Any full time teachers here? (k-5th grade)

[chadfromdallas]

Looking for some opinions on a few things please:

Do you like your job?
If you had the choice, would you choose the same career?
Do you think you are paid fairly well?

My girlfriend is thinking of switching from becoming an RN to a career in teaching and I was wondering if you folks in the field could offer her up some pros and cons

 

[capthooksmom]

I'll start by saying that teaching situations in Texas seem to be much better in Texas than Louisiana (at least that's what my friends who have moved there have told me) but I did the same thing. I switched from an RN program to education so I could be at home for holidays and summers with my kids. I loved teaching, but found it dominated much of my at home time and holidays. Plus, in my 2 different positions, we were "encouraged" (if you get my drift) to teach specifically for the LEAP and IOWA tests. I left after 2 years and probably won't go back. When DS and any future kids are in school, I plan to go back to nursing school. Eventually, I would like to teach nursing.
Having said that, my teacher friends who have moved to Texas think they have died and gone to heaven. They love it. She should do what makes her happy.

As for the $$ - I don't know what they're paying now in Texas, and can only compare to La. I don't feel like I was paid enough, particularly when I spent a lot of my own $$ for classroom supplies, etc. I know other states pay their teachers significantly more. If you're in a good situation and can make enough money to live on, it is one of the most rewarding professions you could have.

 

[CBRorBust]

As far as salary goes in DFW, it ranges from $36k-$39k with a BA/BS.

I cannot really answer the questions you asked. I'm doing my student teaching this school year and will graduate in May.

She would have to become certified to teach in EC-4th. There are two ways to go about doing this. 1) Go through a University and seek certification through them (I recommend this method!) or 2) Do Emergency Certification through various places.

Have her e-mail me if she has any questions about the process. I highly suggest her substituting for a few months before she decides she wants to become a teacher. It's not an overnight process, and it's definitely NOT for everyone! You're heart really has to be in it 110% otherwise the money, hours, and frustrations are just not worth it. I don't want to sound discouraging, but I cannot tell you how many people get in it for "summers off" and don't realize that it's harder than it seems.

tinarie01@yahoo.com

 

[Pin Wizard]

Originally posted by CBRorBust
It's not an overnight process, and it's definitely NOT for everyone! You're heart really has to be in it 110% otherwise the money, hours, and frustrations are just not worth it.

I have to agree there. I left my job after 8 years and went back to school thinking elementry ed was where I wanted to go. Got through most of my core courses. Took my first teaching course and then DROPPED it! No, this isn't where I wanted to go. Switched to business.

 

[chadfromdallas]

Wow, some great responses so far, hehe.

Just for a little more information on her plans:

We will be moving to California probably(San Jose, maybe Sacramento). If not there, somewhere far away from Dallas for sure

She will likely be attending Texas A&M - Commerce, but I'm trying to convince her to head to the University of North Texas

 

[swilphil]

I didn't teach elementary school, but taught high school for 14 years. My answer would depend on WHY she wants to switch. If she wants to work with kids and be part of the education system, then it would be a good move. Over the years, I found that some people want to get into teaching because they think it will be easy or they want to have their summers off. NOT good reasons, though I do have to say that teaching is a good job to have when your own kids get into school.

Teaching is kind of a calling, but I think nursing is too. She just has to figure out what her calling is. If she can do some volunteer work in a school, that would help a lot.

In order to get your pay to be a pretty decent rate as a teacher, you have to keep going to school. That's what you spend a lot of time doing in the summers. A masters is definitely necessary at some point or you won't move up much on the pay scale. Our school district pays more all the way to a Masters degree plus 60 additional hours, but a lot of schools only go to Masters plus 45 additional hours. I know in Southern California there are a lot of year around schools. I'm not sure if that's the case in the rest of the state.

 

[chrissyk]

It's supposed to be really tough for teachers in the Silicon Valley/San Jose area to afford housing from what I've read

Anyways, my mom is an elementary school teacher, and I'm going to go for my emergency certification to become a high-school math teacher once we complete our move to FL. My understanding of my mom's pay scale is that they have up to Masters plus 72, which is top pay. She has been teaching for over 15 years, and she is at top pay. It's a very decent salary IMHO. A lot of districts here won't even hire teachers who don't have a Masters already.

My mom LOVES her job. It's a second career, and as someone else said, it's a calling for her. She's taught 3rd grade and 5th grade. Some things that seem to frustrate her and her friends are totally inclusive classrooms and teaching to the statewide test. Also, union politics are a mess in her district right now, and they are working without a contract. They are also going to "work to rule". I don't know if Texas is a right-to-work state or not, but this may be a problem in various districts there as well.

Teaching seems to be a great career for the right person. I definitely agree that it's a calling, though.

 

[bekkiz]

Housing in san jose/bay area (where I live) is very, very expensive. If teaching will be a 2nd income, they should be ok, of course it depends on the first income. For example our combined income is about 110000 a year, and we cannot afford to buy a house in a nice neighborhood with good schools, although we are looking. In the neighborhood where we live (we rent a very old, run-down house, but I love it!), no house has sold recently for less than 800,000, and most are 1,000,00+. In fact, one just sold for about 900,000, and they just tore it down to rebuild!

Anyway, on to teaching. Becoming a teacher in CA is very difficult, and I don't know about a reciprocation agreement with Texas. At the least, she'll have to take a number of tests (they're hard, but not impossible), if she comes with a credential already. With just a BA, it'll be about a year of school to get her credential.

To sub, it's very easy. It's one, unbelievably easy test+ your BA. A friend was a sub last year as she worked for a credential, and did okay, seemed to work 3-5 days a week.

I got my MA and credential, intending to teach, but I'm a little snobby about the schools in the area I'd want to teach at, and unfortunately those schools are a little snobby about hiring new teachers. I could have gotten a job very quickly in a low-income or low-performing school district, but due to other things going on in my life, that wasn't a direction I was willing to go. Currently I'm finishing up 9 more units so I can teach preschool, which so far seems to be working out very well. Not a ton of money in the field, but great opportunities and very flexible hours (which is what I needed.)

Let me know if she has other questions, or feel free to email me at pixielf@hotmail.com

 

[bekkiz]

Also, I forgot to add that in this area, a first year teacher with a BA and a credential sart aroun 42-44 a year

 

[chadfromdallas]

Wow, excellent information!

Passing it all to her today and such.

Keep that info rolling in

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

Former teacher, here. Now staying home with the 3 munchkins.

I think there is no better career for mothers because you do have a schedule that is similar to your children's. I can't imagine not having summer vacation with them, Christmas, etc.

Decent pay, decent benefits, and at times EXTREMELY rewarding.

BUT-----

I know several single teachers (either divorced or never married) who BARELY make ends meet.