New career options for a teacher

[kimmar067]

....how about 'winning the Lottery'?

 

[palavra]

OP, I know how you feel. I am just finishing up my 16th year in teaching. Next year, I am changing schools partly to pursue what I hope will become my next career. I will be teaching English for 1/2 day and a librarian for 1/2 day at a medium-sized private school. I hope to pursue my master's in library science so I can transition to library work in the private sector or at a the university level someday.

 

[CaoilinnsMom]

I am working on a Master's in counseling as well. I taught physics and biology. Unfortunately it is just a lateral move in pay, but it takes me out of the classroom.

 

[Friend of a Mouse]

I worked as a special ed teacher for moderate intellectual disabilities and then as a teacher of the visually impaired for a school district. When my co teacher left, they did not replace her and at times I was going to 5 schools a day, so I got burnt out pretty quickly.

I switched last year to the non profit sector. I still "teach", but it's Braille and Academics for adults going through vision rehab. There are some pros and cons. I admit, I do miss things like snow days, summer vacation, and winter vacation. But I do like having more freedom on WHEN I vacation. (I have no idea hwy the font switched). I did take a pay cut, but, there is a lot less take home work. The job is less stressful, and there is more room for advancement. I also have more flexibility with scheduling and they are great about letting us take comp days if we don't have vacation built up. I even contract teaching services for a local school district through my work. It's awesome because twice a week I go in and work with my kids, and then leave all the politics behind me. Best of both worlds.

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

I don't have any advice to offer, but I am with you. I am hanging it up after 20 years, I am just done. I have no idea what I can or want to do, but I know what I don't want to do...teach. I am watching this thread to get some ideas. I guess there is nothing to say that if we don't like the "outside world", we can't get back into education later. I don't think I will ever get back into the game (other than maybe subbing), but who knows.

 

[emsstacey]

It is 27 years to retirement here, not 42. I am only 3 years in after a decade as a paramedic. I do work as a teacher for summers off... Actually, I work as a high school teacher to have the same schedule as my kids. Anyways, I am in the middle of my PhD so that I can move into teaching at the University level. I can only handle the stress of teaching high schoolers for so long.

 

[PrincesCJM]

OP here. I knew that start this thread would result in differing opinions. It's hard to describe what I'm feeling. I love teaching but it's all of the other pieces (moving to standards based learning, the common core, smarter balanced testing, teaching to the test, budget cuts, the list could go on) that start to take a toll. Certainly, I enjoy the summers home with my son (nearly 3 yo) and my district pays year round. BUT I would love an opportunity to earn more money (I will reach the top of the pay scale in 7 years), have less stress, be able to leave my work at work, and since this is a disney discussion board, not be stuck taking disney vacations during school vacation week (when airfare in particular doubles or triples). I already work a second job, in retail, to help earn additional money as well. At this point since my advisory students are juniors in high school, I wouldn't do anything this year - I want to be able to see them off. They are a great group and it's kids like them that I would greatly miss. Lots to think about.

 

[Capang]

I currently teach 5 and 6 graders. I have taught many different grade levels. I have my M.Ed. in counseling. I was able to do the counseling for 3 years before they cut the position and sent me back to the classroom. The state I live in has a mentoring program for new teachers. The last few years I have mentored 3 young teachers. They came in enthusiastic, optimistic and ready to work. One is leaving the profession and it is a real shame. She is a phenomenal teacher. The other two are currently weighing their options. The state I live in has done away with requiring certain staff such as counselors, nurses, art teachers, music teachers, gym teachers, tutors and the like. So many educators, amazing educators, are leaving the profession. It is incredibly sad. Best of luck on your decision OP. It is not an easy one.

 

[CdnCarrie]

What a weird response. First of all, people shouldn' t become a teacher for the summer "vacation". Secondly, teaching stress is like no other type of stress. You say "most jobs are stressful", but aside from social work or nursing, there is no other job where the emotional toll is as hard. Clearly, you aren't a teacher.

You are stating this as fact. What a weird statement. so only social work and nursing are as emotional harder than teaching. LOL. I worked in a school for years (non teaching staff) and I totally disagree. Police officers, firefighters, military, pilots, surgeons, and many more professions are all much harder emotionally. I can see working with special needs kids before especially difficult.

 

[dbramer]

What a weird response. First of all, people shouldn't become a teacher for the summer "vacation". Secondly, teaching stress is like no other type of stress. You say "most jobs are stressful", but aside from social work or nursing, there is no other job where the emotional toll is as hard. Clearly, you aren't a teacher. Here's something I recently wrote about the emotional stress of teaching, if you care to read it. https://tschwertley.wordpress.com/2015/03/21/why-teaching-is-hard/

Finally, as others have mentioned, teachers aren't paid in the summer.

To answer the OP...I think many of us are burned out. I love the kids, but when I see how much more is expected with less pay, the changes in testing, merit pay as a possibility, the Danielson Model, curriculum adoption that is dry and boring and 'to the test', budget cuts, PARCC, lawmakers who have never set foot in a classroom making laws that hurt kids....I think about getting out too.

Teacher Mentoring, Student Teacher Supervisor, Community College Instructor, or even Curriculum Textbook Sales, are a few jobs that you could do. Sometimes, a change in grade level helps renew enthusiasm too. I recently got my gifted ed endorsement, and I love teaching Honors courses.

Another MD teacher I saw a stat that said our kids did more than 50 hours of standardized testing this year...PARCC has been hell on my classes.

 

[dbramer]

I'm sorry...I hate it when people post stuff like this. I'm a teacher and posts like the above make it sound like teachers work every minute of the summer going to conferences, packing up, unpacking, etc. and it's just not true. I come in for one day after school ends to clean up my room. I come in a few days before school starts to set up. I do 'some' work over the summer, but in no way am I working every moment of my summer.

And I'm salaried, so I get paid 12 months out of the year. If you're not working for a school that a 12 month salary, average your salary and save that amount so you have money during the summer.

I am glad that you are able to do that. Some of us have situations that preclude that option. So, thanks for the "advice" and kindly keep your holier-than-thou attitude to yourself.

 

[spacemountainmom]

What a weird response. First of all, people shouldn't become a teacher for the summer "vacation". Secondly, teaching stress is like no other type of stress. You say "most jobs are stressful", but aside from social work or nursing, there is no other job where the emotional toll is as hard. Clearly, you aren't a teacher. Here's something I recently wrote about the emotional stress of teaching, if you care to read it. https://tschwertley.wordpress.com/2015/03/21/why-teaching-is-hard/

Finally, as others have mentioned, teachers aren't paid in the summer.

To answer the OP...I think many of us are burned out. I love the kids, but when I see how much more is expected with less pay, the changes in testing, merit pay as a possibility, the Danielson Model, curriculum adoption that is dry and boring and 'to the test', budget cuts, PARCC, lawmakers who have never set foot in a classroom making laws that hurt kids....I think about getting out too.

Teacher Mentoring, Student Teacher Supervisor, Community College Instructor, or even Curriculum Textbook Sales, are a few jobs that you could do. Sometimes, a change in grade level helps renew enthusiasm too. I recently got my gifted ed endorsement, and I love teaching Honors courses.

Thank you for sharing that post. I work in a high school as a para and I see all of this every day. I don't have 10% of the demands that are placed on teachers, but I understand the emotional toll. My heart breaks when I think of some of the things that my kids have entrusted me with. Sadly, my district is in big financial trouble and my job was cut for next year. I am sad about losing my job and benefits, but so much more concerned about my "kids". I worry about who they will have to go to when they have a problem or need some encouragement. The staff that is left is going to be stretched to their limits.

 

[ShelsGoingToDisney]

I gave up teaching, not because I was burned out (well I was a little, but...) I have a hearing impairment that worsened to the point where I can no longer work sufficiently in the classroom. I created a lot of my own activities and curriculum while teaching and really loved that part of the job. I turned that into my own business back in 2003, The Teaching Bank. For many years it was just a way to earn a little fun money for our family, but in 2010 I joined the site teacherspayteachers.com. In my five years there I have built up my business to a level where I make about twice what I did as a classroom teacher with a Master's Degree. I love that it has enabled me to stay in the profession despite my hearing loss, and allowed me to be a SAHM to my kids.

TpT is a very supportive site, not just the owners, but the other teachers selling there as well. It is a very collaborative environment and I have established a lot of really wonderful relationships with other educators through the forums there. I can't recommend it highly enough if you have some creativity to take the work you've created and ready it for other teachers to use. It's not a get rich quick endeavor, but if you're willing to put in the time and effort it can be profitable enough to match your teaching salary.

 

[aprilgail]

I don't have any advice to offer, but I am with you. I am hanging it up after 20 years, I am just done. I have no idea what I can or want to do, but I know what I don't want to do...teach. I am watching this thread to get some ideas. I guess there is nothing to say that if we don't like the "outside world", we can't get back into education later. I don't think I will ever get back into the game (other than maybe subbing), but who knows.

My brother has 23 years and is hanging it up too- He just can't take the pressure of it anymore, our Governor and Mayor are totally anti teacher so he makes it hell for them. I am not sure what his plans are but either way he still will get a pension but just less than if he worked just 2 more years!
I am 52 and retiring in 9 more working days- I personally can't even imagine having to work another 8 years until I am 60 to retire and glad I don't have to. I start collecting my pension right away and then just start enjoying what life has to offer.

 

[aprilchem]

Anyways, I am in the middle of my PhD so that I can move into teaching at the University level. I can only handle the stress of teaching high schoolers for so long.

College Professor here - just wanted to give a little insight into moving into higher ed. Academic jobs are few and far between these days - at my institution, we routinely get 200-300 applications for a single tenure-track job, so make sure you can market yourself as the "best of the best" when looking for a position. Academic pay is relatively low as well - in my area, faculty who aren't STEM have starting salaries that are below first-year public school teaching salaries, so that's a reality to consider. In addition, although I am technically a "9-month" employee, I am expected to be here for the majority of the summer months doing research, participating on committees, etc., so it's really a 12-month job.

My job duties include teaching, research, and committee work. I spend 16 hours per week in the classroom teaching, about 10 hours per week prepping for courses, about 10 hours per week grading, another 5-7 in committee meetings, and about 15 hours per week supervising research students. Most of my grading is done at home, so I'm at work about 50 hours a week in addition to the 10 hours grading. I'm expected to get grants on a regular basis, publish papers in peer-reviewed journals, or author books. And although we aren't subjected to standardized testing that is nationally reported, administration rely heavily on student course evaluations to determine our yearly raises, in years when we get one. Our institution has given raises in 5 of the 13 years I've been here.

This isn't to dissuade anyone from going into higher ed, but just to give a picture of what it's like (for me, at least). One other option is adjunction at the college level, but our adjuncts only make $2500 a course. At a full course load (8 courses per year) that's only $20,000 a year before taxes.

 

[NewRVLady]

OP- I am confused about the 42 years teaching before retirement

Most teachers here can retire after 25 years with almost their full salary- I know someone mid 50's who did this and got a part time job

 

[TAX GUY]

I have close friends that are teachers and professors. 4 of them specifically. 1 of the 4 seems to work year round (she also teaches an on line college course). The other 3 are off all summer. They all defer so they get paid 12/12 months (oddly enough, we discussed this last summer). Obviously each teacher/district s different and one statement can't be said for the entire profession.

Anyway, OP, my suggestion is either accounting or an undertaker. Why? Because there are only two guarantees in life...... death and taxes.

 

[undertheradar]

Perhaps we can all agree that almost everyone with a job works hard. The breadwinning job in our house involves 24/7 oncall, with an average work week of 60 hours. Last week it involved 70 hours, with multiple days starting at 5:30 am. This is a 12 month a year job and even though there are 3 weeks of paid vacation, it is almost impossible to take all of those days.

Many times there is a grass is always greener mentality when it comes to other careers, the truth is almost always something less than expected. As for stress, besides being a politician or game show host, what career doesn't have stress?

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I can tell you I have numerous friends & family members in teaching and every single one of them has retired (or plans to retire) much earlier in life than any other profession I can think of. I don't think you're going to improve that situation by starting over in some other industry. My 57-year-old cousin just announced her retirement.

As for Summers, "your mileage will vary". For every teacher who claims to essentially work as many hours as private sector, I can show you another who says that's complete hogwash & that all the time off is a HUGE perk of the job. You've been doing it 10 years, so you know where you fit on the scale.

As for me, I log 2,500+ hours a year on the clock, and who knows how much off. I plan to be doing this when I'm 70, and not because I want to.

 

[kamik86]

What a weird response. First of all, people shouldn't become a teacher for the summer "vacation". Secondly, teaching stress is like no other type of stress. You say "most jobs are stressful", but aside from social work or nursing, there is no other job where the emotional toll is as hard. Clearly, you aren't a teacher. Here's something I recently wrote about the emotional stress of teaching, if you care to read it. https://tschwertley.wordpress.com/2015/03/21/why-teaching-is-hard/

Finally, as others have mentioned, teachers aren't paid in the summer.

To answer the OP...I think many of us are burned out. I love the kids, but when I see how much more is expected with less pay, the changes in testing, merit pay as a possibility, the Danielson Model, curriculum adoption that is dry and boring and 'to the test', budget cuts, PARCC, lawmakers who have never set foot in a classroom making laws that hurt kids....I think about getting out too.

Teacher Mentoring, Student Teacher Supervisor, Community College Instructor, or even Curriculum Textbook Sales, are a few jobs that you could do. Sometimes, a change in grade level helps renew enthusiasm too. I recently got my gifted ed endorsement, and I love teaching Honors courses.

Really??

Doctors, Fire Fighters, Police Officers, Any job in the military.... Jobs with much less regular hours and that lives are on the line for what you do. Jobs that also have a ton of red tape and rules that tie their hands and may not allow them to help in the way they feel obligated to help. I would think that would have a much higher emotional toll. I'm sure I could come up with more but I only thought about this for 2 min.