Can someone who has taught all different grade levels tell me what grade level they would reccommend a first year teacher start with? I keep thinking how fun kindergarten would be but it seems like ALOT of work and the kids are still so needy. Right now second grade seems ideal because they are still young but are independent. I have never really wanted to teach 4th and 5th grade until I get older. Any thoughts? Thank you.
I've taught preK, K, 2nd and 3rd. It totally depends on the teacher. Most first year teachers are so thankful to GET a job that they are not so choosy about the grade level..... Why not focus on one of the following: early elementary (Pre-K-2), Mid-Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle School (5-8) as your interest areas....
I have worked in every grade level from preschool up to 12th grade. Personally I think it depends on your personality. As far as kindergarten goes, you need to be able to nurture the children, teach them all the rules of school, and on top of all that teach them your actual curriculum. First graders mostly focuses on reading and math skills. They still need a lot of redirection but by mid year should be working more independently. Second graders: are fun, they are able to do a lot independently and still respect the teacher. Third graders are getting to that age where they want to be like everyone else! This is the grade that I have seen the clicks start happening. Not sure if it is that way at every school, but that is what I have observed. Fourth graders and fifth graders: can be moody but are a lot of fun. Also, don't limit yourself to one grad level. Apply to everything you certification allows you to.
i'd say second because the kids are less needy than k-1s and there's not as much accountability/testing as 3-5, at least where I teach.
I think that's kind of like asking which flavor of ice cream is the best. It's totally a personal choice. I prefer the older kids-- Juniors and Seniors in HS-- and I teach math. Many people here would strongly disagree. That's what makes the world go 'round.
I wouldn't mind teaching Juniors and Seniors in HS, but I don't want to go back and get another degree.
Would you rather be genuinely angry once or twice a day, or mildly annoyed every 5 minutes? I have a lot of patience, so I prefer annoyed and that's why I teach first. That and it's kind of like having my own robot army.
I completely agree with you! I taught kindergarten for 3 years and now I am teaching 1st. They do really annoy me a lot and as you said every 5 minutes. I have such a hard time getting them off my back sometimes. But I do love the "robot army"! And like the other posters said it totally depends on your own personality of what grade you want to teach and what age group you feel most comfortable with.
Do you like smaller projects and lessons that change every 10 minutes? Then K-1. If you like larger projects over time with research and such, then grades 4-6.
Are you going to sub? I would recommend trying to sub in all levels and see for yourself. If you have a good relationship with a school, you could ask to observe different levels too. I've taught 5th, 3rd and 1st in regular ed and I absolutely love the first graders. I had always thought I was an intermediate level teacher, but that was before I really had any experience with the younger kids. I enjoy the challenge of not only teaching the basic reading and math skill, but teaching them the how to's of school. They don't have the sass that the older children have and if they happen to sass, they are immediately apologetic and easier to redirect. What grade is best? It's up to you.
Well, you can't really be picky. I know that you have to take what you get! I have taught Kg, First, 2nd, and 3rd. Third is my absolute FAVORITE. But, when i first graduated first was the only job available, so of course I took it.
Speaking of being picky, I was picky with everything. I only wanted to apply to certain districts & I only wanted special ed & even a certain type of special ed where teachers usually stay in that type of job for yrs & yrs., but I got exactly what I wanted. I may have waited longer than I normally would have to get a job, but it was worth it. No one should have to settle for anything, unless you really need that salary to start coming in! Regarding what grade to teach, I think 2nd or 3rd is the best. They're used to how the whole school routine goes, yet they're not old enough yet to really be smart alecky, for the most part anyway.
I have only taught 5th, 6th and 5/6 blend - both self-contained and middle school. I love 6th graders but they are an acquired taste - a previous post said it best in terms of small, repetetive annoyances or less but longer lasting. Observe and sub if you can. Also talk to teachers who you think have similar organizational and personality styles and see what they like.
I've only ever taught 2nd and I truly love it. The kids aren't as dependent on you for every little thing like in K-1, and they are really beginning to 'click' with reading and writing. They are still in love with school and want to soak up everything they can. Developmentally, kids make a TON of growth in 2nd grade and you get to take credit for it!
