Teaching as a career

[lovespandp]

My good best friend is a teacher, she teaches Kindergarten, she loves it!! She also works at a bar on the weekends, and she is in real estate, but she says that she loves what she does, if you want I can give you her email and you can talk with her, I’m sure she wont mind!!

[Lil Sis]

I have been a teacher in the public school system for 26 years (24 in the Dade County Public Schools -- Miami). I, personally, would not advise a young person to go into teaching now.

I wanted to be a teacher when I was in Middle School, but I work in retail (assistant manager of a department story and fashion buyer) and in banking (started as a teller and worked my way up to management)

I can say teaching is the hardest job I ever had. You are not with other adults, you can not go to the bathroom when you need to, often do not get duty free lunch, discipline is a constant issue. I really get tired.

I have taught pre-school two years, Hight School for 8 years (started in an inter city High School in Miami-Dade County-- wow small town girl meets the getto!!!) and for the past 14 years or so have been in a Middle School in an affluent neighborhood. I work many 12 hour days, bring work home on the week ends and worry about everything.

I guess I could say it was all worth it... I love most of my students. I know I have changed lives and made a difference. That is so important!!!

I am just so upset with how teachers are being treated now! In our county the pay scale/ step increases are of various sizes -- and we had a contract.
In the past you could look at the steps and knew what you would be making in the future.... the carrot was dangled in front of our noses for so many years (work now for below average pay and when you get to 22 years you will have a nice salary). I should be make 26,000.00 (with perks) 12,000.0 (without perks) more than I am making for the past 4 years that our steps and salaries have been frozen. That is a lot of money to have depended on. Now we are taking a 3% paycut.. and who know what else??

I am angry, I am bitter. I am too old to recoup. I have 5 more years before I will have 30 in thus I have to stay... I will do what is morally correct for my students... but my heart and pride is broken.

Don't get me wrong... I totally understand not getting raises, but the media is treating us with disrespect.. the kids are out of control and parents, for the most part, don't support us. I can almost laugh at the parents who think private school is better. I just don't know when a government, state, or county worker became the bad guy!

Sorry... now the good would be -- to do what you love. Do what you love because of how you feel about it and the rewards you get.. because that is all you can depend on. Take care of your joy, your goals, and your heart and you will be fine

[marcerella02]

I am a teacher in Canada, so it is quite a bit different from the US but one thing seems to be the same- rough time to become a teacher. There are NO jobs here! I am very lucky to have a job right now but when my contract ends in June I am not guaranteed anything.

Teaching is BUSY- hence why I am hardly on here anymore- no time! But I 100% love what I do. I teach high school English and every morning (ok- MOST mornings!) i LOVE going to work.

I read you are interested in younger children so my "downfalls" wouldn't apply to you. There is a real sense of entitlement in high school, and I guess that could apply to elementary as well. The way the kids are being raised right now is not how I was raised and that can cause conflict because I won't take the crap they try to pull!

I wish you all the best finding a job. It is a WONDERFUL profession!

[Lisa and Pic]

I taught for 27 years in Kentucky (all elementary special ed.) and now I am retired. I loved my job and it was very rewarding. However to be truthful, it could be very stressful and some days could go as long as 12 hours. But, the days off were wonderful and the pay was fine.

Good luck with your decision.

[deonk1]

Just a tip while you're figuring things out in the mean time... I'm a student too as many of you know and recently I started picking up positions as a teaching assistant. I know it's a far shot off from teaching kindergarden, but it'll give you a chance to see what it's like to be a teacher. I really enjoyed being a teaching assistant, and it opened the door for me to want to be a professor some day. (and usually for universities/colleges they pay is good). It also gives you a great thing on your resume so that when you're fresh out of school you already have some teaching related stuff on your resume.

[BabyGirl Rosie]

Originally Posted by deonk1

Just a tip while you're figuring things out in the mean time... I'm a student too as many of you know and recently I started picking up positions as a teaching assistant. I know it's a far shot off from teaching kindergarden, but it'll give you a chance to see what it's like to be a teacher. I really enjoyed being a teaching assistant, and it opened the door for me to want to be a professor some day. (and usually for universities/colleges they pay is good). It also gives you a great thing on your resume so that when you're fresh out of school you already have some teaching related stuff on your resume.

Before I finished college with my teaching degree I did some volunteer work at the school. It really does help to see somethings.

[lisaly]

I will be finishing my thirty second year of teaching in June, and each day that I walk into my classroom I come alive. For me, I could not imagine a job more rewarding. I started teaching special education at the elementary level for six years, and I loved it. When I was offered a position in the high school I have been teaching in for the past twenty six years, I hesitated, but it has been such an amazing experience. It is one of the top schools in the country,which makes it really nice (although super pressured) but I loved working as a teacher in the NYC school system, too. I work as a resource room teacher with students with special needs, but I have also taught English, Math, Science, and History. Most of my students have learning disabilities, but I also work with students with autism, Asperger's Syndrome, emotional problems, and other disabilities. I definitely think if you decide to pursue a degree in elementary education, you should also become dually certified in special education. You will only need twelve additional credits to get the dual certification. With inclusion being so popular, you will have a lot of students with special needs in any classroom, so it is a must today, and I'm not seeing many people hired without it. After all of these years, I feel that same love of teaching that I did when I was younger. The job is demanding and exhausting, and it requires a lot of patience and communication with parents. The hours beyond the time in the classroom are great. Yet I am always learning, always in wonder at the accomplishment of our kids, and am the recipient of such love each day. I have been accepted into the lives and families of so many of my students, and really feel very privileged to be teaching. I was told to stay away from teaching when I started to pursue it in college, but I'm glad I didn't listen. Teaching is one of the things that defines who I am as a person, and it has brought such joy into my life. My "kids" mean the world to me. If you need my help, I'd be very happy to assist you. I've been mentoring my young assistants for years, and they have continued in teaching as a career. You would be a great teacher, Brit. I see how you are with Jackson, and he has thrived with your love and enthusiasm. That's what it takes to be a really good teacher, and our kids need people like you. Education has been attacked by many people, and so have teachers, and it does hurt. What really matters are the kids, though, and I learn so much from them each day. I am upset by what happens around me in education, but my "kids" rarely disappoint me. If teaching is in your heart, I'd pursue it. I have never regretted it for a second, even when there's not enough time to accomplish all that's needed and still get sleep and on those rare bad days for me. I'd never call it easy, but it is a job that's always very moving and rewarding.

[Britster]

Wow, thanks for all the amazing responses. I've learned a lot and got a lot of insight into this career that I never had before.

I still don't "know".... I really wish "Dog Training" was a degree in college!I'd be there in a heartbeat! If you ask me what my #1 passion is, dogs would be it for sure. But I always feel like it's such a hard industry to make $$$ in. I realize money is not everything but I also don't want to struggle my whole life, so I guess teaching wouldn't be the best choice either, LOL. I guess my true dream would be to own my own facility, that was a boarding/training/doggy daycare place all in one, maybe do photography on the side. But sometimes I wonder if that would be possible (most of you know, I'm an independent dogwalker right now... got some listings off care.com and thru word of mouth and started my own 'business' though I am not incorporated yet or anything).

I just want to have a degree behind me first and foremost. I always wish I was one of those people that just KNEW what I wanted to do and had a goal to strive towards school-wise. I know those are rare, and most people end up not doing what their degree was for anyways. I mean, I've always been good with computers, but it's not a 'passion' of mine. I don't want to be one of those people that looks back at my life and says "gosh I wish I would have done that back then!"

Then again, dog training is a form of teaching. I feel like I'd have a similar philosophy for teaching kids as I would dogs and could use my self taught skills as well.

[Ellie May]

Brit, I think you do KNOW what you want. It's being suppressed because it's a long shot and seems too overwhelming.

You want to work with dogs. You want to train them and interact with their owners. You want to let them enjoy themselves and learn under your supervision.

If you really think you want to be a teacher, great. But from what I have seen on YT and from what you have very clearly stated, that is not your passion in life.

Hey, I want to be a vet. It's crazy expensive. Prereqs are extremely demanding. I have some huge barriers to get through. It seems impossible. But I'm not willing to settle on my second choice (whatever the heck that is!) before even trying.

This is what I would try to do in your case:
Get a business bachelors at the least.
Continue with your dog business, but really consider getting insured if at all possible. It's important to learn how to do this business stuff, it's safer for you, and you will probably have more clients.
Ask if you can use your clients as references for later. Maybe they could write you letters to save and hang in your boarding facility someday.
Save as much money as you can.
Always keep your goal in mind and stay focused on it.
Consider training seminars, certificates, programs, etc. to start building up your credentials. I know Bark Busters is very expensive and may not be your style, but the people who go through that program can charge $500 per dog, for example.

Follow your dreams and don't give up on your first choice unless you have to. Or..you can always be a teacher's aide or something and do both...

[BabyGirl Rosie]

Originally Posted by Britster

Wow, thanks for all the amazing responses. I've learned a lot and got a lot of insight into this career that I never had before.

I still don't "know".... I really wish "Dog Training" was a degree in college!I'd be there in a heartbeat! If you ask me what my #1 passion is, dogs would be it for sure. But I always feel like it's such a hard industry to make $$$ in. I realize money is not everything but I also don't want to struggle my whole life, so I guess teaching wouldn't be the best choice either, LOL. I guess my true dream would be to own my own facility, that was a boarding/training/doggy daycare place all in one, maybe do photography on the side. But sometimes I wonder if that would be possible (most of you know, I'm an independent dogwalker right now... got some listings off care.com and thru word of mouth and started my own 'business' though I am not incorporated yet or anything).

I just want to have a degree behind me first and foremost. I always wish I was one of those people that just KNEW what I wanted to do and had a goal to strive towards school-wise. I know those are rare, and most people end up not doing what their degree was for anyways. I mean, I've always been good with computers, but it's not a 'passion' of mine. I don't want to be one of those people that looks back at my life and says "gosh I wish I would have done that back then!"

Then again, dog training is a form of teaching. I feel like I'd have a similar philosophy for teaching kids as I would dogs and could use my self taught skills as well.

It took three times for me to get it right in college. I started out doing Surgery Tech, then changed to nursing, then changed to teaching. I even talked to the Psychology professor because I thought I wanted to do counseling. So, just hang in there. You will figure it out in due time!

[Lil Sis]

Originally Posted by Lisa and Pic

I taught for 27 years in Kentucky (all elementary special ed.) and now I am retired. I loved my job and it was very rewarding. However to be truthful, it could be very stressful and some days could go as long as 12 hours. But, the days off were wonderful and the pay was fine.

Good luck with your decision.

If this question was asked of me say.. two to three years ago... I would have given a totally different answer. I used to be so proud of being a teacher that shapes the future.. and I do shape my students. They know they are important to me.

I have friends who retired in the past couple of years and they are doing fine, they went through the system when pay was solid and the carrot that was dangled was given at the correct times. Times were good and they are lucky... not us.

I know we all are having rough times with the recession.. I just am having a bit of a pity party right now. I am sorry if I sounded so down on teaching, but I will restate.. if it is what your heart wants and nothing else will do - go for it!!! I would not advise teaching as a one and only choice now. I like EllaMay's advise a lot, it is close to what I give my children and students

It is funny because I am searching now for what I will do when I leave teaching in about 5 years. I also want to do something with dogs.
I will be too young to totally retire and want something that make me smile

[Britster]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

Brit, I think you do KNOW what you want. It's being suppressed because it's a long shot and seems too overwhelming.

You want to work with dogs. You want to train them and interact with their owners. You want to let them enjoy themselves and learn under your supervision.

If you really think you want to be a teacher, great. But from what I have seen on YT and from what you have very clearly stated, that is not your passion in life.

Hey, I want to be a vet. It's crazy expensive. Prereqs are extremely demanding. I have some huge barriers to get through. It seems impossible. But I'm not willing to settle on my second choice (whatever the heck that is!) before even trying.

This is what I would try to do in your case:
Get a business bachelors at the least.
Continue with your dog business, but really consider getting insured if at all possible. It's important to learn how to do this business stuff, it's safer for you, and you will probably have more clients.
Ask if you can use your clients as references for later. Maybe they could write you letters to save and hang in your boarding facility someday.
Save as much money as you can.
Always keep your goal in mind and stay focused on it.
Consider training seminars, certificates, programs, etc. to start building up your credentials. I know Bark Busters is very expensive and may not be your style, but the people who go through that program can charge $500 per dog, for example.

Follow your dreams and don't give up on your first choice unless you have to. Or..you can always be a teacher's aide or something and do both...

Thanks! I think you just gave me the best most truthful advice I've ever got

I think you are right- I've got a good thing going already and I could just make it BIGGER and better. I definitely want to continue with college and have my bachelors degree for sure.

I actually have a close relationship with the clients I have now and do have a letter from one of them that I saved after her dog died last year that I had taken care of. I know all would be willing to recommend me to others (and some already have).

I was applied to be a trainer at Petsmart last year two times and they never call me back... I've heard it's near impossible to get a call back but the thing is they make you apply thru online so it kind of sucks. I wish I could find a training place around here to 'intern' at, I guess I could look into it more.

Thanks for your advice.

[linz06]

If you are considering teaching, is there any way you could do volunteer work in a school? If you go in every once in awhile and spend time there and talk with teachers about the pros and cons and see what a "day in the life" is like, it may have an influence on your choice On top of that, if you do decide you'd love to be a teacher and get your degree, I'm sure some volunteer work on your resume could put you ahead of other applicants! I'm not sure what kind of volunteering you could do, if any, but it wouldn't hurt to look into it!

Personally, I switched what I wanted to do too, and still don't know what I want to do! I thought I wanted to be a pharmacist, but the competition to get into the college and limited funds meant I had to switch to something I knew I could get into immediately and finish. I was always good at math and science so I switched to Engineering After a year and some more financial setbacks, I switched to a smaller tech school to take Engineering Technology. After 5 years of work I am glad I just took the diploma course and not a full-fledged degree, because I know now this isn't what I want to do for the rest of my life!

So I totally recommend research and volunteer work or job shadowing before you decide!

[lisaly]

Originally Posted by Lil Sis

If this question was asked of me say.. two to three years ago... I would have given a totally different answer. I used to be so proud of being a teacher that shapes the future.. and I do shape my students. They know they are important to me.

I have friends who retired in the past couple of years and they are doing fine, they went through the system when pay was solid and the carrot that was dangled was given at the correct times. Times were good and they are lucky... not us.

I know we all are having rough times with the recession.. I just am having a bit of a pity party right now. I am sorry if I sounded so down on teaching, but I will restate.. if it is what your heart wants and nothing else will do - go for it!!! I would not advise teaching as a one and only choice now. I like EllaMay's advise a lot, it is close to what I give my children and students

It is funny because I am searching now for what I will do when I leave teaching in about 5 years. I also want to do something with dogs.
I will be too young to totally retire and want something that make me smile

I am really sorry that you have been hurt by all of the negativity surrounding teachers, particularly with the recession. I can personally speak of the hurt when others are questioning your worth when it's something you truly believe in and love. I hate all of the testing, the emphasis on scores and grades, and how things are not as child centered. I am really fortunate to work in such a wonderful, unique district, but we are not immune to all of the challenges. I think all of this could easily have destroyed me because I love my work so much, but for me, it's the kids who keep drawing me back. When I close the door to my classroom, that's all that matters. You are making a difference that will last a lifetime for the students that you touch. Try to remember that and remember your true worth without listening to the negativity surrounding you.

[BabyGirl Rosie]

Originally Posted by linz06

If you are considering teaching, is there any way you could do volunteer work in a school? If you go in every once in awhile and spend time there and talk with teachers about the pros and cons and see what a "day in the life" is like, it may have an influence on your choice On top of that, if you do decide you'd love to be a teacher and get your degree, I'm sure some volunteer work on your resume could put you ahead of other applicants! I'm not sure what kind of volunteering you could do, if any, but it wouldn't hurt to look into it!

Personally, I switched what I wanted to do too, and still don't know what I want to do! I thought I wanted to be a pharmacist, but the competition to get into the college and limited funds meant I had to switch to something I knew I could get into immediately and finish. I was always good at math and science so I switched to Engineering After a year and some more financial setbacks, I switched to a smaller tech school to take Engineering Technology. After 5 years of work I am glad I just took the diploma course and not a full-fledged degree, because I know now this isn't what I want to do for the rest of my life!

So I totally recommend research and volunteer work or job shadowing before you decide!

Job shadowing showed me that nursing was not for me. That is when I decided to do teaching. Lol. I learned a LOT in just a few hours. Very good advice here!