Ot-Teachers...advice please?

[rjan67]

Ok...I am seriously giving thought to applying to Teachers college this year . I have been thinking about it a lot. It is a career change (to some extent) as I am a Registered Nurse. I currently work as an Educator in a hospital but am not sure I want to work in my chosen field any more. I have always worked in Michigan, so I cross the border 4-5 times per week. I do enjoy teaching very much. Do you think I should spend some time volunteering in my kids school for some perspective? My dh is a teacher and whenever I mention it, he does not think it is a good idea. I think he thinks of the inital salary (less than what I make now) as well as getting a job initally (however I still work casual at a hospital in Michigan that allows me to pick up hours..weekends, holidays etc and I could do this to supplement). I have thought of just applying and dealing with an acceptance to school if it happens. The thought of being on the same schedule as my family (and also not having border issues) is extremely attractive as well as the retirement benefits (why do we start to think of these things in our 40's?). This is not the only reason I wish to be a teacher..just some icing on the cake as I look at it. What are your thoughts? Please both pros and cons...I am open to any comments! Thanks!

 

[Louiepipbgeeco]

Definitely spend some time volunteering- Come into a classroom for a bit to get a feel of it. It is much different than teaching at the hospital probably. It would be great to be on the same schedule as your family but you have to know it is right for you first. Also, teaching jobs are not the easiest to find these days esp. with declining enrollment so be prepared to probably wait for a position (esp. permanent full time) UNLESS you plan to be certified in French. Good luck with your decision. I love my job teaching BUT it is not easy and very stressful at times. Be sure you know what you are getting into. Teaching placements in teachers college will give you a good perspective too.

 

[boudreau.christine]

I just finished my teaching degree in the spring and it was the best thing I ever did. The pay is not horrible, though less than a nurse Im sure. Supplying acn get you around $200 a day after tax, which Im sure your husband has told you all about. The placement programs really help with the grand decision - you are able to make mistakes and learn from it. You really want to move somewhere north, unfortunately. Up here in Ottawa, there are a few more teaching jobs available, the Native reserves have a lot of openings. French, Math, Science and Biology are also high on the list, so Im sure you will find a job right away. You will recieve your paper work in July and can apply for a full time job that September.
Southern and Central Ontario schools are the best, the schools up north will always accep everyone but their programs reflect the small population at the school - trust me, thats where I went to school and struggled during first placemet.
I hope this helps.

 

[disney*mom*82]

Ok...I am seriously giving thought to applying to Teachers college this year . I have been thinking about it a lot. It is a career change (to some extent) as I am a Registered Nurse. I currently work as an Educator in a hospital but am not sure I want to work in my chosen field any more. I have always worked in Michigan, so I cross the border 4-5 times per week. I do enjoy teaching very much. Do you think I should spend some time volunteering in my kids school for some perspective? My dh is a teacher and whenever I mention it, he does not think it is a good idea. I think he thinks of the inital salary (less than what I make now) as well as getting a job initally (however I still work casual at a hospital in Michigan that allows me to pick up hours..weekends, holidays etc and I could do this to supplement). I have thought of just applying and dealing with an acceptance to school if it happens. The thought of being on the same schedule as my family (and also not having border issues) is extremely attractive as well as the retirement benefits (why do we start to think of these things in our 40's?). This is not the only reason I wish to be a teacher..just some icing on the cake as I look at it. What are your thoughts? Please both pros and cons...I am open to any comments! Thanks!

My DH is a teacher and I am a certified teacher, but am currently enjoying staying at home with our LO. I would reccomend that you volunteer in the schools locally, both in the class and school activities, this will not only give you a little experience with the school and children, but may look good later when you are looking for a job. I know our schools here look for parent volunteers for many things from making copies and preparing activities, reading with students indiv, picture day, etc. Do you have a degree as to where you could sign up to be a sub? I know here all you need is a bach degree and it doesnt have to be in education, although that helps. This way you get experience in the classroom and get paid for it.

DH and I are only in our 20s and we think about retirement already! Actually our dd was talking about it in the car on the way to school today and I had to try and expain how it works and that no, dad cant just retire in 5 years! Good luck in your decision.

 

[michellev]

I'm guessing it would be too late to get in for this Sept., so you will have a year to prepare yourself and decide if it's what you really want. Definitely volunteer in a classroom. Do you know what division you are interested in?

Although you will initially be taking a pay cut, it shouldn't take too long to get back up (and maybe beyond) your current salary. You need to look long term. If this is the career you want, I say go for it!

 

[DisneyWorldbuff]

This is so funny to me because I am a teacher and many days I wish I had become a nurse! Teaching has plusses and minuses, just like every other career. I seem to bring students' "issues" home with me, that is to say, I worry and stress much more than I probably should. I'd do what op said and volunteer first, sounds like you might have a great gig in the medical education field already! Good luck, only you can choose what's best for you.

 

[rjan67]

I wasn't aware you could supply with a teacher's certificate. I have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Arts. I am interested in Primary/Junior although I believe I have enough Science credits for Junior/Intermediate. I am not able to move, but our district is fairly large. I would have to ask my husband about job openings. That is a good point. I wouldn't expect a job right away, but how many years it would take is a good question.

 

[DonaldDC]

After our first son was born my DW decided she wanted to switch careers and become a teacher. Of course one of my first concerns was the loss of wages as you pretty well have to go to school full time in Ontario (as I'm sure you're aware). So she looked in to the US programs that are recognized by OECTA. She learned that some colleges offer the program on a PT basis, which worked well for us. So she decided to go to Medaille in Buffalo and went to school Monday-Tuesday. It took her a year instead of 8 months to complete the program but worked for us. This allowed her to pick up some hours as an ABA Therapist - which helped with the family income but was also good experience for teaching. Given that you're close to the border you may want to look in to this option in Michigan?

One additional note, not mentioned when I originally posted, in the US they have rolling enrollment and get back to you in approx. 2 weeks, so you could apply when you're ready and start the next term. In DW's case she applied in November, knew by December that she was accepted and started in January.


An earlier OP mentioned jobs are plentiful in French. This was her ticket in even though she was primary/junior. They're so desperate for French teachers that she was able to get a Contract pretty much right out of school, b/c she has a French background and then transferred to JK/SK this past year. We do have friends that have been doing LTO's for a while, our experience is that if you're male, teach junior/intermediate or french your likelihood of a contract is greater but still no guarantees.

Ultimately IMO it comes down to how badly you want it. DW never regrets the decision for a second despite the debt and frustrations that come sometimes with teaching (but then again every job has it's frustrations). I still think about going back to become a teacher and probably will one day but not until our boys are a little older. Maybe dad will go to college with his 3 sons

 

[Cdn Gal]

I read applications for potential Queens University B.Ed. teacher-students. Unless you have French qualifications it will be extreamly difficult to get a position teaching. The universities keep accepting students for very few jobs. The supply lists are getting larger and they are getting 2-3 days a week if lucky. My DH has supply taught for the past 2 years. There are simply just no jobs- unfortunately we are losing really good teachers b/c after 4-7 years of supplying they have just changed careers. As for the B.Ed. program, you will not get in unless you have some experience. At Queens it is 60% marks, 40% essay. We are looking for applicants that are passionate about teaching and have proven this with experience. Not just volunteering in a classroom. Good luck!

 

[rjan67]

I read applications for potential Queens University B.Ed. teacher-students. Unless you have French qualifications it will be extreamly difficult to get a position teaching. The universities keep accepting students for very few jobs. The supply lists are getting larger and they are getting 2-3 days a week if lucky. My DH has supply taught for the past 2 years. There are simply just no jobs- unfortunately we are losing really good teachers b/c after 4-7 years of supplying they have just changed careers. As for the B.Ed. program, you will not get in unless you have some experience. At Queens it is 60% marks, 40% essay. We are looking for applicants that are passionate about teaching and have proven this with experience. Not just volunteering in a classroom. Good luck!

Thanks for your input! Just a couple of questions....what type of "experience" would you be looking for? If not volunteering in a classroom, what type of experience would be considered beneficial (I have taught adults, but with children would experience such as coaching a sport be considered?). Is there any consideration for a "mature" student returning who has had a previous career? I believe (my dh wasn't completely sure) that we had a few hires last year (due to retirements).

Thanks everyone for your input. I am weighing it all carefully!

 

[coastgirl]

Ruthann, check with the local boards about subbing without a certificate...I'd be surprised if that's the case in many Cdn jurisdictions.

I taught high school for 4 years (in the late 80s when there were LOTS of jobs in Ont), and consider going back all the time, but I know I'd have to sub, probably for years, and I couldn't stand that having had my own classroom. Have you considered the college system? I have mostly worked in adult ed since leaving the HS system, and the colleges often pay really well and need people with good "field" experience. Plus you still get summers off. As faculty at Camosun in BC I got 8 weeks annual leave PLUS 4 wks of PD I could use if I had a special project. Why, why, why did I quit that job?? (I'm a SAHM in NS these days. A good choice, except when you look at the money/pension kind of thing!)

 

[rjan67]

I have considered the college. As well I see (at the same college) they offer a Bachelor of Adult Education degree with Brock University. They currently have openings for clinical instructors for Rn's which would be a starting point. I have given this some thought also.

 

[Carol17]

I am in agreement with what everyone has said thus far. French is where its at so to speak. I went to teacher college in Buffalo. I have been supplying for 5 years. I can't even get an LTO position(long term occasional) to save my life. Mind you, I have a preference for primary, so those are the only positions I am applying for at this point. I have done several AQ courses, attended many,many workshops to stay current on the latest teaching strategies etc. The supply work is very unpredictable. Busy one week, nothing the next. I have to work at a learning centre as well.

Your husband is a teacher. that is a big plus. Getting a job is greatly improved by the "who you know" factor. It is being in the right place at the right time. It is pure luck in many cases. So, if you are picky like me(primary only)be prepared to wait(and wait and wait..) if not, your luck will be much better than mine. Best of luck in whatever you choose to do.

 

[Cdn Gal]

Hi, unfortunately there is no consideration for 'mature' students on the essay/application that I mark. Leadership opportunities where you have worked with kids in a group, one on one, working with special needs students, but mostly something over time- not a resume/application that is full of experience within the past year or two. We're really looking for somebody who is passionate about teaching as well as learning. People that were accepted had lots of experience with working with kids for 4+ years. The applicants that only had a year or so were not given high marks. It's very competative to get in, and if you have experience teaching adults, go with that. The fact that you have your nursing degree is a huge benefit. As teachers we are not allowed to give meds, but if you have a nurse on staff then you're laughing as some schools hire people to come in and give meds. Focus on your leadership abilities and what you have done with adults. I'm sure you probably have more in your resume as well that you can comment on. All the best,

 

[SplashMom]

I was also going to mention the community college system. I have been in the college system for many years and our school year is basically the same as the public school, including March break. Our salary scale is quite a bit higher and there are lots of opportunities. We have many RNs who teach the Practical Nursing program or the Continuing Care program. The faculty complete an adult education program provided by the college after you are hired--all that is required before is education, experience and expertise in your field. You may want to contact some locations near you to check out the opportunities. Good luck!

 

[rjan67]

Thanks everyone!