Huddle Teachers

[Brentastic]

I already have a PM sent to one of our resident huddlers but I thought I'd go to the masses and then filter out the bullchit

 

I'll keep this short. I'm looking to make a career change at age 37 into teaching. I believe and I've been told that I'm a natural teacher and I think it's something I would love. I've also always had a desire to coach sports so being a grade school teacher would probably offer that at some point too.

 

So, I'm just looking for suggestions, advice, pros/cons etc... I have a bachelor degree in finance and I think I need to get a degree in teaching unless I teach at a private school. But really just looking for all the info and advice one could give on this.

 

My only concerns about becoming a teacher would be the parent/teacher conferences etc... but as far as the schedule and work itself, I think it suits me perfectly.

 

Oh, I really think the upper grade school range is where I'd like to teach 5-8 grade. But I'm open to all suggestions. Another potential problem is that I'm basically against the current indoctrination educational system we have in place and ideally would like to send my own children to a montessori school. Also, what subject do I teach? At the middle school level would I be required to teach everything? My strong suit is math.

 

TIA.

[Hugh 0ne]

Interesting. You don't like the current education system but want to become part of it. Your main concern is having to go to parent/teacher conferences. You have no related degrees. And you want to enter a job field that is currently being ripped apart with layoffs where many qualified teachers with years of experience who enjoy parent teacher conferences are getting canned.

 

 

Methinks you might want to rethink your career change.

 

In this area, without a Master's degree in some type of related field, you won't get hired. And that was when things were good for teachers. Right now they're anything but good.

 

I think there's a lot more involved in becoming a teacher than you think. Albeit maybe things in Illinois are different then they are out here. Either way, whatever you do, I hope it works out well for you, just make sure you take a close look at all the details before you jump into something that may not be what you expected.

Edited April 6, 2011 by Hugh 0ne

[Yukon Cornelius]

shoot rr a pm. not sure what is needed in F.I.B land. Hell if you wait a couple of years just about anyone will be able to teach.

It is a very rewarding profession but as of the last couple years teachers in this country are ranked right up there with lawyers, and lawyers make a lot more cash.

[borge007]

Due to the economy-many teachers are(or will be) getting laid off. Who knows when it might turn around. Teaching is a great career, but, at this time, I'd be dubious about getting a position. Good luck in whatever you decide.

[MikesVikes]

What concerns do you have about parent/teacher conferences? It's been my experience that kids are related to parents. Parents that want great things for little Johnny. Please multipy that by 1000 when it comes to sports.

 

Could you take a sabbatical from your current job to see if you like teaching first? What if you decide that it isn't what you expect?

[MikesVikes]

Due to the economy-many teachers are(or will be) getting laid off. Who knows when it might turn around. Teaching is a great career, but, at this time, I'd be dubious about getting a position. Good luck in whatever you decide.

 

 

That's right. You could probably find a job but keeping it would be harder than geting one imo.

[MikesVikes]

If you do decide to become a teacher, you should keep up posted on how it's working out. Minnesota is in the process of making it easier to become a teacher and want to make it easier for a career change to become one. I can just imagine that once a person has been out in the real world, that becoming a teacher would be an eye-opening experience.

[Brentastic]

What concerns do you have about parent/teacher conferences? It's been my experience that kids are related to parents. Parents that want great things for little Johnny. Please multipy that by 1000 when it comes to sports.

 

Could you take a sabbatical from your current job to see if you like teaching first? What if you decide that it isn't what you expect?

I guess my concerns are that you could be a great teacher but it just takes 1 irrational parent who wants good grades passed out without earning it and those parents can cause big problems. Dealing with people's children is a big deal and I fear big confrontations may be a regularity between parents and teachers. Maybe I'm wrong.

 

Either way, I need to do something different and I've been wanting to be a teacher for the last decade. I've finally reached a point that I'm ready to go for it.

 

I'm not sure taking a sabatical is feasible. It's not like I can just 'try' teaching for a year then go back to being an analyst. I'm a highly adaptable person and I've experienced major changes throughout my life. I'm old enough to realize what I'm good at and what I want to do. And I'm definitely ready to make this career change.

[Brentastic]

If you do decide to become a teacher, you should keep up posted on how it's working out. Minnesota is in the process of making it easier to become a teacher and want to make it easier for a career change to become one. I can just imagine that once a person has been out in the real world, that becoming a teacher would be an eye-opening experience.

Please explain further. I'm looking for all the info I can get to make a sound decision and I trust most of you guys

[Yukon Cornelius]

I guess my concerns are that you could be a great teacher but it just takes 1 irrational parent who wants good grades passed out without earning it and those parents can cause big problems. Dealing with people's children is a big deal and I fear big confrontations may be a regularity between parents and teachers. Maybe I'm wrong.

Well as things go right now that is not a big deal but if things go the way they are, this could become a hugh problem. We will see even more grade inflation as teachers buckle to parent demands so they don't get fired.

[MikesVikes]

Please explain further. I'm looking for all the info I can get to make a sound decision and I trust most of you guys

 

 

I'm sure that anyone that is seriously considering a career in teaching knows that there will be some good days and bad days no matter who they are. With all the Huddlers bashing teachers in the Wisconsin union busting thread, I have seen a few that only think teachers have it easy.

 

I'm not a teacher but my wife is one. There are so many federal and state mandates handed down to her each and every year that she can spend most of her time just trying to update her program to the current "trends" in education. She's in special education. Many of the requirements are foolish but the school can lose alot of funding if she doesn't change to every new idea handed down. A mandate in one year is a violation the next. Everytime things change especially with writing up IEPs she needs to have a meeting with each student, parent and involved teachers and change the IEP to the current correct way.

 

Maybe in one year it is required for her to write "BIlly wants to be a mechanic when he grows up." The following year that isn't the proper way to describe what he wants to do when he grows up. She needs to re-write it by saying "Billy will be a mechanic when he grows up." You can't just change the wording to the plan without all involved parties signing a new one. Is it going to help little Billy by changing his IEP from the word "wants" to "will"? Some guy at the state capital will probably want to change it the year after so he can go back and tell his constituents about his new educational reform that he put in.

Edited April 6, 2011 by MikesVikes

[cliaz]

My only concerns about becoming a teacher would be the parent/teacher conferences etc... but as far as the schedule and work itself, I think it suits me perfectly.

 

 

I guess my concerns are that you could be a great teacher but it just takes 1 irrational parent who wants good grades passed out without earning it and those parents can cause big problems. Dealing with people's children is a big deal and I fear big confrontations may be a regularity between parents and teachers. Maybe I'm wrong.

 

 

My wife is a teacher and, while I am not, I believe I can speak with some degree of authority that you will always have irrational parents and they go much worse than grade changes. My wife has been attacked, my wife and father-in-law (principle for 42 years) have had lawsuits filed against them with my father-in-law having multiple lawsuits over those 42 years, and as a teacher you will have to deal with parents calling for your termination. It's an occupational hazard of becoming a teacher.

 

And another piece of advice to give out (take it for what it is) is that if you go in with the attitude that you will change the system you will fail greatly. Teacher in the public sector have very little room for imagination and creativity. The curriculum is predetermined and you must teach it as it is presented to you. Basically, being a teacher in the public school systems (that my wife has been in and her friends that I talk to) is a position of numbers. X amount of students need to score Y on test Z or funding will be pulled and/or the school is converted over to title 1.

 

Being a teacher in modern day American is not being a teacher IMO.

[Brentastic]

My wife is a teacher and, while I am not, I believe I can speak with some degree of authority that you will always have irrational parents and they go much worse than grade changes. My wife has been attacked, my wife and father-in-law (principle for 42 years) have had lawsuits filed against them with my father-in-law having multiple lawsuits over those 42 years, and as a teacher you will have to deal with parents calling for your termination. It's an occupational hazard of becoming a teacher.

 

And another piece of advice to give out (take it for what it is) is that if you go in with the attitude that you will change the system you will fail greatly. Teacher in the public sector have very little room for imagination and creativity. The curriculum is predetermined and you must teach it as it is presented to you. Basically, being a teacher in the public school systems (that my wife has been in and her friends that I talk to) is a position of numbers. X amount of students need to score Y on test Z or funding will be pulled and/or the school is converted over to title 1.

 

Being a teacher in modern day American is not being a teacher IMO.

Good points which is why I probably should aim for teaching at a montessori school or private schools. I know the job of being a teacher is a thankless position but I'm ok with that.

[cliaz]

Good points which is why I probably should aim for teaching at a montessori school or private schools. I know the job of being a teacher is a thankless position but I'm ok with that.

 

 

I wouldn't say it is thankless. For every bad situation my wife encounters she has 2 good ones. It is just like any other job for the most part. Teacher, Police and Firefighters are career paths you do not choose for the pay, it needs to be in your blood. I have many of each in my family and believe me for what they get paid verse what I get paid it isn't fair. However, if you want to do it for the personal satisfaction and to contribute to the next generation that inherits our country then teaching is by far the best route to go for you.

 

I always had tucked back in my head the desire to be a history or science teacher for a high school. There is no personal honor for me in what I do right now so I receive very little positive personal feedback and satisfaction with my career. Hence why I went back to school to complete my degree.

 

Follow your own path and don't let the negatives of teaching prevent you from doing it.

[bpwallace49]

Brent . . . in Illinois that is TERRIBLE move right now. There are soo many teachers looking for jobs that have teaching degrees and experience looking, so after getting certified you will probably have to work as a sub or an aide for a few years until you get a full time gig. My wife graduated with honors in education, and is looking to get back in the field. Unless you really want to work in the demilitarized zones of the inner city . . . there just aint a lot of jobs to be had right now. Heck . . . they just had a story on local news how they are closing and consolidating schools due to lack of kids and funding.

 

COmpetition to get into a Montessori school is also pretty tough.

 

What there is a shortage of is specialists that require advanced degrees like counsellors, speech pathologists and behavior specialists to deal with the growing amount of children with autism/ADD/aspergers, etc.

[Brentastic]

Brent . . . in Illinois that is TERRIBLE move right now. There are soo many teachers looking for jobs that have teaching degrees and experience looking, so after getting certified you will probably have to work as a sub or an aide for a few years until you get a full time gig. My wife graduated with honors in education, and is looking to get back in the field. Unless you really want to work in the demilitarized zones of the inner city . . . there just aint a lot of jobs to be had right now. Heck . . . they just had a story on local news how they are closing and consolidating schools due to lack of kids and funding.

 

COmpetition to get into a Montessori school is also pretty tough.

 

What there is a shortage of is specialists that require advanced degrees like counsellors, speech pathologists and behavior specialists to deal with the growing amount of children with autism/ADD/aspergers, etc.

In fairness, it's a bad time for any career. I'm not gonna let you hold me down, bpwallace49

[bpwallace49]

In fairness, it's a bad time for any career. I'm not gonna let you hold me down, bpwallace49

 

I am sorry that you see facts about the Illinois teaching situation as being "holding you down".

[gbpfan1231]

I just want to add my two cents and I have been a vocal person in the union bashing threads and I read on here some comments that the union bashers think teachers have it easy and someone also mentioned that people think they are overpaid. I don't think those things and I would love to be a teacher - If I could go back in time I think I would enjoy my career more if I would have chose a teaching profession.

 

I am not sure if I speak for others but I do not think that teachers have it easy and I don't think they are overpaid. My points are that they are paid well and when I say paid you HAVE to include ALL pay - when you can retire in your 50's you have and will be paid well. I am against unions in the public govt perspective - I am not against teachers but am against a lot of the union policies and rules.

 

I think it would be tough to try and get into teaching right now but if you did get in and were able to stay on the job that you would probably enjoy your profession and be happy that you made a career change.

[rocknrobn26]

My wife is a teacher and, while I am not, I believe I can speak with some degree of authority that you will always have irrational parents and they go much worse than grade changes. My wife has been attacked, my wife and father-in-law (principle for 42 years) have had lawsuits filed against them with my father-in-law having multiple lawsuits over those 42 years, and as a teacher you will have to deal with parents calling for your termination. It's an occupational hazard of becoming a teacher.

 

And another piece of advice to give out (take it for what it is) is that if you go in with the attitude that you will change the system you will fail greatly. Teacher in the public sector have very little room for imagination and creativity. Not necessarily true, but I admit it can be. The curriculum is predetermined and you must teach it as it is presented to you. Basically, being a teacher in the public school systems (that my wife has been in and her friends that I talk to) is a position of numbers. X amount of students need to score Y on test Z or funding will be pulled and/or the school is converted over to title 1. This can vary from Dist to Dist and even from school to school inside dist., but your comments are truthful in many cases, I'm sad to say.

 

Being a teacher in modern day American is not being a teacher IMO. Teaching is what YOU make it. Your style/methods can change any "canned" curriculum into a robust, interesting learning experience, but YOU have to be creative.

 

I still keep a bit of a finger on the pulse of today's educ system, at least in "FIB land" , as my daughter and Godson are both in their 6th year and are not teaching from a script given by the school/dist. I will agree that many schools are "canning" the educ process. That is sad and another reason why performance based salaries will never work. Too many variables...aka:KIDS!

 

 

As far as getting a teaching job when and where you want is currently a little dicey. When I graduated there were 4 jobs for every candidate. My wife's major had 1 job for every 4 candidates. Need less to say she found a good position both times she tried. With a math background would think you (Brent) would have the best opportunity as they always seem to be in short supply.

Don't sweat the conferences. Sometimes they can be fun. I once told a parent that was screaming about her son's (what a jerk he was) low grade and how he deserved better because SHE paid my salary. I told her to figure out what part of HER taxes paid MY salary and I would give her a refund. She was speechless and left. There's more to that story, but I'll stop there.

PM sent Brent. Good Luck!

[montster]

Just wanted to say I've found this thread really interesting because I've considered the same thing myself. At some point I will have to go back to the office, and I don't see myself going back to my previous line of work, journalism. The past couple of years I've tutored high school kids in math, so I'm familiar with what they're teaching. It would be another few years before I go back to work, though, so perhaps the state of the teaching profession will have improved by then.

[Yukon Cornelius]

Just wanted to say I've found this thread really interesting because I've considered the same thing myself. At some point I will have to go back to the office, and I don't see myself going back to my previous line of work, journalism. The past couple of years I've tutored high school kids in math, so I'm familiar with what they're teaching. It would be another few years before I go back to work, though, so perhaps the state of the teaching profession will have improved by then.

brush up on Christianity... helps out in the private schools

[Brentastic]

brush up on Christianity... helps out in the private schools

My sources are telling me the pay and benis at catholic schools aren't as good as public.

[CaP'N GRuNGe]

I think you should make and market Elliott Wave instructional videos. That should get the teaching bug out of your system.

[Azazello1313]

My sources are telling me the pay and benis at catholic schools aren't as good as public.

 

that's a shocker.

 

in all seriousness, I commend you for this and hope it works out for you. as others have said, there's a supply glut with all the layoffs recently. but I wonder if there aren't charter schools and whatnot out there that might not actually seek out people who aren't "career teachers".

[Azazello1313]

The New Teacher Project