Has anyone switched careers to become a teacher?

[luvwinnie]

After 10 years at my current job, I am miserable and want something "fulfilling"...has anyone done this? Thanks.

 

[glo]

I have been a teacher since I graduated college. I can not see myself doing anything else, but working at Disney I will say this, and not meant to discourage. Teaching is not an easy thing. As a matter of fact, it is more about, politics, frustation, and long hours, than it is about seeing successes and feeling fullfilled. I do not remember the last time I felt my job was fullfilling. I do what I do because it is what I am trained for. I feel compelled to work where I do, because it is where I came from and where I am needed. I understand where these kids are, and what they live through. BUT..fullfilling...dsad to say no.


I know there are others who will say differently, but all I ask, is that you think long and hard. It is has to be something you need to do, and feel compelled to do. Something you feel you are called for.

Good luck in whatever you choose to do

 

[isyne4u]

Spend some time volunteering with children in a tutoring setting or volunteering in a local school to determine if you will find it fulfilling. I love my job as a teacher. However, it is not fullfilling everyday or close to everyday. I may wait a week or two before I have something happen and I can say I have made a difference. Before you jump into teaching make sure you don't want to completely "change the world", it won't happen over night. I came into teaching 10 years ago knowing that I was going to change the world and that everyday would be like a scene from the end of a great movie. Unfortunately it has not been that way. I still love my job, but I am more realistic about it.

If education is where your heart lies, then go for it. Do the best you can and enjoy it. Teaching does have many rewarding moments.

I wish you luck in finding your rewarding and fullfilling career!!

tara
teacher of middle school deaf and hard of hearing students

 

[jamsmom]

Someone asked a similar question. I have a reply on this thread:


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=339976&highlight=Teach

 

[tax58]

My wife was an accountant for twenty years and hated going to work each day. She went to night school and got a MAT in early education. It took three years including student teaching to finish. She is finishing her second year teaching kindergarten and says that the days go by so fast and she loves being off the same days as the kids. The pay is a little hard to get use to but she says the hugs she gets everyday and the fact that she can change a child’s life is worth it. From my prospective she is a much happier person today.

 

[kamgen]

I was a teacher for three years and quit. After college I started teaching and like Glo said, it is a lot of politics and frustration. I refuse to go back to teaching in this kind of system...it was so discouraging....but I do miss the kids....I miss the teachers who really cared...and I miss how it made me feel to help someone find success.
It is a rewarding, fulfilling experience on some days...but also a daunting, frustrating, sad thing too....
Don't mean to discourage. I believe you should always try and see for yourself.

Kamy

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

After many years in the business world, and two downsizings, I ended up in education. A place I NEVER thought I would be.

But not in the K-12 system. I am teaching at the collegiate level. There are many opportunities that do not require a PhD, although they do require a Master's degree. The university where I teach is a private school with many campuses throughout Michigan and Indiana. Our focus is on business degrees and many of our students are non-traditional. Meaning average student age of 32, most are part time, etc.

There is plenty of politics and moments of frustration. However, there are also many fulfilling moments. When I see one of my students "get it" or make it through a tough course or walk across the stage at graduation the good feelings overwhelm. The other plus is a bit more flexibility in my schedule (except when class is scheduled) and viturally no travel (I was gone 50% of the time previously).

So it can be worth it. See if your local community college or private college/univeristy uses adjunct faculty. You might be able to teach a course or two without leaving your present job before you make the decision on a total career change.

Deb

 

[BrerMom]

I love teaching; I can't imagine doing anything else. It's who I "am" and I've been told I'm good at what I do.

Three of my classes are for kids that really struggle. They need so much encouragement to keep going. One class yesterday had 14 problems for homework and we did 11 of them together in class. Eight kids did not finish the homework even though they were given time at the end of the hour to start working.

I think teaching is very similar to acting. I've seen the math problems before, but I get excited about the new ways to solve a problem - because I think that's what the kids need. Teaching also involves my using parenting skills for a larger percentage of kids every year. Using those skills and watching a student succeed and blossom is a perk that I wouldn't trade for any other job.

I've spent an awful lot of my own money this year for manipulatives since they're not in the budget. I've had only three or four days this whole year that I've said, "Now TODAY is what I wish teaching were like every day." I do love teaching and I will keep doing it as long as I feel physically safe, but some days I wonder what it would be like to have a job where I could go to the restroom whenever I wanted.

 

[Mouseteacher]

I have been an educator for 32 years and still going strong - 16 as a primary teacher and 16 as an elementary principal. I have always wanted to be a teacher and see it as a calling/ministry. I love my profession with all of its drawbacks, i.e., salary, some parents make life difficult for you and some students just don't cooperate. However, there are so may parents who do appreciate all you do and students who are "with" you. It makes my day when I walk into a classroom and the students smile and greet me, genuinely happy to see me. Or I get the positive and affirming notes from students or parents telling me I am making a difference.

Don't get me wrong - it is VERY hard work! So, think long and hard before you jump in - being in a classroom every day of the school year with 25+ students is isolating.

 

[KarenB]

I went back to college and started from scratch to get an elementary education degree. I was 38 when I started and now four years later, I am student teaching. Only 6 weeks until I graduate!!!!

I know teaching is what I want to do. Even though I am only student teaching, I am finding that I have bad days when nothing goes as planned.

But those wonderful moments when you see a child's eyes light up because they are interested in learning, when you have 22 sets of eyes watching what you model, or when a parent gives you a thank-you note for caring about their child, it makes up for it tenfold!!!!

Karen

 

[Pin Wizard]

Thanks for linking that thread, Carol! Since I was following that one, I'm not so sure I want to teach! I have a good time when I volunteer in DS's class. Do I want to do it all day? I'm not so sure now. I left art class with a headache!

 

[Cindy B]

Brermom.. thanks for that refreshing perspective..


I liked that analogy to acting. I was a theater major so I can relate to that.

I actually, even after reading all the pros and cons, may still consider teaching. I know its not a "easy" job, there are nights/weekends involved., that the summer "off" is well not a full "summer", and that I may have to work during the summer break.


I've seen the politics, and the parents. (I have been in daycare for many years) the "my baby didn't do that" And I say "Oh yes, he did". "My son would never say those words", and yes he did.. The first few times I hated to be the "bad guy" but then I got used to it.


I know the physical risks involved as well. I know I would be LUCKY if the entire class is at grade level. I know the most to hope for would be half/ three quarters of the class. I know in my district and other neighboring ones, that English is NOT the first language, so there is a language barrier as well.

I also know the pay of every school district in the Philadelphia region. (public and private). Is it high? Some districts are better than others. It is the same as my secretarial /office manager pay.

But as a secretary, I don't do things that make a difference. I just make a group or one executive look good. I love kids, and I love being around them. I woul love to see a group acheive a goal (even if it is just to finish set skill that are required) than to make copies, travel arrangements, and take notes during important meetings.

I also know that teaching is in some instances just prepping the kids so they can pass the "required" tests.

Am I close as to what a teacher does? I hope I have clear expectations as well...

 

[kdibattista]

My coworker has a degree in art history and is planning on going back to school for teaching.

I do not have a degree but have a good job and I, too, am feeling the need to better myself and others so I am going for a degree in nursing. Hopefully I will be finished next December.

 

[Lanshark]

My degree is in Computer Technology. I worked as an Analyst for 10 years before having kids. After that I contracted as a database analyst. I went into CIS because of the money. I wanted to go into teaching in 1978 but was discouraged by several teachers and the draw to the computer industry was strong for monetary reasons.

To move ahead a few years my DD, who is now 16, was determined to be dyslexic. We tried many ways to get her reading but nothing was successful. We finally found an extremely structured phonetic system that did wonders. I worked with her using this system. I spent a year getting certified in this reading system. I now tutor kids in the areas of reading and spelling. I have never been happier. It is wonderful to work with kids, who many have given up on, and see them blossom.

 

[luvwinnie]

I haven't made a firm decision yet, but I am thinking I'd be happier getting a certificate in nonprofit development...always wanted to work for the ASPCA or something like that...my job now is also at a nonprofit.

 

[Mishetta]

My best friend left a very high paying engineering position on a fighter aircraft project to become a teacher. She took a very significant pay cut ($100,000 down to $25,000) & she couldn't be happier the first couple years. She said she felt so fulfilled that the $$ didn't matter.

Then she got sucked into the politics & game playing that unfortunatley happens everywhere (even in school settings) & found the whole scene rather disgusting. She worked both public & private. Same games, same politics.

She eventually took a position as a Assist Principal & then Principal & the politics & game playing got worst.

She quit. She is now a very happy SAHM but someday would like to return to the workforce.

Just remember, there is good & bad to every job. Good luck.

 

[antnee]

Well lets see, I have actually done this recently. After programming for more than 5 years and teaching computers at night at the Community College level for almost 10 I decided to take on teaching full time. I have landed at a Technical HS teaching computers to grades 9-12 and have loved it ever since. I The staff here has been very helpful getting me acclamated to being a full time teacher and the students are very friendly. It wasnt until meeting teachers from other schools that I realized how good I have it here. Being a teacher is an on-going learning process that even some veteran teachers have admitted happens everyday. You learn more about what you teach, how you teach and how to get along with others. I recommend this job to anyone who has the skills to be a teacher and who loves children.

Good Luck and let us know your decision.

Anthony