Calling all teachers>>>> LOL 
Moms View Message Board: General Discussion Archive: Archive August 2005:
Calling all teachers>>>> LOL
I have narrowed down my schooling to a BA in liberal studies. It will take less time then hygiene, my original plan due to all of the required science courses etc. I want to teach grade school because I just love children during these years. I guess I am just wondering what you love about your career and what can be challenging? Do you remember your year of student teaching? I think I may combine my Master's with it...not sure quite yet. Any input would be great. Thanks
I just recently resigned from my 7 yr. position as a K teacher. I student taught in 3rd. I taught in a VERY low-income, you-wouldn't- believe-your-ears-if-I-told-you-all-my-stories school! I LOVE TEACHING ELEMENTARY!. It is sooo hard, so stressful, never a dull moment, rewarding, fun, TIRING, and so fulfilling. What is challenging....mmmm...parents, kids, administrators, your colleagues, you name it! But it's challenging in a good way if you enjoy never having one day the same as the next and you like to make a difference. The first year or two is HARD, you won't be home before 5:00 (at least) in the evenings and you'll be there every weekend. BUT, once you get some things established for yourself it's much less. Still though, there's always more to do. You're at school everyday doing the teaching, the prep is on your own time more often than not. I don't want to put you off about it but one thing I think about teaching elem. kids is that you have to WANT to do it or you won't last 2 years. There are definitely days when you feel like you're raising someone else's kids for not nearly enough $, but when you see the differences you make you wouldn't change a thing. I really miss it and look forward to going back in a few years when my dd starts pre-school or K, not sure yet. I absolutely love it...it's my calling!
It sounds like you're just the right person for the job. You mentioned your Master's...is that required for teachers in CA? If not, you might want to consider getting hired and working for a few years with your bachelor's and THEN getting it. A teacher with a Master's isn't going to get hired in IN unless it's out of the classroom because then you're too expensive on the payroll! I don't know what it's like in CA though. You alsto mentioned a BA in liberal studies....so where will your teaching methods fit into that program? Just wondered. Here you would have to take methods courses in addition to the liberal studies to be able to teach. Good luck!!! Teaching is a work of heart.
Deanna,
Thank you for all of your input. I truly appreciate it. Here in California you don't have to have a Master's but the pay increase is significant if you do. I have heard that you should apply with a BA and continue school after being hired. With two children it seems easier to finish all at once. LOL
I guess the fear of turning 30 this coming October and still being so undecided has really gotten the best of me. I have considered other careers but children our truly my heart. I enjoy watching my friends children and truly wish I had more of my own. Thanks again!
Ditto Deanna... if you get your Masters, they are forced to pay you more, yet you have no experience. It may be very difficult to find a job in that case. In my area, teaching jobs are hard to come by, as many schools are cutting budgets. I decided many years ago just to substitute teach. I have the luxury of not *having* to work, so the part-time aspect is perfect for me. I still get to be in the classroom, which I love, but I don't have all the stress that goes with a full-time job. I've also found that I love the older kids. Junior High is my niche. I also agree with Deanna in that you have to love it, or you won't last. What they don't teach you in college is that actually teaching the kids is a too-small part of your job. There is so much more that you have to deal with. Best of luck with your decision!
Not a "teacher", but a substitute teacher and a teacher in training! hehe!
I have ALWAYS, since I was a child, wanted to teach. My reasons grew over the years as I matured, but the desire has never faltered.
Last year I finally got my chance to work in the primary school where my kids go to school. I substitute and I am also the Homeless Coordinator. The desire to teach has just gotten so much stronger, being in that environment. I am no longer satisfied with jumping from classroom to classroom. I still love it, but I want more. I want my own class to grow with all year.
So, currently, I am enrolled full-time in my local college and hopefully will be graduating with my Master's degree in about four years.
I live in a small rural area of SW Virginia, and most of the teachers around here are going back, while teaching full time, and dealing with a family full time, to get their Master's Degree. Around here, it is a big advantage to have your Master's.
I understand what some are saying about being "over-educated" to get in at base-level, but that is not an issue here. There is a need for teachers in my area.
Also, as far as the lack of experience goes, how about substituting some while getting your degree. Then you have a certain degree of experience, plus you get your foot in the door in the area schools you may be interested in. At the school I work at, the jobs always go to those who have worked in the school as a substitute or teacher's aide while going through school. You are already an employee of the school, they already know your name and face, and they already know that you are a dependable employee. Plus, they can see how good you are with the children.
I know the principal at the school I work at is pushing me to get my degree because she feels I am meant for this type of job. She is also advising I go ahead and get my Master's Degree. She says it is good to have to get a job, and it is much easier getting it before you have a full-time teaching schedule and a family to contend with.
Check around your area and see what you can come up with. Good luck and just follow your heart!
I love teaching. I just finished my 14th year (WOW!) No time to write now, but if you want me to elaborate another time I will. VERY rewarding career and VERY challenging. I love it. Can't imagine being in another field.
Glad to hear that you are pursuing the most rewarding job besides being a mother!!
I definitely don't recommend student teaching AND getting your masters. Your student teaching time is very short and very stressful.
I HIGHLY recommend shadowing a very *good* and highly recognized teacher. Some of the best teachers not only love children but have the BEST classroom management.
Teaching is 90% classroom management and 10% actual teaching it seems. As long as you can keep them on task, organized, and yet have fun and be approachable...you'll be a GREAT teacher!
PS- Embrace the veteran teachers who seem to not only enjoy teaching, but who are willing to learn new things...those are the BEST teachers! (And, don't hang out in the teacher's lounges...the depressing teachers usually hang out there...JMHO.)
I have a BS in Education and taught (K and Gr. 3) for ten years before having kids. LOVED IT!! I student taught for 1 semester - K and Gr. 5. It was the most grueling semester ever, but I was also working 30 hrs. a week nights and weekends. I do not recommend that, but it was necessary at the time. LOL! I considered getting my masters after teaching for 5 yrs., but at the time it wouldn't have helped due to budget cuts. Teachers fresh from college were cheaper.
I'll echo Heidi's post, especially the PS.
Thanks everyone,
I really enjoy your input. I am going to a meeting at the school today to make sure this is the right place. Its a private college, so I want to make sure this one is the one! My sons school is awesome, so I may have a chance of actually working there before he graduates sixth grade. I'm pretty excited, but a litte weary of how much homework I will be doing. LOL
Taught here in CA for 3 years before becoming a sahm. Regarding the Masters, a couple of things to consider (some already mentioned): You may find it difficult to get hired for a job with a Masters because you will be more expensive. An idea a fellow teacher gave me was take all your courses for a masters except the last one. Get hired, then take your last course. That might work because of your little ones. Another thing is, if you decide to work on the masters while you teach, your district may pay for it. There are some funds, can't remember if they are grants or scholarships, that pay for extra schooling. Worth looking into.
I taught fifth grade for 3 years and loved all my students. I made a point of not listening to the other teachers about who the "bad" kids were because I felt it was unfair to the student to prejudge them.
I student taught in Kindergarten for a while and the funniest thing I found was that kids that age are brutally honest. The darlings made some comments about my frizzy hair.
Hope some of this helps.
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