Any 2nd career teachers out there?

[2TxAgs]

I've been a SAHM for almost 13yrs; was in the corporate world for a dozen years before that. I'm looking for input from anyone who went into teaching after working in a totally different environment.

What about the adjustment was most difficult? Would you make the same decision again?

I have spent the last 6 yrs in a part-time role working with kids at many different schools (visiting instructor). I very much enjoy the job, but I am only with a class for 2hrs, then I may or may not see those kids again. I feel like I'm missing the opportunity to watch them grow and learn and put to use the info I've shared with them.

To those teachers who have education degrees and many years of experience - do you find the folks who've gone thru alternative certification programs to be good teachers? What can you tell me BEFORE I get started that you wish you could say to those new teachers?

Thanks for your thoughts....

 

[MissAndrea]

I'm interested in this too. I should have went with my first choice (teaching) but didn't...now I kind of regret it. I've considered going back to get my certification or whatever it is I need to get. But I'm still paying back student loans and don't really want to add to it.

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

I'm not a second career teacher, but I am a teacher and have been for 5 years, but I've been working in the schools for over 10 years. I have seen good and not-so-good teachers come from many different backgrounds and a variety of certification programs.

For advice, be open to ideas. The best teachers are always open to ideas of their colleagues, especially the ones with more experience. Particularly with some alternative programs, the teachers are full of new ideas, great intentions, but no experience. Some of these teachers were, to put it bluntly, cocky but naive. They would not take advice and they didn't last long.

Teaching is harder than it looks; statistically about half of teachers leave within the first 3-5 years. No, it's not air traffic control or nuclear physics, but it is managing the behavior of over 20 children while at the same time meeting the demands of the state laws, the administration's wishes, the parents' preferences, class interruptions....oh and you're supposed to teach academic content in there somewhere. I would also advise that if you decide to go into teaching, to stick with it for at least a few years. Also, find an alternative program that gives you plenty of support and does not just throw you in the classroom after a few weeks of summer courses. I noticed that teachers that went through alternative programs (especially the quick, over the summer training ones), did not last long in the classroom, because they were not well-prepared.

Summary: If you're going to do it, find a good program, make a commitment to stick with it, and be open to good ideas!

Other things to consider are that the teaching market is quite saturated right now, and could be for quite some time, and some principals do not like programs that are entirely online, so find a program that is through a reputable school with an actual campus.

Whatever you decide, good luck with it!

 

[StitchBuddy]

I am an Aggie too!
I am a teacher in Texas. I don't know where you live, but it is very hard to get a job right now in teaching. Many districts a not hiring for positions that open up. Schools just like other businesses are having a hard time fianancially. My district combined many programs which left them with a surplus of teachers which they used to fill positions that were open due to people leaving. So basically we have fewer teachers per student now. I know several people who have gone through alternative certification or just graduated and don't have jobs yet. Unfortunately, many people turn to teaching when the economy gets bad and they get laid off from their preferred career. Then when the economy picks back up they return to their career. Most people burn out on teaching in 5 years or less.

 

[smphbear]

One other thing I would recommend is talk to teachers who work in the district(s). I started off in a district that paid really well, but there was no respect for the teachers. I was tired of focusing on the test and pushing paper to document everything. I spent so much time on paper that I felt like I did that more than teaching. They were standardizing what each teacher was doing. If you want everyone to teach the exact page in the exact same way on the exact same day, get a trained monkey. I left that district and went to a private school where I can teach. Our principal is around and knows what is going on, but he gives us the freedom to teach in the way that is best for our students. Just get an idea of what the environment is like. It can make a huge difference in your happiness as a teacher. Try to find the right environment for you.

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

One other thing I would recommend is talk to teachers who work in the district(s). I started off in a district that paid really well, but there was no respect for the teachers. I was tired of focusing on the test and pushing paper to document everything. I spent so much time on paper that I felt like I did that more than teaching. They were standardizing what each teacher was doing. If you want everyone to teach the exact page in the exact same way on the exact same day, get a trained monkey. I left that district and went to a private school where I can teach. Our principal is around and knows what is going on, but he gives us the freedom to teach in the way that is best for our students. Just get an idea of what the environment is like. It can make a huge difference in your happiness as a teacher. Try to find the right environment for you.

I could have written this myself! My teaching experience is VERY similar!

 

[kimara3]

I am an Aggie too!
I am a teacher in Texas. I don't know where you live, but it is very hard to get a job right now in teaching. Many districts a not hiring for positions that open up. Schools just like other businesses are having a hard time fianancially. My district combined many programs which left them with a surplus of teachers which they used to fill positions that were open due to people leaving. So basically we have fewer teachers per student now. I know several people who have gone through alternative certification or just graduated and don't have jobs yet. Unfortunately, many people turn to teaching when the economy gets bad and they get laid off from their preferred career. Then when the economy picks back up they return to their career. Most people burn out on teaching in 5 years or less.

I agree with this! I don't know of any states right now where teachers are not being affected by the economy. Almost all states are laying off teachers and increasing class sizes at all levels. Our state budget is currently a mess, and is cutting school districts' money across the board. Many probationary teachers are being non-renewed, so the "market" is saturated right now. For example, a first grade position in my district had over 1000 applicants.

 

[MinnieGi]

I was a second career teacher who now has been a SAHM for ten years. I graduated with a business degree & ended up with a headache everyday of my office job life!! I had always thought about becoming a teacher but really got talked out of it by the horror stories of awful students, overworked, underpaid etc... Well I got a job as a teacher assistant at a private school while I went for my master's degree in elem. education. By getting my master's I also started with a higher salary than teachers coming in with just bachelor's. Anyway working as a t.a. was a good experience to confirm that teaching was the right career for me. I had a great hand's on program for my master's and got hired by the school where I did my student teaching.

Of course like any job, you learn more really holding the job than being a student of it!!! Your first several years are intense b/c there is so much prep work to do for your classroom and lesson plans everyday. My first year I spent loads of time at the school and at home working on my lessons, materials etc. I think that is one of the biggest challenges and surprises for new teachers is just how much time you actually work!! It does get easier with more years experience, however there are constantly new programs to learn and prepare materials for. I think new teachers or people considering going into teaching really need to know, teaching is not just the in-school hours but lots of extra time will be involved on your own time to become a good teacher.

However teachers are a super lot and I really enjoyed my time teaching not only with the kids but my fellow teachers. I'll tell you even my worst days of teaching never produced the headaches that I got everyday working in an office!!! And I just loved the beginning and ending of each year, both the newness and the perspective of how much the children have grown by the end of the year.

I still miss parts of being a teacher. I satisfy that by volunteering ALOT in my children's elementary school. One of the only reasons why I haven't gone back is that DH travels alot and for our family and my sanity that would be really hard teach full day, prepare next day's lessons and get the kids to their activities etc.. oh yeah and dinner and all....

Anyway good luck on your decision!! Teaching can be very rewarding!

 

[EKW]

I agree with what everyone here said. This year will be my 26th year teaching.

Some thoughts:

1. It's not the job it used to be. Visions of academic freedom may be dancing in your head, but many programs are scripted. State Standards and Benchmarks will dictate what you teach. District common assessment schedules will probably determine when you teach it.

2. It's not the job it used to be. If you have visions of summers off dancing in your head, think again. I taught at one district that required teachers to do PD in July. At my current district I go back to work next week...yes, in July. When I started we finished one year about June 6th and didn't go back until the last week of August. That doesn't happen anymore.

3. It's not the job it used to be. When I started, there was a 20-And-Out rule. You could retire with full benefits after 20 years with full health coverage for life. Now, if you retire before you qualify for Medicaid, you're going to have to buy your own insurance. Most teachers will teach at least 30 years before they retire. For some of us, it will be closer to 45 or 50 years because we need health coverage.

4. Yes, everything you know about how rewarding it is is true. The kids make it worth it.

5. It's not the job it used to be. At my last position I had a parent comment to me that all teachers are fools because nobody with a brain works for less than $100K a year. When I was a kid teachers were respected members of the community. Now, not so much. There are a lot of very negative stereotypes about teachers floating around. Personally, I think the news media and their constant spin about how bad education is in America is the source of this. Still, there aren't a lot of folks out there who are going to look up to you just because you're a teacher.

As an answer to your question about second career teachers. Some of the best and some of the worst teachers I've met have been second-career teachers. The ones who realized they had this gift and developed it and share it with their students every day are as good as any career teacher I've ever met. The ones who went into teaching because they think it's a cake job, an easy paycheck, etc, are some of the worst teachers I've ever met. Teaching is one of the few careers that is both an art and a science. If you don't have that innate ability, you aren't going to develop it by taking ed classes. If you do have it, find a good teacher program and go for it.

One warning: this is a TOUGH time to be a teacher. When the economy started to tank all sorts of people moved into teaching. Plus, baby boomers who thought they were going to retire can't because their 401K's are worthless now. I just moved to take a teaching position here because the district I was in the past 3 years cut almost all their non-tenured teachers. It was a tiny district, and over the past 2 years 80 of us lost our jobs!

When the economy bounces back it will be better...but education is never awash in money.

 

[StephMK]

I am not a second career teacher *yet* but I am halfway through my program to become one. It was my very first major & I switched before starting classes. I ended up w/a BA in Psych & worked in business for 12+ years. I spent some time working at my kids' preschool when I took time off & thought I'd go back to business when the youngest started school.

I went back to business, hated it, bored out of my mind & stressed over constant deadlines w/no feelings of fulfillment. So I finally leaped & entered a program last fall to get my cert/MA in Elem Ed. My program is not online & each semester I spend at least 40 hours in a classroom, teaching lessons or helping. I LOVE it. It seems silly that I was scared to make the plunge. I think I am pretty good at it & I now feel like I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing.

Threads from teachers always worry me because I do fear the hours spent & paperwork but I love to plan lessons for class. Fearful of putting it all together into a full day & dealing w/tests, etc but I am still willing to do it. I come from a family of teachers & don't expect it to be all roses & I"m not in it for the money. I'm getting my sped endt & hope to work w/kids on the autism spectrum as my focus someday.

It is hard & stressful to work PT & go to school but I will push through & keep focusing on getting my diploma and the sense of accomplishment. I currently have a 4.0 and work hard to be a teacher that will be one of the "good" ones.

 

[Teacher03]

I am not a second career teacher, but I started at the age of 40. I work in a Catholic school, and I LOVE my job. However, catholic schools in the area are closing, and I have been trying to be proactive and have spent my summer looking for a job in the public school system. As others have said, it is not easy. I've had one interview and was told there were over 100 applicants. (Didn't get the job !) So my advice is to check out the job market in your area. I wish I would have.

 

[smphbear]

I just want to clarify... I love my job teaching where I am now. Just make sure that you know more about the district / school where you would like to teach.

I am about to board a plane to Boston to attend the Apple Summer Institute. I teach computer and take care of all the tech for our school. I have found that the school made the biggest difference for me. I also ended up with a different position within the school. I never would have gone after this position, but I have ended up where I was meant to be.

I hope all of you find the place that is right for you!

 

[chop456]

I am a second career teacher. I worked in the non-profit field prior to the career change. I started my program when I was 32 (and pregnant with my 2nd child). I have been teaching for 9 years and have never looked back. My school has about 1/3 of the teachers as second careers educators. No one really differentiates between the "them and us". What is important is that there are good teachers in the building. My program was a face to face program and a few classes on-line. This was the best career decision I could have made.

 

[2TxAgs]

Thank you all so much for the input.

As I mentioned in my OP, I've been in many schools over the last few years. I have no illusions about teaching being easy. I've seen too many kids that are difficult, I've had too many teachers come up to me and ask how they could get my job.

On the other hand, I've had many teachers come up and ask if I was a retired teacher, or ask if I was available to substitute in their class. I think working with the kids and sharing info comes pretty naturally to me - I enjoy them and they can tell and they respond.

I also have no illusions with regards to $$. The job I left a dozen years ago paid more than I'll ever make as a teacher, even with the passage of time. I hate that teachers in our district have automatic raises of $200 per year on the job - give me a break! That doesn't amount to a cup of coffee a day. So, I'm not in it for the big bucks!

I am a bit concerned about getting in the door in these economic times, but I do have contacts at various schools and think my chances might be a bit better than someone who has not had my access.

I'm grateful for all your feedback,

 

[daughtersrus]

Thank you all so much for the input.

As I mentioned in my OP, I've been in many schools over the last few years. I have no illusions about teaching being easy. I've seen too many kids that are difficult, I've had too many teachers come up to me and ask how they could get my job.

On the other hand, I've had many teachers come up and ask if I was a retired teacher, or ask if I was available to substitute in their class. I think working with the kids and sharing info comes pretty naturally to me - I enjoy them and they can tell and they respond.

I also have no illusions with regards to $$. The job I left a dozen years ago paid more than I'll ever make as a teacher, even with the passage of time. I hate that teachers in our district have automatic raises of $200 per year on the job - give me a break! That doesn't amount to a cup of coffee a day. So, I'm not in it for the big bucks!

I am a bit concerned about getting in the door in these economic times, but I do have contacts at various schools and think my chances might be a bit better than someone who has not had my access.

I'm grateful for all your feedback,

I'm not a teacher but the mom of one and soon to be two (my second DD is also getting her degree in Ed).

The only thing that I would add is to choose which college you get your degree from carefully. My DD was told by many of the principals that she interviewed with that they look at the resumes of students from particular schools first. DD graduated from IL State University which is one of the best for education majors. As a matter of fact, the school district that she will be working at next month is in a college town but the principal told her that he believes that students from ISU are much better prepared than those from NIU.

Also, choose your certification carefully as well. The only people that DD knows that have been able to find jobs all have Special Ed certification with the exception of one friend that has a math endorsement. She taught Title I math last year but was RIFed and is looking again for a job. All of those with Elem Ed, Social studies, English, music...have not able able to find jobs. Besides SpEd, the other area that seems to always be hiring is ESL/ELL.

I wish you the best. We need more good, dedicated teachers in our school systems!

Edited to add...

This is a statement that DD found on the employment application portion of a Chicago area school district.

If you want...
the highest salary schedule in the country
a classroom filled with upper-middle class, college bound students
a tightly structured, easily administered curriculum
well ordered, problem free days
someone to tell you how to teach...
pass the link for this application to someone with more imagination, more drive...and more guts. If, on the other hand, you want...
a good salary schedule with excellent fringe benefits
students representing a thorough mixture of socio-economic, racial and ethnic backgrounds
a comprehensive, flexible curriculum designed to meet a complete range of abilities and needs
some problems and frustrations, but with a chance to grow professionally
an opportunity to experience success and learn from failure...
bear with us and complete this form. We may have something to offer each other.

 

[gatormom2tots]

Honestly- you can have a person who had a 4.0 in their college education classes and can't teach worth a flip. And you can have people who took a fast track as a 2nd career and are awesome! And then you have all those in between.

I have observed that the people who are in at as a 2nd career in hopes of finding better state insurance, summer's off, or looking for a less stressful enviornmanet than the business world don't make it.

1. Insurance is great, but costs are going up.
2. Summer's off is a joke. You spend your summer getting your PLUs. While you definitely have more time off than the school year, don't think you are going to Europe for 3 months every summer.

And to add to that, show me a teacher that only works contracted 7 hours a day and I will show you a teacher that is not fully doing the job that administrators, districts, etc. are demanding they do. My days are often 13 hours- 11 at work (7-6) and then another 2 hours after my kids go to bed. But I will tell you IO don't work weekends at all. Many of my friends don't work those hours daily but spend all weekend working at home.

3. Teaching is extremely stressful. One of my good friends who came from the corporate world said that teaching was way more stressfull than anything she had ever done.

Now, I do LOVE my job. If I didn't I wouldn't have made it for 10 years. And if you don't absolutely love teaching, you won't make it- whether its a 1st or 2nd career.

Best of luck!

 

[mrsltg]

I am studying to become a second career teacher. I was in the business world for 10+ years and then left when my third daughter was born. Teaching was always a consideration for me and always something I felt pulled towards just as I felt pulled towards a career in politics. I've done one, now I'm doing the other. I am not concerned about the economy. Yes, some teachers are being laid off. However, my last job required a lot of confidence and it is not something I lost. I know I am good. I know I will be a good teacher and I come across well in interviews. Another benefit to us second career folks is our age. I will be 37 when I begin full time teaching. This is a plus.

I will be honest and say that the benefits of the teaching schedule is not lost on me. Whereas I used to work my 8 hours (at least) and commute anywhere between 2-3 hours per day and then travel when necessary, then get five weeks vacation where I was on call at all times, this is job that will be 8 hours per day with a 20 minute commute. I recognize paperwork and planning will need to be done, but it still won't make my days longer than they were. Also, being on the same schedule as my kids is very desirable to me! I have a lot of friends who are teachers. They have their summers off. I wonder if it's a geographical phenomenon? I will also enjoy the 10 days or so off around Christmas and the week off in the spring. I will not be paid the same as I was at my old job, but I don't expect to be. HOWEVER, I expect to be happy. I expect to feel I am contributing something to the world. I love kids, I love the volunteer work I do with them, and I love the idea of spending more time with them. I plan to work 20 years (maybe a little more) but by that time I will be 57. scared1

Thanks for starting this topic, OP! I wish you the best of luck with your education and job hunt!

 

[cheery97]

If you are wanting to get into teaching as a second career Math and Science is definitely the route to go. They are the areas of high demand and the most potential.

 

[2TxAgs]

If you are wanting to get into teaching as a second career Math and Science is definitely the route to go. They are the areas of high demand and the most potential.

Yep - good for me! My first degree is in engineering, and my debate is whether to go Math 4-8 or Science 4-8.

Thanks again for the responses so far!

 

[PixieTl]

One other thing I would recommend is talk to teachers who work in the district(s). I started off in a district that paid really well, but there was no respect for the teachers. I was tired of focusing on the test and pushing paper to document everything. I spent so much time on paper that I felt like I did that more than teaching. They were standardizing what each teacher was doing. If you want everyone to teach the exact page in the exact same way on the exact same day, get a trained monkey. I left that district and went to a private school where I can teach. Our principal is around and knows what is going on, but he gives us the freedom to teach in the way that is best for our students. Just get an idea of what the environment is like. It can make a huge difference in your happiness as a teacher. Try to find the right environment for you.

I had a very similar experience and I wish i could say that it has gotten better at that school, but it's still the same! I loved teaching, I loved my students, they were a very challenging bunch, never boring! However the "robot teacher" route was not for me, it drove me insane to see my students not be able to keep up and I could not go back and catch them up if I followed the district calendar. if I do decide to go back after my kids are all done with school, I'll head the private school route or a charter school. But for now, i'll just fill in the holes in my kids education!

Keep in mind that you will need to be ESL certified too, they are pushing to have every teacher to be ESL certified or at least having one per department, or at least that's the trend here in Texas! Also, let me echo the hiring issue, some districts are not hiring outside the district, at all.. and have not for 2 years now. In the Math and Science field it gets a little easier, be prepared to do some subbing at different schools! Good luck!