I think I need to figure out something different with my life. I am not sure what yet, but I think I might want to teach. I did some student teaching in college and really enjoyed it. Teach what? Well, I am probably most qualified to teach theatre arts of some sort, but I am guessing that not may schools are hiring full time theatre teachers these days. So theatre arts and English Lit maybe? I don’t really know.
I know we have a lot of teachers on the boards, in all areas of teaching all around the country. Right now I just want to learn more about what it’s like to be a teacher (probably in public school, probably high school) these days. I may have follow up questions as well on things like, does it matter at all where I get my credential? Will a credential from the University of Pheonix online get me the same work as a credential from a “real” university? I have a BA already from UCLA. What are the things I should take into consideration if I decide to make this career switch? But mostly I want to hear stories.
I’m a substitute teacher. I’ve been one since 1991. I didn’t intend to stay a substitute that long, but that’s how things worked out. I didn’t go back through the threads Mandy JO linked to, but there are two things I can advise you to do. One is to check on California’s Teacher Certification requirements. You may find that having a BA will allow you to take a minimum number of education classes and work as a substitute…it will in many states, or at least it used to. The second thing is to spend time in a classroom if you can. That may be difficult to do if you’re not a parent, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
I teach juniors and seniors in college as a doctoral student and, unlike many of my colleagues, really love it! In fact (shhh…don’t tell anyone ;)) I might look at teaching schools as possible future employers. We’ll see when that dissertation is done!
Anyway, what I’ve found is that the majority of my students want to be there to learn something, and there are a few very vocal and very annoying students who try your patience. They skip class, talk when you’re talking, hand in assignments late, and are generally apathetic. I think there are definitely more of those students around than in previous generations, due to the culture of entitlement and child worship that many of these students grew up in. By this last point I mean students who have never had to handle any problems on their own, and whose self esteem was always considered more important than their character. These antics of these students are the stuff of teacher gossip and “war stories” at the end of the week.
But the serious students, again a majority in my experience, keep you going. When they say “Ah. I get it now,” it makes the whole thing worthwhile (as corny as that sounds). And let’s not forget the little ego boost that every teacher gets when, for an hour or more, you get to talk about stuff you’re interested in and good at.
Best of luck with whatever you decide. YMMV teaching high school, since many of those students don’t have the option of skipping class on a regular basis.
It’s amazing and fun if you like kids and like to have fun while making an impact in society.
Many, many, many, people(even on the Dope) harbor a deep bitterness and anger toward school and teachers. It’s both warranted and unwarranted, but it’s real and be aware of it. Some people think teachers are not noble, hardworking, or even worthwhile. Scary, but true.
It’s a great job and if you commit yourself, you can make a difference and have fun.
Taught college freshmen for the last 9 years, but getting out in 2010
It’s hard sometimes to describe teaching because it can be very different in different places, but I’ll just offer this: for me, by far the worst part of the job is grading. I spend about ten hours a week reading essays written by 18-21 year olds of average intelligence and maturity. Think that over.
