New career options for a teacher

[Sadie22]

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.

And I would add to this that someone wanting to get into academia must be prepared to relocate in order to have a job.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

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.

Holier than thou for THAT response? I think you've got it backwards

 

[Gumbo4x4]

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.

If more $ is a requirement, yeah you're probably going to have to move on. Just know that any job with that kind of pay is unlikely to put you in a situation where you can leave work at work.

I get called on my vacation, during my supper, at my kids' games. I go in at 3:00 am when the alarm goes off for unknown reasons. I've been there on Sundays sweeping floodwater out of the warehouse, etc. And most of my friends have it way worse than me for that kind of stuff. In the age of the cell phone, there's no more "leaving work at work" unless you're WAY down the pay scale.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

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.

IIRC, you're a Middle School classroom teacher, which is probably worst case scenario for a teacher. I also seem to recall you do some coaching.

Could you move out of the classroom and coach full time for a while? Maybe move to elementary level classroom for a while?

 

[Happy Snowman]

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

That is not common and likely they offered early retirement as a budget saving measure--getting the older, more expensive teachers out to hire younger, less expensive teachers.

OP--have you looked into other math fields like being an actuary? The pay is tops, job is low stress and being a female in the industry pretty much means you can write your own ticket. https://www.soa.org/member/

 

[DisReno]

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.

Thank you! I will-Since you are apparently now in charge of this Disboards. LOL. I don't think I gave any advice, but okay. Whatever.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

That is not common and likely they offered early retirement as a budget saving measure--getting the older, more expensive teachers out to hire younger, less expensive teachers.

OP--have you looked into other math fields like being an actuary? The pay is tops, job is low stress and being a female in the industry pretty much means you can write your own ticket. https://www.soa.org/member/

Actually, teachers retiring in their 50's is EXTREMELY common here. In fact, by mid 60's some I know made less working than they would have in retirement (giving up 6% of their salary toward retirement vs receiving 97% of their salary as retirement), not counting insurance - just straight compensation.

25 years doesn't quite get you to "almost the same money", but it's still a nice pension here. My parents both retired at 57 (a year apart as Mom is older). Mom taught 25 years, Dad 35. I know of many who retired much earlier.

 

[NHdisneylover]

My daughter will graduate from an online highschool in the next few weeks. Have you thought of trying teaching in that atmosphere? It would at least be a change of pace.

I can tell you that over four years DD has had one terrible teacher (as in,most assignments are directly cut and pasted from online and meant to be done as a group nin a classroom setting and not modified at all, responds rudely, if at all to questions, etc), several mediocre teachers, a few very good ones and one EXCELLENT one (much like in a brick and mortar school).

The really good ones communicate a lot with their students and get to know them, offer online videos of themselves (as well as linking to other resources) explaining material in different ways so student can choose what works for them (and as they get to know students they can suggest which t try first for the next assignment, etc).

It allows for a lot of flexibility (a few of the teachers are at home parents, one that I know of is a full time in classroom teacher as well, etc) and to still connect with students and share the material in a meaningful way, but less of the drama with parents and discipline issues, etc.

Anyway, it may be an avenue to consider.

 

[Ceila]

I teach (I'm the school librarian and also teach various classes in research skills). I've always scratched my head at teachers who seem to go off the rails at the mere mention of "summers off." Now, I know there are variances between school districts. But by and large, teachers do not have to report to work for the majority of the summer. I'm free to take my kids places, sleep in, go to the beach or the mall or lunch with a friend, whatever. Sure, I work on lesson plans and library programming over the summer, too, but as a salaried professional I have no problem with that and I get to do it at my convenience during those months.

As for the no pay during the summer claim, well, teachers know what their salary will be and when it will be paid out when they accept the position. It's not a surprise. They simply need to budget for the summer accordingly or, if their district offers it, spread the payments out over 12 months if they aren't capable of sticking to a budget.

Honestly, I do what I do because I love it, but getting winter breaks, spring breaks, and summers off are great benefits to me.

 

[Allison]

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?

Exactly.

 

[IndyRnRfan]

I am currently a high school math teacher in Maine. When the school year finishes in a few weeks, I will have completed my 10th year in teaching . While I love teaching, I would have to work another 32 years before being able to retire and I'm not sure I can do that. Plus, this thought has been crossing my mind more and more around this time of the year, when you hear about budget cuts, reduction in force, etc. I have no interest in becoming an administrator. For what it's worth, I have a BS in Secondary Education Mathematics and a MS in Instruction and Curriculum Studies. I'm curious if there are any former teachers on the board who left teaching to pursue another career and if so, your experiences.

Holy cow!!! 42 years total, what is your retirement plan like. In Indiana once your age and years of service = 85 you are eligible for full retirement. Most hit that between 55-58. Take a full retirement pension and go work part time or just enjoy retirement.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Teacher education or math courses in college. Write math curriculum. Work for a software company that makes K-12 software. Go into "administration". Find a job at your state DOE. Or veer off into a completely different field unrelated to your degree (chef! pastor! radio host! astrophysicist! video blogger!)

 

[pryncess527]

I am currently a high school math teacher in Maine. When the school year finishes in a few weeks, I will have completed my 10th year in teaching . While I love teaching, I would have to work another 32 years before being able to retire and I'm not sure I can do that. Plus, this thought has been crossing my mind more and more around this time of the year, when you hear about budget cuts, reduction in force, etc. I have no interest in becoming an administrator. For what it's worth, I have a BS in Secondary Education Mathematics and a MS in Instruction and Curriculum Studies. I'm curious if there are any former teachers on the board who left teaching to pursue another career and if so, your experiences.

'

out of curiosity, what makes you say you'd have to teach a total of 42 years to retire? If you've already taught 10, you'd be vested in most states and able to retire in another 15. Far earlier than you could in many other careers -- and would still be young enough to start a 2nd career after your retirement from the school system.

Is Maine's teacher retirement really so much worse than other states? I thought my state treated teachers badly (no pay increase for having a masters, ranked 48th in pay) -- but if Maine makes you teach over 40 years to retire that would really take the cake . . .

 

[pryncess527]

It is funny you should write this. It is right about this time of year I start envying all the teachers with summer break coming up. Just remember most other jobs have two to three weeks of vacation a year. So far this year I haven't taken a single vacation day and over the holidays I was only off a couple. I realize teaching is stressful, but most jobs are and no one I know will be retiring before age 60. Good luck in whatever you decide.

As others have noted, most other jobs offer 2-3 weeks PAID vacation. Teachers may have their salary divided out over 12 months, if their district provides that option, but their salary is based on the school year, and summer break is an UNPAID vacation.

 

[nkereina]

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.

I work in business but have an MBA and did some adjunct teaching at a university where I live. I made $2500 as well, and it was paid out bi-weekly over a 12 week semester, so it wasn't much per pay period. It also deducted federal taxes, but not enough state, so I ended up owing state about $200 at tax time. In addition to the pay, it was MUCH more work than I anticipated. Trying to balance that with my full time job was a lot, and I didn't feel like I was giving my class a fair shot at everything I could have been teaching them if I just had the time to better prepare. I can't imagine trying to balance several classes as an adjunct.

Just know that any job with that kind of pay is unlikely to put you in a situation where you can leave work at work.

Fact! I recently took a new position for a good raise, but I now have a work phone that makes me accessible 24/7. I also now travel once a month, which is really intrusive on my home life. But these are sacrifices I'm willing to make for the money. Unless you're in Hollywood, I think most people would say they have had to take jobs they don't like or do some tasks they don't want to do for the sake of their jobs/careers.

 

[Ceila]

As others have noted, most other jobs offer 2-3 weeks PAID vacation. Teachers may have their salary divided out over 12 months, if their district provides that option, but their salary is based on the school year, and summer break is an UNPAID vacation.

So what? As teachers, we know what our salary will be when we take the job, and we know it's for 10 months of work. Not only that, but we know that (usually) we get to have the summer off and then go back to the same job. Personally, I think it's a pretty fantastic schedule.

 

[HannaBelle]

I taught art in public school for 1 year at an elementary school and 2 years at a high school. I stayed home for 2 years with my youngest and then went to work for the family business. I was able to use my design degree for marketing. I worked with web developers to create and maintain our websites as well as producing all of our in house marketing materials. Over the past 15 years, that job has lead me to running my own small business.

My school district divided our pay over a 12 month period so we received a paycheck all year round. Saying summer is paid vacation is a misnomer, much like saying that your planning period is your “off” period.

Teaching is hard, it is emotionally challenging and it requires work outside of the classroom. I routinely took a couple of hours of work home a night. Grading papers, writing lesson plans, contacting parents to let them know their kid was having academic or behaviorally issues.

Without a doubt, I work harder and longer hours, with less “time off” running a small business. I am always “on call”, but that is the nature of the job I chose. The trade off is that my hours are much more flexible and if I need to stand up and walk out, I can. That is one thing I hated about teaching. If one of my kids was sick, I could not walk out.

I would love to go back to school, get an MFA in Ceramics and teach at a college level. Even more than that, I would like to win the lottery and open my own studio.

 

[Tinkermommy]

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.

Gwyneth Paltrow says it is millionaire movie star moms.

 

[morgan98]

So what? As teachers, we know what our salary will be when we take the job, and we know it's for 10 months of work. Not only that, but we know that (usually) we get to have the summer off and then go back to the same job. Personally, I think it's a pretty fantastic schedule.

I agree with this post. I am the daughter of a teacher and my mom retired from teaching a few years ago after teaching for almost 35 years!

That being said, I never understood the attitude some teachers get when people mention the fact that they have summers off. And, quite frankly, even if there is some work over that period, it is time off. I mean you don't report to the building every day for a set time, have other duties, get observed by administration, etc. Sure there may be some things you have to do, but that is the case with most jobs.

I also don't understand the point about summer break being "unpaid" vacation. I do not know many jobs that get 8-10 weeks of paid vacation a year. Do the teachers that think like this consider all of the holidays during the school year such as Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Presidents Day, etc. paid holidays? How about the fall break long weekends, the 2 week Christmas break and Spring break?

To your point, you sign a contract and you know what the terms are. I don't understand the frustration. Most jobs are frustrating at some level.

 

[pryncess527]

So what? As teachers, we know what our salary will be when we take the job, and we know it's for 10 months of work. Not only that, but we know that (usually) we get to have the summer off and then go back to the same job. Personally, I think it's a pretty fantastic schedule.

I only said it in direct reply to someone who tried to compare having two weeks paid vacation to having two months of unpaid vacation. I never implied that teachers are Tricked or don't know the terms of the job. I think the schedule is pretty nice too. But if someone is going to say teachers are lucky because most people only get two weeks of vacation, I think it is worth pointing out that teachers vacation is not paid, and therefore I do not think the comparison is A fair one.