Teaching-help

[alisha87]

I am currently in school persuing a teaching career. I am just in a bit of a rut.. The more I learn of teaching the more I question if it is write for me. I wanted to teach in elementary schools, now Im not so sure. Highschool isn't for me, and not sure about middle school. Im not good at just one core subject. I substitute when I can, just to give me a better idea of teaching. I like it, just questioning it now. not sure how to know if it is for me anymore. Im trying to figure this out asap because I either need to figure something else out and take classes for that or continue with my education classes. Just dont know anymore...

 

[disney_mommy]

Alisha, have you cheked out any career finder books, like What Color is Your Parachute? There are also tons of websites that can help, here are a few (http://my.monster.com/Job-Profiles/GetProfile.aspx, http://www.employmentspot.com/job-question-answer/what-career-is-right-for-me/, and http://careerplanning.about.com/library/bloccupationquiz.htm). Just start researching and maybe you'll find that something else might interest you. Or you may find out education really is your right career, and you just need to get refocused.

 

[mistercarlson]

alisha,

it's great that you're covering all of your bases before committing yourself to a teaching program. i've been teaching for eleven years, and it demands a lot from you physically and mentally. it's not all leaving work at 2:30 with weekends, summers, and holidays off. most people don't know what really goes on in teaching. sure, i have summers off, but it's now a bit less than two months. i work about sixty hours a week including nights and weekends. substituting is a great way to get a feel for it, but also know that there's a great deal of planning involved. in short, be prepare to be a secretary, a psychologist, a counselor, an EMT, a police officer, a manager, a housekeeper, and above all, a parent to 25 or so kids who are looking at you as the people i mentioned above. i definitely don't mean to discourage you, but there are a lot of people who think teaching is perfect for them, but it's equally a matter of whether individuals are right for the teaching profession.

best of luck in your search for what will be right for you! feel free to ask more questions if you have them!

 

[ckdsnynt]

I wanted to teach all of my life. Still do. In fact, do a lot of teaching in the profession I know make a living with. But after three years, dealing with the parents ran me off. Love the kids, hate dealing with parents that refuse to accept any responsibility.

 

[nefer]

i work about sixty hours a week including nights and weekends. <snip> be prepare to be a secretary, a psychologist, a counselor, an EMT, a police officer, a manager, a housekeeper, and above all, a parent to 25 or so kids who are looking at you as the people i mentioned above.

Haha, that just about sums it up! I've been in the profession for 2 & 1/2 years - I was lucky enough to get two temporary contracts with my favourite district right out of uni. I'm glad I had that experience, because substituting is nothing like having a class for a year. (I'm subbing right now).

Alisha, the key thing is whether you enjoy working with kids, seeing that 'spark' light when after hours and hours suddenly something clicks and they get it! Do you have a subject you enjoy? I'm a high school bio teacher and I love teaching my subject. I volunteered at a high school for a year, and even got to plan and teach a few lessons (with the classroom teacher's blessing!) and that's what cemented my decision. Even volunteering at after school programs helps, it makes a difference when you're with the same kids for a period of time. Subing is kinda like parachuting in - no time to form a bond with the class.

When I joined my B.Ed program the first thing all our profs told us was that one needs passion to be a good teacher. Without it it'll be just another job. Good luck with your decision!

 

[3R1C]

I agree with mistercarlson...it's something you've got to love. It takes a tremendous amount out of you. I've been teaching for 15 years and have never imagined myself doing anything else (although there are days when I've thought that a desk job that you can leave at the office sure would be nice). Even after all these years, I still come home with work to do most evenings... and that's nothing compared to the emotional toll it can take on you.

Good luck in whatever you decide...I wouldn't trade it for any other career!

 

[Metro West]

 

[edk35]

My two cents: I have a degree in Elementary Education. I have taught 1st and 2nd grades and held other jobs within the education field. HOWEVER..once we started having a family....I did not continue to teach. I have ONLY subbed or worked in other part time educational type jobs. Teaching is very demanding. Like others have said..it takes a lot of dedication, working after school/at night/weekends. Sure we get the summers off, but lots of teachers take classes or work other jobs in the summer. I think you need to really want it .....

Doing a long term sub job might help in your decision. When you do those..you are in charge of lesson plans, grading and take on the teacher role. When you sub....you are stepping in for a day and usually have plans. I think teachers have very difficult and stressful jobs. It takes a special person to really love teaching. It is not for everyone. I have known many teachers that last about 7 years and either never go back because maybe they have families or they are burned out. I would make sure before you get your degree....that is what you really want to do. Good luck!!!

 

[DollyXXXX]

After working for lawyers for many years, I decided to go back and get my teaching certificate. I am very fortunate that I teach Music and the kids love it. Plus, I do only teach till 2:15 and have the summers off! At my age, I couldn't see myself teaching elementary students because I just don't have the energy. You can't compare subbing and teaching permanently. Teaching permanently wins hands down, from the pay, to the benefits, to really getting to know your kids. There is no other feeling like it in the world. Go for it and if you don't like, go into another line of work. As the years progress, you may find that you want to go back to it.

 

[Minniemama350]

I've been teaching for 16 years. I've changed grade levels a few times, but the bottom line is that I love to teach kids and help them feel self-worth. If it doesn't feel that way to you, I would find something else. It is not an easy job and it can be very thankless at times. The whole world seems to be an expert on what you should do in any given situation. My bottom line is that when I think of working somewhere where I don't teach kids it sounds boring and pointless to me(obviously these oter jobs carry importance just not for me personally). If there is another job you think will make you happy, do it.

 

[TheThomsLuvDisney]

I've been teaching for 20 years and in the big picture, there is nothing more rewarding in life (some days it is challenging to see those rewards). I've never regreted it!

 

[lovetoscrap]

Moved to the CB.

 

[paintnolish]

I am studying to teach HS Eng (one more semester until I student teach-woohoo!). Anyway, I am sure you have heard how difficult it is to find a job in elelmantary ed. I read an article recently and some of the number were pretty shocking- people subbing after three years because jobs weren't available.
If you continue along the ed path, your classes will have you inside the classroom more and more. Maybe that will help you. If you are seriously condifering the field, go for it. Start taking some classes. If you find it is not for you, you can always stop. I am not trying to make light of it, since I know how much college costs, but you should still explore the right field for you in anyway you can. Good luck!