Elementary Teachers - Please tell me about your job.

[Miss Kelly]

Okay, so here's the deal. I graduated this past December with a degree in Management and Health Systems Administration. I'm not having much luck in finding a job where I live. Unfortunately, I moved back home during an especially hard time due to some major layoffs in the region. SO, I'm thinking that there is always a need for teachers and this may be the only way I get to stay where I am now. I don't want to move (I would if I had to) because my family is here and this is where I want to raise a family, yadda, yadda, yadda.

So, Elementary Teachers - Please tell me about your job. The good parts. The bad parts. A day in the life. I want to know everything! Has anyone went back to college and got a Masters in Education? Any opinions, comments, or advice are greatly appreciated. Thank you!!!

 

[golfgal]

Actually, there isn't always a need for teachers. A lot of areas get 100's of applications for one teaching job. You might want to check into the demand in your area before you start your Masters. You might want to check into the licensing requirements in your state too. You MIGHT have to get an BA in Elementary Education first then get a masters. It varies by state. Also, a lot of schools won't hire a first year teacher with a masters, they are too expensive. Teachers are paid on a graduated scale and get raises based on the number of years they have taught and their education level. The years taught have pretty minor pay increases, the BIG increase comes when you get a masters. Something else to look into.

 

[DisneyJen0504]

I was in a similiar situation in that I went to school, ended up in a field I hated with a job I hated for a few years. I was always interested in teaching so I decided to try substitute teaching for awhile. I enjoyed it and decided to go back to school. I have a BA so I am in a Masters program. The first half is the teacher certification, the second half is the masters. My plan is to wait to finish the masters until after I get a job so I can compete with those coming out with the BAs. Like the other poster said, they dont want to pay you more if they dont have to.
I am in my program right now and in January 07 will be student teaching. Right now I am subbing and going to grad school. Its tough work but I love it. I taught my first real lesson to the 4th grade class I am placed in right now and it was awesome.
For me, it is something I really want to do so I am willing to compete for the jobs. You may want to try to sub and see how you like being in the environment first. Grad school is expensive and teacher salary is not the greatest depending on the area so you want to make sure it is something you love.
Best of luck!!

 

[Miss Kelly]

Thanks for the replies.

I actually know for a fact that there is a shortage of teachers in my area. I've already checked the requirements and I can get my masters in elementary education and be certified to teach. It's basically 2 more years and student teaching.

I'm also aware that they don't want to pay more for a Masters and I'm fine with that. I know the starting salary in the area and I could do just fine.

Any other comments, opinions, or advice? Thanks!

 

[bananiem]

Most of the time the shortages are in secondary schools in specialized areas and special education.
Elementary teachers should go into it only if they have a passion to teach and truly want to see the students do well. It's a hard job, even if you get summers off. Everything has changed since I got my degree in '88.
You might want to start out by volunteering at a school.

 

[horseshowmom]

Thanks for the replies.

I actually know for a fact that there is a shortage of teachers in my area. I've already checked the requirements and I can get my masters in elementary education and be certified to teach. It's basically 2 more years and student teaching.

I'm also aware that they don't want to pay more for a Masters and I'm fine with that. I know the starting salary in the area and I could do just fine.

Any other comments, opinions, or advice? Thanks!

It's a good field to go into if you enjoy children (and I'm sure you do, or you probably wouldn't be interested). I started teaching right out of college (21). DH didn't even start his degree until he was 34 (graduated at 38 in December and immediately was hired in January). He's 49 now and loves it more every year (I'm in admin now).

Yes, there are hassles. You are going to encounter unreasonable parents (probably the worst part of the job) who are convinced that little Johnny/Joan can do no wrong (try not to laugh out loud when they tell you that their child would NEVER lie ), but there are problem people in any field you go into. There can be a lot of pressure over test scores and often you have no control over some things that impact your students (like the fact that they are allowed to stay up all night watching TV or playing video games; a child was up most of the night taking care of a sick sibling because mama wasn't around or otherwise engaged; they were at the jail most of the night because mama and her new BF had a knockdown drag out fight; or they slept in the car while the adults in charge of them were in the casino - ALL of these have happened with students that I've had)

There are also lots of rewards. It's very gratifying to finally see that child "get it" after struggling and struggling. School is the only security some children have (and sometimes about the only meals they get).The hours allow you to spend more time with your own children since you're on the same schedule. If you learn to manage your time well, while it is very hard work, it doesn't have to be a dawn to dusk job like some people make it (and that's fine for them). My students' test scores were always some of the highest in the district (and the same currently holds true for DH's classes), but we kept the work we do outside of school hours to a reasonable amount.

In our state you are paid on a higher scale if you have a Master's degree (for each degree level there is a separate pay scale - Bachelor's, Master's, Specialist's, Doctorate). The pay is based on the number of years experience you have (0 to 25) and the degree.

Good luck!

 

[taylor1293]

I'm interested in hearing about those who have gone back to school also!

I have a bachelors in a field other than education and I am planning on going back to school to get a Masters in Elementary Education. Hopefully, I didn't apply too late and I'll get to start this fall. Otherwise, I'll have to wait until the spring semester.

There is a huge demand for teachers here in Florida (at all grades), so I'm not worried about getting a job. I'd like to teach K, 1st or 2nd. Though I may change my mind after student teaching!

Teresa

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

I always tell people interested in teaching to shadow a teacher for a full week and then decide if it is right for you.

 

[ilovemcbride]

I teach PE/Art/Music for grades PK-4. I teach PE and Health to 5th grade. I taught 6th grade for four years, third grade for a year and a half and 5th grade for a semester. I love it. I like kids, but I like the older ones. When I began teaching I was a sub in middle school and then high school. I'd rather have 10-13 year olds. It's not that I dislike the smaller ones and am mean to them or anything...it's just that I enjoy the older ones. 6th grade is my favorite grade to teach. Most people don't like them at that age but I do. I think the older ones actually listen to you more and respect you more than the little ones. If you tell the older ones to stop whatever they're doing they usually will and won't do it again. The little ones will stop and then turn right around and do the same thing again. I have kids that I truly love and kids that I truly don't like. I have kids that I get teased about..."When are you going to adopt him?" I like the kids that give you a challenge...I honestly like the potential behavior problems. Teaching is something that you really have to put your heart into and give a lot of your time to. Sometimes you're like Mommy to them...sometimes you treat them better than Mommy does. In my area there usually IS a shortage of teachers. Anyway, I hope you're happy with whatever you decide!

 

[Pineapple Princess]

I always tell people interested in teaching to shadow a teacher for a full week and then decide if it is right for you.

I think that sounds like a great idea. Course I shadowed before I decided to major in Elementary Education and even spending all day in a class for a month you don't really understand what it is like to be the teacher until it is all you.
Personally I LOVE the teaching, it is all the other stuff that drives me nuts.

 

[rlovew]

My first job teaching was at an inner city school, lots of changes in students throughout the year (my gradebook had 38 names although I never had more than 25 at a time just lots of turnover), my students were wild (I had 4th graders with parole officers, and my class levels ranged from learning the alphabet to reading at a 6th grade ability. It was a real challenge and I hated it. I took a few years off and then went back to a school that was in a rural area in a different state. I love my job now. The good parts: watching the students light up as the get new concepts or see new things, seeing the growth of each child through the year, coming up with creative ways of presenting lessons, the technology available. The bad parts: the paperwork, the parents who don't know their child and aren't willing to help with problems, the time crunches, grading papers, dealing with behavior issues.

 

[daisyduck123]

I've been teaching for 15 or 16 years & have a Bachelors in Elem. Ed. & a Masters degree in Reading.

I love my job!!! It can be very rewarding. Some days are better than others.

I teach 1st grade in a public school in an extremely affluent area.
Even the rich can have "difficult" children though.

I'm going to have a great day tomorrow & Monday....my difficult student has been suspended again!! It's sad to say, but I have a BIG smile on my face!

It's sad but true....one child can make a HUGE difference...when this kid is out of the room...the atmosphere of my room totally changes.

If you have never taught, I would suggest you try substituting for a while.
It is not the same as having your own class....but you will get an idea of what teaching is like.

 

[Boston Tea Party]

It's sad but true....one child can make a HUGE difference...when this kid is out of the room...the atmosphere of my room totally changes.

LOL, so true, so true. Mine was absent Monday and Tuesday. Bliss.

Got a parent looking for my head right now so I am pretty burned out today. If you can let things roll off of you like water from a duck's back, then your life will be much easier.

Good luck whatever you decide.

 

[Miss Kelly]

I've been teaching for 15 or 16 years & have a Bachelors in Elem. Ed. & a Masters degree in Reading.

I love my job!!! It can be very rewarding. Some days are better than others.

I teach 1st grade in a public school in an extremely affluent area.
Even the rich can have "difficult" children though.

I'm going to have a great day tomorrow & Monday....my difficult student has been suspended again!! It's sad to say, but I have a BIG smile on my face!

It's sad but true....one child can make a HUGE difference...when this kid is out of the room...the atmosphere of my room totally changes.

If you have never taught, I would suggest you try substituting for a while.
It is not the same as having your own class....but you will get an idea of what teaching is like.

Oh, I know that feeling. I work part time at a daycare and you can definately tell when the 'wild0 child' is present.

 

[Miss Kelly]

LOL, so true, so true. Mine was absent Monday and Tuesday. Bliss.

Got a parent looking for my head right now so I am pretty burned out today. If you can let things roll off of you like water from a duck's back, then your life will be much easier.

Good luck whatever you decide.

Now that will be my biggest problem. I just can't let things roll off my back like most people. I get too upset. I worry and try to find a solution to everyone's problem.

 

[daisyduck123]

Now that will be my biggest problem. I just can't let things roll off my back like most people. I get too upset. I worry and try to find a solution to everyone's problem.

You might be like that for now....but if you do teach...you'll find out that you will be way too busy to solve everything. Teacher's never have enough time...often not enough to even go to the bathroom. Truth! (Hope your bladder is a tad on the large side ).

 

[vettechick99]

I am a 5th grade SPED teacher - I just started in November. I have a degree in Psych and spent 6 years working for companies in marketing. After I decided to leave my marketing job, I looked into teaching and I'm so glad I did. I love it! I never thought I'd have the patience to work with special needs kids (mine have learning disabilities and ADD/ADHD) but it's in me! I love every single day - even after the new has worn off.

For me, the toughest part is working with other teachers. Since NCLB came into effect, inclusion of SPED kids is mandated, so my kids have two teachers at a time - a reg. ed teacher and me. I co-teach with two teachers in 3 subjects. One teacher I love, the other teacher I loathe. She should have retired years ago. That is my one gripe. The parents have been great so far. Wait, can't forget about the politics of schools - don't get me started.

I also think it's a great idea for you to shadow a teacher for a few days. I did it in a HS and middle school environment and it really sealed the deal for me. Not everyone is teacher-material, so it's important you find out now.

You seem very compassionate, and that will get you far. If you care about the kids and educating them, the rest comes easy! Grading papers and doing lesson plans, not always easy. But it sure is easier when you remember why you are doing it.

Oh, and in GA we have what's called TAPP (Teacher Alternative Prep Program). Over a two year period I will take three classes, take the Praxis in my content areas, and do a portfolio under the direction of a mentor and then voila...I'm certified!

 

[Kteacher]

I'm in kindergarten in a public school system. The pay is not great. Some years are really tough ( the year I had 24 kids , most of whom had behavioral problems- I think I had time to actually eat lunch maybe once that year ), some years are great. I love this age- I laugh just about every day. About half way through the year the kids start to read, and it really is the coolest thing to see everything start to click. Even at the end of my toughest years, I still cry on the last day of school. It's hard not to get attached to the kids, and for some of the families I've had 3 or 4 of their children, so I get attached to the families as well. Good luck with your decision

 

[Miss Kelly]

I am a 5th grade SPED teacher - I just started in November. I have a degree in Psych and spent 6 years working for companies in marketing. After I decided to leave my marketing job, I looked into teaching and I'm so glad I did. I love it! I never thought I'd have the patience to work with special needs kids (mine have learning disabilities and ADD/ADHD) but it's in me! I love every single day - even after the new has worn off.

For me, the toughest part is working with other teachers. Since NCLB came into effect, inclusion of SPED kids is mandated, so my kids have two teachers at a time - a reg. ed teacher and me. I co-teach with two teachers in 3 subjects. One teacher I love, the other teacher I loathe. She should have retired years ago. That is my one gripe. The parents have been great so far. Wait, can't forget about the politics of schools - don't get me started.

I also think it's a great idea for you to shadow a teacher for a few days. I did it in a HS and middle school environment and it really sealed the deal for me. Not everyone is teacher-material, so it's important you find out now.

You seem very compassionate, and that will get you far. If you care about the kids and educating them, the rest comes easy! Grading papers and doing lesson plans, not always easy. But it sure is easier when you remember why you are doing it.

Oh, and in GA we have what's called TAPP (Teacher Alternative Prep Program). Over a two year period I will take three classes, take the Praxis in my content areas, and do a portfolio under the direction of a mentor and then voila...I'm certified!

Thanks for the advice. Can you tell me how your job came about? Did you just inquire about the position and apply or is there a need for that type of teacher in your area?

The Teacher Alternative Prep Program looks interesting. I'm going to see if Virginia has one. Thanks.

 

[Miss Kelly]