted into UMass Lowell's Master's program in July of 2020. Thus far my courses have been funded by a grant through Running Start. However, the grant has run out for next school year and my district only refunds one course per year, while I am taking two per year. I am trying to defray the out of pocket cost of these courses, as I would like to continue on with this program.