Unhappy with my career choice? Long....sorry

[WeLoveLilo05]

I just finished student teaching in Dec. and I had a less than wonderful experience, and I am unsure if this has effected the way I feel about teaching? Don't get me wrong, I think what teacher's do are AMAZING, teachers DO NOT work only 6 hours a day, just about every night I was up til midnight going over lesson, making manipulatives, looking for stories, etc. Teachers work very hard and I give them so much credit!

But this was the story, I was with kindergarten and my co-op teacher and supervisor were really good friends, when I was teaching they would sit in the corner and talk, and in the end I actually had an altercation of sorts with my supervisor (that's another long story that I won't go into, but it was more like a he said/she said thing, it was a mess). My cop-op teacher never let me prep (which is why I was probably up so late every night), I had to go to all the specials with the kids. I felt a lot of pressure with timing with my lessons(running over a lot, or finishing the lesson feeling as though there was a few that may not have gotten it fully). But I did enjoy the kids, I also worked with a small special ed group, they were older and I enjoyed them and the curriculum. I also thought I would come out of this experience feeling more confident, and I don't feel that way at all. I am second guessing if this is what I should do with my life.

I just don't know what to do with myself now, I worked so hard for 4 years, going to school and taking care of DD, and I really did not enjoy my experience. The plan was for me to stay home with her til she started school anyways (Sept.), but I just don't know if i should look for a job in a school in Sept. or look elsewhere. I put in to sub at that school, they have not called yet.

Anyone else feel this way? I guess I need some support/advice...no flames though, I'm already stressed enough.

 

[Cindy B]

Good luck even finding a position. I'm in the same state and our new governor mandated that all public school systems have to spend their excess money in reserves prior to asking for any state aid. While I understand the idea behind this ruling, this means that cutbacks are horrible. My home district is looking to cut 173 FTEs in our district budget. There willl be at least 75-100 teacher cuts, plus reduction in hours for many teachers. Only one district in the S.Jersey area does not have to comply with the mandate, as it already spent its reserves. Subbing may even prove to be difficult. I have seen some districts even cut the substitute budget because all aides have teaching certs-- so they pull the aides for a day to sub.

I graduated 2008 from Rowan with a 3.9 GPA, dual certificates in K-5, and Middle School English and had great experience in urban (Camden) and suburban districts. WIth all this, I still can't find a full time teaching job-- and I applied to over 200 districts in a five county radius. (Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer counties. I considered a 100 mile commute or less daily doable!)

As much as I complained about it, I'm thankful Rowan made us have a dual major program because my other degree is in Writing--which enabled me to find my current full time job. No, I am not teaching and I would love to be in a classroom as fast as I could.

I am regretting that I am not using my teaching degree. However, it is an experience that I can't take away, and without my drive to be a teacher, I would have never received my other degree.

 

[Pigeon]

I'd not give up on teaching as a career because of a bad student teaching experience. There are other reasons I might give up on it, but the student teaching isn't one of them.

Dh is a public school teacher. It was a career change for him. The woman he had for his student teaching had serious mental issues, and it was not a happy experience.

If I were you, after all the work you've put in I'd try to find a teaching position and try it out to see if you like teaching, because your experience wasn't really a legitimate trial.

 

[Pammyb]

I just finished student teaching in Dec. and I had a less than wonderful experience, and I am unsure if this has effected the way I feel about teaching? Don't get me wrong, I think what teacher's do are AMAZING, teachers DO NOT work only 6 hours a day, just about every night I was up til midnight going over lesson, making manipulatives, looking for stories, etc. Teachers work very hard and I give them so much credit!

But this was the story, I was with kindergarten and my co-op teacher and supervisor were really good friends, when I was teaching they would sit in the corner and talk, and in the end I actually had an altercation of sorts with my supervisor (that's another long story that I won't go into, but it was more like a he said/she said thing, it was a mess). My cop-op teacher never let me prep (which is why I was probably up so late every night), I had to go to all the specials with the kids. I felt a lot of pressure with timing with my lessons(running over a lot, or finishing the lesson feeling as though there was a few that may not have gotten it fully). But I did enjoy the kids, I also worked with a small special ed group, they were older and I enjoyed them and the curriculum. I also thought I would come out of this experience feeling more confident, and I don't feel that way at all. I am second guessing if this is what I should do with my life.

I just don't know what to do with myself now, I worked so hard for 4 years, going to school and taking care of DD, and I really did not enjoy my experience. The plan was for me to stay home with her til she started school anyways (Sept.), but I just don't know if i should look for a job in a school in Sept. or look elsewhere. I put in to sub at that school, they have not called yet.

Anyone else feel this way? I guess I need some support/advice...no flames though, I'm already stressed enough.

This is going to be really quick-I am at lunch. I, too, had a horrendous student teaching experience. I was so depressed and I felt like such a failure. My co-operating teacher did not give me a stellar recommendation, nor did the school principal. I am now in my ninth year of teaching. Some years have been better than others. This is a really tough year-student and administration issues, and once again, I feel like a failure. BUT, it would be worse if I had not had the prior experience student teaching. So, my advice is, chalk it up to experience, and use it to draw on when you have those less than stellar school years-which you will have!

 

[MushyMushy]

Student teaching is a whole different experience in and of itself -- certainly doesn't reflect the position as a whole! I had to split my time between high school and middle school. My high school experience as a dream come true. I felt like I was walking on air every single day because it was so wonderful. The middle school experience was just the opposite. I would go home crying many nights because I hated it so much. Ironically, middle school is where I really want to be. It wasn't the kids that made it a bad placement, but the teachers.

I'm like Cindy in that I can't find a teaching job to save my life. I think if you can afford it, you should try to sub in a few districts and maybe even take on a long-term position to see how you feel. Subbing is still not the same as having your own classroom, but in a long-term position it is.

 

[Cindy B]

BTW, I had a stinky student teaching experience as well. I was in the most dangerous city in the US, in the roughest part of town and well it was a very scary environment. My kids had so many issues-- my first day introductions I found out whose parents were in jail! Many of the kids said things like "My name is ______. My birthdate is ______. My family is mom who is in jail, my dad left when I was two, and I live with grandmom and my five cousins."


Not only did I have students with tremendously rough backgrounds, many of the teachers resented a student teacher that was to be blunt, didn't look like them. I had my principal, yes my principal call me "the white lady on the 2nd floor". While I was there student teaching, two teachers got into a fistfight with each other in the lunchroom, one teacher hit a student, three teachers left, and the librarian mysteriously disappeared one day and never came back. Plus, the school ranking was in the toilet, so we had to "host" a CAPA visit. This was the state education mandating agency.

 

[WeLoveLilo05]

Good luck even finding a position. I'm in the same state and our new governor mandated that all public school systems have to spend their excess money in reserves prior to asking for any state aid. While I understand the idea behind this ruling, this means that cutbacks are horrible. My home district is looking to cut 173 FTEs in our district budget. There willl be at least 75-100 teacher cuts, plus reduction in hours for many teachers. Only one district in the S.Jersey area does not have to comply with the mandate, as it already spent its reserves. Subbing may even prove to be difficult. I have seen some districts even cut the substitute budget because all aides have teaching certs-- so they pull the aides for a day to sub.

I graduated 2008 from Rowan with a 3.9 GPA, dual certificates in K-5, and Middle School English and had great experience in urban (Camden) and suburban districts. WIth all this, I still can't find a full time teaching job-- and I applied to over 200 districts in a five county radius. (Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer counties. I considered a 100 mile commute or less daily doable!)

As much as I complained about it, I'm thankful Rowan made us have a dual major program because my other degree is in Writing--which enabled me to find my current full time job. No, I am not teaching and I would love to be in a classroom as fast as I could.

I am regretting that I am not using my teaching degree. However, it is an experience that I can't take away, and without my drive to be a teacher, I would have never received my other degree.

If you don't mind me asking, what kind of job do you have now? My other major was psych which I was told I could not do much with.

That terrible though that so many people are having such a hard time finding jobs. My friend's fiance graduated 4 years ago and hasn't been able to find a job, she is subbing.

 

[WeLoveLilo05]

Also wanted to add....I guess we picked a great time to go into teaching, here in the lovely state of NJ lol.

 

[luvmy3jewels]

I'm sure having a bad student teaching experience has put a bad taste in your mouth right now, but I wouldn't let that one experience ruin your career plans.
For most people, job satisfaction comes not just from the duties you perform but also from the people you work around. It's important to find the right fit for your personality and work ethic, otherwise you will be frustrated and miserable no matter what kind of work you are performing. Also know that work environments can change quickly through leadership changes and turnover in positions around you.

I don't teach, but at one point a few years ago, I was ready to find another career and ended up changing jobs three times before I finally found a place that I enjoyed working. It really wasn't the job duties that I found frustrating, but the people around me who drove me crazy.

 

[dogluva]

I just finished student teaching in Dec. and I had a less than wonderful experience, and I am unsure if this has effected the way I feel about teaching? Don't get me wrong, I think what teacher's do are AMAZING, teachers DO NOT work only 6 hours a day, just about every night I was up til midnight going over lesson, making manipulatives, looking for stories, etc. Teachers work very hard and I give them so much credit!

But this was the story, I was with kindergarten and my co-op teacher and supervisor were really good friends, when I was teaching they would sit in the corner and talk, and in the end I actually had an altercation of sorts with my supervisor (that's another long story that I won't go into, but it was more like a he said/she said thing, it was a mess). My cop-op teacher never let me prep (which is why I was probably up so late every night), I had to go to all the specials with the kids. I felt a lot of pressure with timing with my lessons(running over a lot, or finishing the lesson feeling as though there was a few that may not have gotten it fully). But I did enjoy the kids, I also worked with a small special ed group, they were older and I enjoyed them and the curriculum. I also thought I would come out of this experience feeling more confident, and I don't feel that way at all. I am second guessing if this is what I should do with my life.

I just don't know what to do with myself now, I worked so hard for 4 years, going to school and taking care of DD, and I really did not enjoy my experience. The plan was for me to stay home with her til she started school anyways (Sept.), but I just don't know if i should look for a job in a school in Sept. or look elsewhere. I put in to sub at that school, they have not called yet.

Anyone else feel this way? I guess I need some support/advice...no flames though, I'm already stressed enough.

I would never flame you over this! I remember my student teaching days. I had a mean, mean cooperating teacher who was on a huge power trip. Everyday I drove home (an hour each way) and cried. I was miserable. It was the most stressful time of my life (I also had a two year old and we had no money and I mean no money). Awful. I had to student teach again in the Fall (I have a dual certification) and the experience was wonderful. The best teachers (sped) and the kindest staff. It made a world of difference.

Student teaching is not reality. It is way more involved than what really happens when you have your own classroom. I think you should give it another shot. My first teaching job was a part time position. I taught half days as an academic support person (paid as a teacher but half time). It was so nice. I did go full time shortly after but it helped me get my feet wet and gain my confidence. You should look into something like this before you give up.

Good luck.

 

[dogluva]

BTW, I had a stinky student teaching experience as well. I was in the most dangerous city in the US, in the roughest part of town and well it was a very scary environment. My kids had so many issues-- my first day introductions I found out whose parents were in jail! Many of the kids said things like "My name is ______. My birthdate is ______. My family is mom who is in jail, my dad left when I was two, and I live with grandmom and my five cousins."


Not only did I have students with tremendously rough backgrounds, many of the teachers resented a student teacher that was to be blunt, didn't look like them. I had my principal, yes my principal call me "the white lady on the 2nd floor". While I was there student teaching, two teachers got into a fistfight with each other in the lunchroom, one teacher hit a student, three teachers left, and the librarian mysteriously disappeared one day and never came back. Plus, the school ranking was in the toilet, so we had to "host" a CAPA visit. This was the state education mandating agency.

I don't really understand the point of this post. Nothing like trying to make her feel a little better.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

Another teacher from NJ here! I did my student teaching in 2007 and I felt the same way! I just did not have the best experience and went home feeling like crying most days. I couldnt wait to be done. I now am in my 2nd year teaching Kindergarten and I love it..of course there are crazy days , but I am so happy with my job.

I would not count teaching out just because of student teaching--good luck!

 

[teacherforhi]

I had three different student teaching placements. One of them was in a high school English class. My freshmen were horrible. The school had high racial tensions and there were altercations in my class on a regular basis. My co-operating teacher was no help. She was as racially biased as some of the students. I seriously considered just quitting.

Then I remembered that I had wanted to be a teacher since I started kindergarten. I remembered that I decided I wanted to work with deaf and hard of hearing students in second grade. I couldn't let one bad class turn me away from teaching.

This is my twelfth year teaching. It is so much different when you have your own classroom and make your own lesson plans. While it isn't always sunshine and roses, I still love going to school every day.

I've had one year (about five years ago) when I had a rough class and wasn't getting the support from the Special Ed Department and seriously considered resigning. My principal told me the same thing I said above. Don't let one bad experience ruin everything.

 

[yoopermom]

Lots of from another (unemployed) teacher. It's a shame that sometimes the WORST teachers are often the ones who volunteer to take on student teachers (shame on them!). Try to take away one good experience from every day (no matter how tiny), and remember those, because if you do choose to apply for teaching jobs, and are lucky enough to get an interview, you're going to have to spin that manure into gold, so to speak. I'll never regret getting my teaching license, but I also would not encourage my DS to go into the field, either, with the state it's in right now.

Hang in there, we're here for you...

Terri

 

[emer95]

Oh hon. I wish I could reach through the computer and give you a big hug. I am so sorry your student teaching was so horrible. And you're doing it with a little one at home. That is not easy!! I was you, 8 years ago. My daughters were 1 and 2 years old when I student taught and I had two sucky placements. I hated student teaching. I loved the kids, loved teaching, but my supervisor was a witch and both of my cooperating teachers were difficult. I made a paper chain to count down the days when it would be over, like the kind kids do for Christmas, LOL.

I subbed for two years and thankfully got a lot of great teaching experience and confidence during that time. I am now in the 5th year of teaching in my dream district. I love my job!! I'm so thankful that I didn't let a lousy student teaching experience deter me from what I knew I was meant to do.

It's so different to have your own classroom, and to build relationships and bond with students. That's the best part of teaching. My students are so important to me and they make me look forward to going in to work everyday. I really feel blessed to have this job.
I just had my first student teacher this past November and I made darn sure her experience was the opposite of mine!

I hope things work out for you! My advice would be to let a little time go by and get your foot in the door with subbing. Best wishes to you.

 

[laurie31]

This may not be totally revelant, but I think maybe nursing clinicals could be compared to student teaching.

I had such a horrible clinical experience my junior year of nursing school that I considered changing my major. The only reason I didn't, was because I actually already had a job working in a hospital and I knew *real* nursing was NOTHING like what I had experienced. But if I had thought that my job for the rest of my life was going to be like what I did that semester, I would have run screaming for the hills.

I hope you are able to find a teaching job that you find rewarding.

 

[Kathi OD]

Good luck even finding a position. I'm in the same state and our new governor mandated that all public school systems have to spend their excess money in reserves prior to asking for any state aid. While I understand the idea behind this ruling, this means that cutbacks are horrible. My home district is looking to cut 173 FTEs in our district budget. There willl be at least 75-100 teacher cuts, plus reduction in hours for many teachers. Only one district in the S.Jersey area does not have to comply with the mandate, as it already spent its reserves. Subbing may even prove to be difficult. I have seen some districts even cut the substitute budget because all aides have teaching certs-- so they pull the aides for a day to sub.

I graduated 2008 from Rowan with a 3.9 GPA, dual certificates in K-5, and Middle School English and had great experience in urban (Camden) and suburban districts. WIth all this, I still can't find a full time teaching job-- and I applied to over 200 districts in a five county radius. (Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer counties. I considered a 100 mile commute or less daily doable!)

As much as I complained about it, I'm thankful Rowan made us have a dual major program because my other degree is in Writing--which enabled me to find my current full time job. No, I am not teaching and I would love to be in a classroom as fast as I could.

I am regretting that I am not using my teaching degree. However, it is an experience that I can't take away, and without my drive to be a teacher, I would have never received my other degree.

Cindy, have you ever considered getting a PA cert? If you're willing to drive 100 miles, and have student taught in Camden, then maybe you might be able to get a job in Philadelphia. My understanding is that they have recently pulled the residency requirement (but check it out for sure). They are always hiring. I have a friend who got a job there a couple of months ago.

Sorry OP, for hijacking the thread.

 

[Feralpeg]

My daughter is currently doing her student teaching internship. Some days, she comes home loving the experience. The next day, she is ready to chuck it all. It is just the nature of the beast. When I did my internship, many years ago, it was the same thing. Good days and bad. Not all cooperating teachers are all that cooperative.

Give your self a chance. If you can get a teaching job, having your own classroom will be entirely different to student teaching.

Right now, the job market is so bad for teachers. It is really sad for the students graduating and ready to teach. I hope it picks up over the next couple of years.

 

[MM27]

Student teaching is totally different from having your own classroom. Your role changes greatly, but you also don't have someone sitting in the back of the room waiting to tell you every little thing you do wrong all the time. I think some cooperating teachers just like the power trip it provides them.

As far as getting a job, please don't let all the negative comments get you down. I teach in an urban district in North Jersey and we are still hiring. We just got a new 5th grade teacher last month because the teacher that was in that position took another job in the district. People retire, people move on. You just have to be willing to take whatever is available to you in the beginning.

 

[llij]

I just wanted to give you some encouragement and tell you to hang in there! Like others have said, student teaching is nothing like actually having your own classroom so don't let your bad experience taint what could be a great career for you.

Since you really enjoyed working with the kids and liked the curriculum, look at that as a positive sign that you should be in the classroom. Best wishes that everything works out for you.