**Teaching: Would You Do It Again!?**

So, would you? Being a career changer, I would just like to know if current teachers would choose to be a teacher, again, if they could?

If your answer is 'No'...please give your honest reasons and if your answer is 'Yes'...please give your reasons.

Also, before choosing to go into this field, what should one consider? What should I ask myself before pursuing teaching?

Note: I'm a current substitute and I'm thinking about changing my med schools plans to teach...but, I'm not sure. I don't want to regret this decision so that's why I'd like to hear from as many posters as I can. (Why would I regret this decision? I hear a lot of teachers complain about students and admin...I don't want to end up on the bandwagon But, the pros may outweigh the cons so I'm not sure...)

Thanks!

 

I think it's a very personal question. If you have a great passion for it, it's the greatest career you will ever find. If you don't have a passion for it then it will really suck.

Teaching taxes you heavily and you aren't paid all that well for it. You will be criticized by people who have no clue as to what is required of your job. You become attached to your students and wake up in the night worried about their home life. You will work 10+ hour days and still be behind.

It aint easy. It pays reasonable at best, but the benefits package is pretty great.

If you have a passion for it, the rewards that come from the relationships you build with your students are well worth your effort.

If you don't have a passion for it and you just punch the time clock, you'll be finding another career in 5 years or less.

 

This may be a silly question but how do you know if you have a passion for teaching if you've never taught? Then again, if I have to ask, I guess I'm not passionate about it. Lol!

Working 10+hrs/day? WHOA! I definitely don't see that as a substitute. Why so many hrs? (besides grading papers and lesson plans...unless it takes that long. I don't know..)

 

There is no other job in the world for me. It's that simple.

But yes, sometimes the grading and planning take that long, particularly when you're new to the field.

 

I would do it again in a heartbeat. Yes, it is physically and emotionally draining and there are moments when I am ready to throw up my hands and walk out the door. There isn't, however, anything else I would rather do--I love it!

 

I'm a career changer too; back in the '80s I had an extremely lucrative career as a writer in Hollywood. That nest egg has allowed me to pursue a career in which the rewards are less tangible, but infinitely more satisfying. I'm only sorry that I didn't make the move sooner. All of the frustrations that have been mentioned are there, to be sure, but they pale in comparison to the fact that I'm making a difference in the lives of young people.

 

I would definitely DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN BUT would have chosen to do the EDUCATION DEGREE thingy in College. I was blessed with the grades, got a ride to college, didn't know what I wanted to do, changed Majors from Math to English to Social Work, just 'cause my brother's girlfriend was in SW. Before I knew it, I had racked up a lot of SW units. I changed from working with Juvenile Delinquents to teaching Pre-Kinders. I'm helping them at a young age so they won't grow up and become JDs, is my justification. I would have listened to my Big Brother's advice though about persuing my Masters in Education. He bugged me so much that I hated it, whenever the subject came up. Wrong move on my side.
I LOVE TEACHING and wouldn't trade it for the world!
The quality of what we put in children's minds, can outshine the quantity that we try to impress the management with.
Rebel1

 

You have to like it to survive in it. It is a taxing and stressful position. I had a student just this past Tuesday tell me she wants to teach to get the summers off. I quickly told her that is NOT the reason to go into education and she would be miserable if that is the ONLY reason for being a teacher.

I am dealing with the prospect that I may not be at the school I am next year due to position cuts-basically if they cut a certain position occupied by a tenured teacher-he/she can also teach my position and they would boot me out. I struggle thinking of what in the world I would do if I wasn't able to teach.

Growing up I always denied teaching because I lived it with two teachers and an aide in my family-however, it was 'destiny' that I was to become a teacher and I don't want to do anything else. I love it, hate it, cherish it, want to strangle it and would do it all again-only difference. I'd gone the traditional route-not alternative route. (Just due to the fact I would have had a job sooner without so many 'hoops' to jump through)

 

I agree that you have to like it to survive. It's my first year teaching, and I have never second-guessed my decision. Yesterday I worked 12 hours, but it didn't bother me. Sure, I was exhausted, but I wasn't crabby or unhappy, because I love what I do. Now, someone who hated their job and had to put in 12 hours (while only actually being paid for 8) would probably hate it.

The reason's I love my job? In some ways I am my own boss. I am in control of what I do each day. I decide what happens in my classroom (to some extent!). I also like that I am continuously finding new ways to be creative. It's never boring!

 

Oh. Well...hmph. You guys seem really passionate about teaching so that's awesome! Me...I just like science, kids and like someone else mentioned...all of the vacation! Yes, I know...

I think I could be really passionate about teaching Elementary Science (as a Science Specialist so I don't have to teach anything else) but, those jobs are rare...

 

The uncanny thing about this job is that you can't always be sure where you are going to find the "passion". 10 years ago I would have called anyone crazy who told me that I would be teaching grade 8 boys with LDs and loving it!

 

I wouldn't do anything else right now...teaching is one of the things in my life I've grown to love. There just is no substitute!

The other day on the way home from a field trip, one of my students told me, "This was a great day- this day couldn't have gone any better." I am a 23 year old guy and I about wanted to cry to hear him say that. The field trip had wiped out my whole day and took numerous hours to plan, but that one comment made the trip so worth it!

It's things like these that pump me up about teaching and just rekindle the passion that I already have.

 

Yeah, that's true I guess. I'm just a tad confused b/c a lot of people tell me I'd be a great teacher, teachers at the schools I sub at always make comments about how I interact w/ the class and get them to do things, and last but not least...every career tests says I should be a teacher. Not to mention my mother thinks I'd be a great teacher and I enjoy subbing (I've never liked ANY of my jobs so that's a good thing.)

With that said, I'm still not sure if I want to take the plunge. I guess I'm just worried that I might end up not liking it (fyi- This may be a result from me spending a lot of money in grad school pursuing a career I thought I'd love and ended up PASSIONATELY hating it.) and I don't want to go through that again.

Random Question: Is a resource teacher a special ed teacher? Therefore, you'd have to get certified in special ed instead of single subject? Just wondering b/c I love subbing for the resource room; that's my favorite thing (probably b/c the classes are MUCH smaller. I don't like having a lot of students...I like small groups)

 

It's the only job for me. (I used to be a researcher).

It can be overly-consuming (you worry about your students, you worry about your classroom, you worry about how to make it better ...). The brain is activated full time (pretty much from the time I get in my truck to drive to school until the evening, I am thinking about school/students). During lunch, even though I eat with colleauges or students every day, I am a zombie ... that 25 minutes to turn off the brain gets me through the rest of the afternoon/evening.

No day is ever the same. The only thing I can count on is that I will laugh out loud every day (HS students are SO funny).

I love it.

 

I, too, switched careers almost 10 years ago. I used to be an editor (still do some freelancing on the side), so basically, I went from grading and correcting adults to grading and correcting kids!

With all of the demands, I don't think I was ready to be a teacher right out of college. Maybe I wasn't mature enough???? (can't believe I just admitted that!). I am very happy that I did something else before I became a teacher.

I do know that I am very proud to be a teacher, and I am incredibly lucky that I don't feel like I am "going to work" every day. Some days, I can't believe I found what I love doing and what I am very good at. It's a nice combination.

 

QUESTION???

Did you guys enjoy your teaching classes? I've been researching that classes it would take to get a M.Ed., and the classes don't seem that interesting to me. Is it just something you have to get through? (i.e. Kind of like most of the classes in nursing school. <--Not a diss on nursing classes. I have quite a few friends in nursing school and they say most of the classes are "theory" classes you'll never use; you just have to get through them and no one likes them. They said you'll learn most of the stuff when you start clinicals. Are teaching classes similar? You learn most of the stuff when you start student teaching??)

Anyway, just wondering b/c "career coaches" say you're supposed to be interested in the classes your degree offers. That sounds obvious but with me, the classes don't seem interesting but I enjoy subbing...

Also, I'm aware I may be over-thinking my career issue. Bare w/ me. I'm going through a "soul-searching" phase :unsure:

 

No class prepares you for having your own classroom.

I enjoyed most of my teaching classes ... they were all REALLY easy which allowed me to really dig into the content and devour what I was learning.

 

I would absolutely, positively choose teaching again.

I was unprepared for the emotional toil of teaching. I love my students. I dream about them, I pray for them, I cry over them. I believe that every single one of them is so very special. I worry so much for them. I cry when one leaves and am happy when a new one comes in. I worry when I send home notes or report cards, because I know some students have a tough home life.

 

I never wanted to teach. My mom always told me I should teach, but it didn't appeal to me. I was offered a teaching assistantship in grad school and fell in love with teaching the first time I taught. I haven't been away from teaching since, even if it is just adjunct teaching while working a "real" job. I can't stay away.

 

SportsJunkie - I'm 28 and in my first year teaching. I'm also a "career changer" and have actually had quite a few occupations in my 5 years since college! I don't know how old you are or what you do now, but in case you're like me:

I majored in something very different than teaching. I thought I would LOVE my job. But I found things I didn't like and decided to change careers. I was going to get my teaching credentials ONLY to work as a studio teacher on-set with child actors. I didn't want to be in a classroom. While in school, I had a couple jobs that I ended up hating. When I finally became a studio teacher, while I enjoyed it to an extent, found things I disliked as well, and decided to try regular classroom teaching.

It's taken me awhile, but I think I've come to realize that there is no perfect job, at least not for me. I'm always going to hate part of it. The first half of this school year was really, really hard for me. First years often are. I've worked many hours and been stressed a lot. I'm JUST NOW, 7 months into the school year, starting to feel like I know what I'm doing. I just now am starting to kind of like teaching. I honestly hated it a few months ago, hated it more than I've ever hated any job.

I don't know if I have a passion for it, but I feel as though I have potential for it, and as though I'm slowly growing into it - maybe because for the first time ever in my life I'm realizing that this isn't just a job to quit when I'm unhappy, but a career I'm putting forth effort into becoming successful at. I'm actually learning from my many mistakes, instead of just feeling like a failure for them.

Sure, there may be a better job more perfect for me out there, but I can't spend my whole life looking for it. Teaching isn't bad and I'm enjoying it more and more as I grow more confident.

I personally was bored out of my mind in my education classes. I don't feel like I really learned anything important. Of course, I also thought I was never going to use any of it, as I'd be on-set, not in a classroom. But I did them. I learned a lot in student teaching, and I'm learning a ton each day now.

I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting to be a teacher to have summer break. It is a cool perk! As long as it's not the only reason to be a teacher.

If anything, I'd say to go to school to get your credential. While in school, gather more experience with kids by tutoring, camp counseling, etc. Even if you don't pursue teaching, having a credential will help you land any job in working with kids, even if it's not in a classroom.

Would you be interested in getting a Science credential? I would've previously never thought I was interested in math; I just choose it to be more "marketable", but now Ive found that I really really love and am going to take some higher level math courses this summer...so you never know...

 

I'd do it again but I'd change subjects,
I'd teach social studies, or math
or Teach High school shop

 

Yes! In a heartbeat! This is the only career i have ever wanted or really considered.

BUT... hindsight-I would have worked part-time or job shared instead of staying home full time with my kids. (The job sharing option wasn't available back then as it is now. But trying to get BACK into Education is proving to be VERY difficult.)

Not only would I be doing well pay-wise, but I could look forward to a full pension. I won't be in teaching long enough at this point to enjoy either of those.

 

I REALLY liked my methods classes. I thought they were fun. I got to know other would-be teachers (though I prefered the evening classes with the working students/older job changers..than the few i took during the day with the college students who didn't like being grouped with a person they looked on as their mom), and networking with professors who i will still be able to use as resources.

The classes weren't easy-there was a LOT to do. But they WERE enjoyable...and if you plan well, you use the units/lessons you wrote while student teaching and beyond.

 

I would do it again..i loveeee teaching but I would have graduated on time (i started out as a doiuble major then switched the other one to a minor then took my time graduating) because back in 2006 when i should have graduated there were way more jobs in my area.

 

Would I do it again? Knowing what I know now? Experiencing what I have experienced to date? No. Absolutely not. The only positions available are in the garbage dumps (i.e. - urban or suburban districts that have been ruined by the influx of city kids) and you waste your time and energy. Getting into a decent district and in turn getting that sense of accomplishment out of your job with at least a percentage of the students who actually want to learn is next to impossible.

 

I would absolutely make the same choice again. I love my students, my subject, and teaching. It's totally the right job for me.



(And sort of related to Angry Al's post above, I teach in an urban district. My school is a tough school and it has its challenges for sure, but it's the right place for me right now.)

 

Without a doubt. The trials we face each day are just part of our karma. We live and we learn and sometimes we may want to weep and pull our hair out, but it is a terrific way to spend a working life.

 

I'm surprised that nobody really answered that they thought it was a mistake. With the high turnover and huge difficulty finding a job in teaching I would have thought more people would have said no. I would still have done it, but I consider it a stepping stone toward school counseling & I know I will make a much better counselor than a teacher. I'm just too darn nice to keep those 8th graders in line!

 

I 2nd that...

I know...me too. I hear so many teachers saying they are overworked, severly underpaid and dealing w/ admin and students is near hell. What gives? Are the teachers on A to Z a positive bunch? But, it's glad to hear most of you guys saying you'll do it again...

Also, does anyone know why it's so hard to get a job as a teacher? I thought they were in desperate need for teachers!? If so, I think they should make it easier for career changers to become teachers...if they really needed us. From the looks of things, it doesn't seem like they really need us. It kind of reminds me of the so-called "nursing shortage"; there's not really a shortage b/c you'll be lucky to find a job after graduating from nursing school.

 

The teacher shortage is a myth,perpetuated by the people who kept telling you it existed.. colleges and universities. It's in their best interests to fill their classrooms, so the myth goes on.

In reality, the shortage areas are Chem, Physics, and Math. Other spotty shortages exist, but those are the biggies.

 

Yeah, I can tell it's a myth. I'm actually researching it right now. I started to figure out it's a myth when I started calling around to various high schools asking them about science (biology) vacancies...uuummm, noone had any vacancies! If you're in dire need for science teachers...there should be vacancies; I just stopped calling. I thought it was ridiculous.

Chem, Physics and Math may be easier (to find a job)...well, "supposedly".

 

Oh, they are.

When I returned to teaching after 6 years as a SAHM in 2006 I turned down 2 job offers before I stopped taking interviews. And that's in the brutally competitive NY job market.

Do you have enough credits to teach Chem or Physics perhaps??

 

I don't know how many credits I'd need...I'm not a certified teacher; I didn't go to school to teach. I'm just subbing during my career change and thought about pursuing teaching but after research, I probably won't. That's why I was calling around to see if there were any vacancies, b/c the district website said they were in desperate need for science teachers. Sure they are!

My UG degree is in Biology so I've taken 3-4 math classes, 2 Chems, 2 Physics and 1 Org Chem. But, like I said, I'm not sure how many credits you have to have to be a Chem, Physics or Math teacher.

By the way, is it just me or do the school district try to fill their teaching positions w/ long term subs so they don't have to pay full-time teachers?? I'm starting to notice this pattern, too.

 

YES - I would do it all again. I've always, since before I even began school, wanted to teach. Now, there are other careers I could see myself in, but at the same time, I wouldn't be as happy as I am now. For example, I would love to be an Egyptologist, but that's not realistic for my lifestyle and such. So, to put it simply: I wouldn't change a thing--I'd be certified in the same grades, same subjects, and work at the same school even!

Why, you ask?

I love my students. I really do. We may annoy each other at times, but I care for them deeply, and I know some of the care for me too. I'm a big kid, and they allow me to be myself, whereas some adults, such as in other professions, wouldn't allow me to me. I love inspiring students to learn, to read, to think...it's so fun!

That said, my main reasons for being frustrated with the profession include:

1. parents failing their children
2. Other teachers failing their school children
3. Hoops we all jump through
4. People who don't understand teaching...people think that just because they had teachers throughout their schooling that they know what teachers do. Not true. When you're younger, even in high school, your view of things are distorted. Ever went back and visited your elementary classroom. Yeah, not as big and grand as you remembered it being, huh? Kind of the same thing.

 

I wonder how many people would teach for no pay? For example, what if I was filthy rich and didn't need a job? Would I teach full-time like I am now? Hmmm.... The vacations I could take all year if I were filthy rich!!! :lol: I'm not sure what I would do if I was that rich. That's a very thought-provoking question, though.

 

Well said!

 

I live in a college town- so my biggest frustration is College of Ed professors (with students in my class) who haven't taught in20 years trying to come and tell me what I'm doing wrong...and how I should change it!

 

Good thought for a new thread! :thumb: I'd love to see those answers. It makes people think if they really enjoy what they're doing, b/c when you don't have to do something, it's a completely different story. Hhhhmmm...

If I was rich and could have any job, I'd be a professional soccer player. Awww...traveling the world playing my favorite sport...that's good living right there!

 

That's my daughter's dream as well (actually, add basketball in the off-season and the dream would be complete!)

 

Ditto. Your daughter and I are long lost twins!