Are you a teacher? Do you enjoy your job?

[fayt19]

Hey, everyone. This might seem like a weird question, but I'm going to college next year and trying to weigh the pro's and con's of my different interests. I love children, and I think teaching preschool or kindergarden would be really rewarding, but I wanted to ask those who knew. I don't know any teachers, so I figured why not ask you guys!

So, firstly, do you enjoy your job? What is it like? Do you arrive at your class early in the morning, deal with small children all day, send kids home after lunch and have to clean the classroom before waking up early the next day to do it all over again? These may seem like naive questions, but please be kind. I know not every day would be sunshine, and children are hard to deal with and more than cute living dolls(I definitely know that; I've been babysitting since I was ten), I just thought I'd ask. Also, how many teachers have children? I think I might want to stop working once I have kids, but if I wanted to keep teaching, is it easier to work once the kids are in school, too? I might want to homeschool. Would that prove too difficult?

Thanks to anyone who replies!

 

[teacups]

I was a Kindergarten teacher... and loved it! I did this for 7 years. Now I homeschool my own kids and love that too! My best advice: work with kids in a preschool or volunteer to help in a K class. Check it out. See if it's your thing. Good luck!

 

[fayt19]

I was a Kindergarten teacher... and loved it! I did this for 7 years. Now I homeschool my own kids and love that too! My best advice: work with kids in a preschool or volunteer to help in a K class. Check it out. See if it's your thing. Good luck!

Great advice! My family just moved across the country, so I'll have to see what options there are in this area.

 

[kjs1976]

I agree, spend some time working with different aged kids before you choose an area to focus on. Experience will let you know if or where you want to work. Experience is the only way to get better at being a teacher!

I'm a middle school English teacher. Although my parents were teachers, I never saw myself doing it. Then I worked as a camp counselor for middle school, inner city kiddos during my soph yr. in college and found my calling. We couldn't have been more different in our backgrounds and lives, but we had an understanding and connection that transcended color and background and that made me feel like I could make a difference.

Here's to my 10th year teaching! It's a hard, often thankless job. The effort you put into it is what you get out of it. But if you go into it because you love kids and pledge to make a difference, than you'll be going into it for the right reasons. I have 165 students this year after teacher cuts when I used to have around 130-140. I have some kids with horrible reps and backgrounds. But I look forward to going back on Monday because I have a calling to fulfill, not a job to do! Feel free to PM with questions.

PS- each state has their own licensing requirements. I have a friend who just returned part time to teaching after taking 5 years to start a fam. Her youngest just entered pre-school so the timing was right. I have a 20 month old and it's hard to be a mom and teacher but I like to be a part of both words. My daughter has made me understand and love my students from a different perspective. And after the summer, although I miss her each day, I know I couldn't be a stay at home mom...I need adult conversation and I'll always have that drive to go out in the world and get better at what I do.

 

[fayt19]

I agree, spend some time working with different aged kids before you choose an area to focus on. Experience will let you know if or where you want to work. Experience is the only way to get better at being a teacher!

I'm a middle school English teacher. Although my parents were teachers, I never saw myself doing it. Then I worked as a camp counselor for middle school, inner city kiddos during my soph yr. in college and found my calling. We couldn't have been more different in our backgrounds and lives, but we had an understanding and connection that transcended color and background and that made me feel like I could make a difference.

Here's to my 10th year teaching! It's a hard, often thankless job. The effort you put into it is what you get out of it. But if you go into it because you love kids and pledge to make a difference, than you'll be going into it for the right reasons. I have 165 students this year after teacher cuts when I used to have around 130-140. I have some kids with horrible reps and backgrounds. But I look forward to going back on Monday because I have a calling to fulfill, not a job to do! Feel free to PM with questions.

PS- each state has their own licensing requirements. I have a friend who just returned part time to teaching after taking 5 years to start a fam. Her youngest just entered pre-school so the timing was right. I have a 20 month old and it's hard to be a mom and teacher but I like to be a part of both words. My daughter has made me understand and love my students from a different perspective. And after the summer, although I miss her each day, I know I couldn't be a stay at home mom...I need adult conversation and I'll always have that drive to go out in the world and get better at what I do.

Wow! What a great thing you do for those kids. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Teacher510]

I can't imagine doing anything else! It is different everyday. It's emotionally and physically exhausting. It's amazingly rewarding. It can be exasperating. You'll never get rich. It's the perfect job for a parent.
You should have lots of opportunities to work with various ages of students throughout college. Depending upon the requirements where you live you may be able to sub while still in school. I highly recommend this. It's a great way to get experience, network and see what grades you prefer. Keep in mind, though, that it is more difficult to discipline as a sub. Kids often take advantage. Don't be discouraged- it's better when it is your own class.
Finally, you can't just go through the motions. If you don't love it most of the time it's not for you. Give it enough time and effort before you decide and good luck!

 

[IDoDis]

I'm now on year 18 as a special ed teacher and can't imagine doing anything else. Some days are tough and I'd rather be somewhere else, while other days I can't believe I'm getting paid to do something that I love. I love the interactions with the kids. I'm best fit for the elementary grades and don't think I would enjoy mid or high school.

Yes, I clean up all the time only to do it again the next day. My classroom is cleaner than my house though because by the time I get home I don't feel like cleaning!

I have two kids and DH and I are both teachers. I was home a few months with each child when they were born, but then went right back into the classroom. When the kids started school we all went to the same school together. It was great because I got to hand-pick their teachers and keep an eye on things, see them on the playground, etc... And of course, we all have the same vacation days, and summers together.

Try observing different grade levels and see where you feel most comfortable.

 

[Wishes]

I am a 4th grade teacher and yes, I love my job! I have been teaching for 26 years! Every year is unique with new faces for you to get to know and of course new challenges to face. It does seem more difficult these days with all of the testing that you have - my 4th graders have 3 state assessments they need to meet standards on - two of which count towards my school meeting it's AYP goals. Whenever I'm asked why I teach I always reply because of the kids! I love the funny things they say and do and to see them grow academically throughout the year with your help - well . . . it just doesn't get any better than that! I now have students each year who are the sons and daughters of my former students! I'm not happy to be old enough to be sort of like a "grandma teacher" but it is so neat to see my former students as successful adults! I have two children of my own (ds is 22 and dd is 18) and I feel like being a teacher was the best job any mom could ever have if they have to work outside of the home. I had the summers off of course but also every school holiday or snow day! In my situation, my school got out 45 minutes before my kids' elementary school so I was actually able to drive over and pick up my kids from school each day which meant the world to me! I have never been one to come to work way early and stay way late. I do take some things home but I prefer to work in the evenings at home rather than stay late at school. I don't have to clean my room - the custodian does most of the heavy duty cleaning which I am very grateful for. The students also help out a lot by picking up the floor and shelves. Now that my kids are older I love being around little kids still - I think it keeps me young! I hope your college might have an introduction to education class where you get to go and observe at all levels so you can see what age of students you'd like to work with and also get to watch what goes on in different classrooms. I wish you the best of luck if you do decide teaching is the right path for you!

 

[Boston Tea Party]

So, firstly, do you enjoy your job?

Some days I do. When I don't it is because of some administrative or curriculum issue, rarely do I not enjoy it because of the kids.

What is it like?

I arrive about 45 minutes before the kids do. Some mornings we have a meeting and then I have another teacher cover my class until the kids have been there about 30 minutes. I don't care for that because I feel like I am playing catch up all day after that. I teach for about 2.5 hours, we have lunch for 30 minutes, I teach for approximately 3 hours after that, they go to their electives (PE, Art, etc). At that time I have 50 minutes for planning. I don't plan then, because once the creativity starts flowing I don't like to be interrupted. I use that time to contact parents, run copies, grade, etc. I pick them up from electives and then monitor the dismissal process. That is about 30 minutes of duty. Then I prepare for the next day. If I am lucky, it doesn't take too long, maybe an hour. On Fridays I stay late. School ends at 4:15 and I wil stay until 9:30 to prepare for the week ahead. My life would be a lot easier if the district would stop changing the curriculum/pacing guide every year and if my content area (Reading) had a strong specialist like Math and Science do.

Do you arrive at your class early in the morning, deal with small children all day, send kids home after lunch and have to clean the classroom before waking up early the next day to do it all over again?

I tidy the class, but I don't clean. The custodians do that. I did wipe down the desks with my Clorox wipes Friday because there is a reported case of you-know-what in my room. Usually I get the kids to pitch in. We play Mystery Trash or I ask for a Sparkle Team. Make cleaning up/tidying fun and they love it.

Also, how many teachers have children?

I have two kids and it rips my heart out when I can't attend an event of theirs because I have my own Open House, Meet the Teacher, etc. It also kills me when DS is at after care until 6:30. I can't think of any other way to make it work.

I think I might want to stop working once I have kids, but if I wanted to keep teaching, is it easier to work once the kids are in school, too? Much easier to work when the kids started school. Much less guilt about leaving them. They have to go to school, after all.

I might want to homeschool. Would that prove too difficult?

I could never home school. I want a different relationship with my kids. When I put on my teacher hat I become someone different. It would not work for me.

Thanks to anyone who replies!

Hope this helps. Your mileage may vary, and in the interest of full disclosure I should let you know that I have started grad school to get out of the classroom and away from the extra "stuff" that wastes my time. As a librarian, I can still enjoy the kids, but not have the yoke of a classroom.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

This is my second year teaching Kindergarten and I absolutely love it! There are some hard days, of course. I would definitely work or volunteer with a daycare, school, etc. I worked at a day care center starting in my senior year of high school and worked there through college. It made me sure that that is what I wanted to do..good luck!

 

[MushyMushy]

Make sure there are jobs in your area.

I went back to school for my "dream," but I'm beginning to wish I hadn't wasted my time because there are NO jobs anywhere near me. The people I graduated with are finding the same thing, and I've seen a few teaching graduates here on the DIS who can't find jobs either. It's become a big disappointment for me and a few of my friends.

Not trying to sound like a Debbie Downer, but I don't want to see anyone else go through that disappointment. When I was in the classroom with a long-term subbing assignment, I loved it!

 

[tomthebarncat]

I am a corporate trainer who specializes in Business English. I do not consider myself a teacher but an educator! as I also share my experiences, etc. My SIL/BIL are both teachers in Takoma, WA. She lies about her job and how much of a difference she is making in the students lives, all the while complaining about the socio-economic status of the area. He flat out hates his job of teaching freshman algebra. He told me that 95% of his job was behaviour management and the other 5% was resisting temptation. I replied "you went to college for that?" The kids dont want to learn, and spend the class time, fighting, making drug deals,etc. The girls come to class looking like 10 dollar hookers! his words not mine!! He was really not happy this summer when visiting me as he was already anxious about starting school again. I suggested he get a Masters degree quick and start looking at teaching at the community college level. I love my job but I work with high level functioning corporate executives!!

 

[Teacher03]

I teach third grade and I love it. Some days are easier than others; some classes are easier than others! But it is very rewarding. The most difficult part for me at times is dealing with unrealistic parents, but most of the parents are very supportive and involved in their child's education.

I do agree with MushyMushy. Make sure there are jobs in your area, and make sure you know what your state requirements are for maintaining your license.

 

[dvcnewgirl]

I am a teacher and I love it. I have 2 children ages 3 and 6. I stayed at home with my daughter for 5 years. This economy made me get back in the classroom. I miss my son and feel horrible leaving him. This is the only job that I get summer, Christmas etc. home with him. I brought my daughter to school with me so I never miss any of her activities. (My principals are great!) Once my son is in school it will be the PERFECT JOB.

 

[monkey68]

I can answer for my mom, and I know that while she doesn't completely hate her job, she doesn't love it either, it's a job for her. She went back to school when I started pre-K, when one of my mom's friends told her she could get a master's in education, get great benefits including health insurance, and have the same vacations as us. She teaches special ed high school, and the politics are terrible. They got a new principal that drove everyone out of the classes they'd been teaching for years. Now, there's a big problem with overcrowding. My mom is supposed to have max 12 kids in a class, and 1 teachers assistant. She has 15 kids and no teachers assistant. She's actually gone to the vice principal and said she refuses to teach with this large number of kids and no help, but she's been in the school for around 14 years, she has that kind of leverage.

So for my mom, she doesn't love her job, but it allowed her great insurance (important since my dad is self-employed), a pretty decent income, and allowed her to be home with us. But be sure there are jobs where you are, a lot of my friends recently graduated and can't find full time positions, especially in elementary schools. And they all got degrees in special ed as well since that's supposedly where the jobs were. But not one of them found a position.

 

[tonilea]

Right now I am a substitute teacher. It has afforded me the opportunity to work with different age groups. I don't think I would be interested in working with kids older than the sixth or seventh grade. My favorite age group is 1st graders. I am looking into going to college becoming a teacher.

For the teachers that I work with, generally speaking of course, it seems that the difficulties from their jobs are more dealing with difficult parents and the unintended consequences of "No Child Left Behind". We had one K teacher that was in tears a couple of weeks ago. A student (who obviously - even to me- needs a para, special class room or something!!!!) had a major melt down in the lunch room. He threw spoons at her and while I didn't see what happened next, when we came out of the lunch line - her necklace and an earring were in the floor..... He has some type of diagnosis, but they can't get his parents to supply the paperwork or approve anything to get him the testing he so obviously needs. Of course, she didn't break down over this one incident, but it was just the straw that broke the proverbial camel's back.

 

[RangerPooh]

I earned my degree and certification in elementary education a few years ago, but just landed my first job this July. I'm co-teahcing a Pre-K class, where I am responsible for the special needs children. We have two classes a day, a morning class and and afternoon class. I've only been on the job for two weeks, but I can already see how it has its ups and downs.

Prior to this I subbed K-12 and taught for an afterschool program. I had also worked as an interpretive guide for the Ca State Parks, providing programs to school groups, so my experiences were primarily with grades 2 and up. But Pre-K has already provided me with some rewarding moments where I can see things clicking for the kids.

I see that you are from Washington, state? That's where I went to school and was originally certified to teach. I found that the teaching positions were hard to come by. Yes the Seattle area would announce jobs, but there has been a HUGE pool of candidates that made advancing to the interview round very challenging. After looking around Wa for a year (and applying everywhere) I started to look out of state. I found a job in Maryland this summer, and moved. While Washington was a nice place to live, I wanted to put my degree to use, so out of state was where I went. In fact many of my classmates left the state to teach.

My advice is to volunteer in a variety of classrooms across the spectrum. You might find that you enjoy the older kids more than you thought you would. I was very apprehensive about middle school until I had a practicum working with 6th-8th graders as well as regulalry subbed for 6th grade science. Now it's an area that I would consider working in.

 

[patsfan101]

I teach high school math - this is year 22! Yes, I love it. I know it's very very different from kindergarten, but we're all in the same boat so to speak.

Yesterday I was in the mall with my daughter and two students from last year came screaming my name and running up to me say "hi". They were excited to meet my daughter ( 2 yrs younger than they are) and to see me outside of school. That kind of thing is reallly fun and help you to remember that the kids do appreciate what you do, even if they complain about homework!

I also went right back to work after my children were born. They were both born in the spring, I took the rest of the year off and went back in Sept. Not easy, but do-able. Having children is never easy, whether you work outside of the home or not. Being a parent is my number one priority now - I leave lots of the extra-curricular activities to the younger teachers who don't have as many outside commitments, but still try to do my part when I can.

Teacups, from reading some of your other posts on other threads, I can see that we are both good parents and good teachers, even though we have done things differently. This is what we all have to remember - there are many ways to do things well.

OP, I hope we helped. Definitely visit/observe schools and classrooms. Sure teaching is exhausting. But so are lots of other things. Watch how a good teacher manages behavior in the classroom - this is one the most important thing you will have to do! If the discipline falls apart, you cannot deliver curriculum.

 

[Cindy B]

Depending on your area, it is very difficult to find a teaching position. For six years, I was a substitute teacher and I was a parapro for two years. I earned two teaching degrees (k-5, Middle School english) as well as most coursework towards special education certifications.

In my area, even with a perfect GPA, great credentials, fantastic recommendations, urban and suburban teaching experience-- I could not advance past the initial interview round for full time positions. I did get interviewed for many many long term sub positions but it did not advance my career any. I looked for over one year for full time work and could not compete with veteran RIF'd teachers with tenure from other districts.

Be prepared for a lack of work especially as a new graduate. It is extremely difficult to find any position especially a K-2 position. In my area, those are the choiciest assignments reserved for veteran tenured teachers. Colleges will tell you that teaching is in demand but in actuality, many districts are laying off teachers or putting them in lower positions such as an aide just so they can keep benefits/tenure/pension. Please think carefully about the future-- I started my teaching program in fall 2006 and graduated December 2008. So much changed in that two years, and if I knew that, I would have never gone into teaching.

As for subbing and long term substitute (maternity leave) I had great times. My last position was a long term maternity leave substitute at a middle school and I loved the position, people, and the students-- even the "difficult" ones .

For time involved, it was not a 9-3 summers off job. I always worked weekends doing lesson plans, unit plans and grading things. I was always using my own money for bulletin boards classroom supplies and such. I did enjoy my summers but in actuality it was really only the month of July-- because in August I had to plan and do other things to get ready.

When I per diem subbed, it was great just getting my things leaving and going at the end of the day.

 

[MM27]

This is my 10th year teaching 4th grade. I love my job when it comes to working with and teaching the kids. The parts that stress me out are all of the "extras" that you never hear about and they certainly don't tell you about in college. Due to the demands of NCLB, especially if you teach in a Title I school, there will be many of these extras.

I was an early childhood education major as an undergrad. I was certain that I wanted to teach prek-perhaps 2nd grade. I student taught in first grade and loved it and I was hired in my current district as a 2nd grade teacher. The day before school started, my principal came into my newly decorated room and told me there was some mistake and they needed me to teach 4th grade To say I was terrified would be an understatement.

10 years later though, I am still in 4th grade and I love working with this age group. I ended up getting my masters in Elem. Ed.

I usually get to school at 7:30 and the day for the kids starts at 8:45. After school it varies how long I stay, but I always take work home with me. I know the perception is that teachers work from 9-3 and have summers off, but reality is, you will put in much more time than you ever imagined.