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teaching?

March 8th, 2009 at 05:19 am

My brother put something silly into my head tonight, and I can't seem to shake it. He said I should become the high school math teacher at his school because the one that is there now is just a long term sub and she isn't that good (that's putting it mildly, in fact). I have a master's in math, and I actually did all the classes to get my teaching degree except student teach my senior year in undergrad. I decided I didn't want to have to put up with whiney kids, and I had to choose between one math class I needed and student teaching, and I chose Real Analysis.

I have helped 5 sisters through math class (high school and college level) over the phone, and they say I explain it very well and they get it when I explain how to do it. But, of course, that is one-on-one, not to a group of 15 kids. (The school is very small, so there would probably be at most 15 kids in each class.) I know Kansas has a program where you can become a teacher and take some classes on the side until you get your teaching certificate, so I don't know if I would do that or contact my old college to see if my old credits would still be valid. I also was a TA in college, and my kids seemed to get it, and they did like me. Of course, that seems like ages ago.

Problem, though, is if I leave the IT world, my skills will go stale. But, if I am a teacher, I could coach and I would have summers off to help DH on the farm. Salary would be low for what I was used to, but actually pretty good for the immediate vicinity, although I can't find the salary schedules. Oh, I don't know. Probably a stupid idea.

9 Responses to “teaching?”

  1. crazyliblady Says:
    1236496008

    You probably would not make as much as a teacher as you do in the IT world. I work in higher ed and have a master's degree and even with over 12 years experience make a little over $40,000. If you are looking at trying to make more money, you could be a tutor or teach part-time at a college or something.

  2. creditcardfree Says:
    1236519684

    Sounds like you need a little more information. Don't dismiss it immediately. It may just be want you want to do, is it? Do you really want to teach?

  3. NJDebbie Says:
    1236520444

    Do some research and think about it. I'm sure some schools are better than others. Visit schools, talk to teachers who have been teaching for a while and then decide if it's the right fit for you. High schools are different now, you have to put up with a lot more and although is an horable profession it can also break your heart.

  4. HouseHopeful Says:
    1236520694

    Looking into other options is always good. Just research what changes it would entail and make an informed decision. Good luck.

  5. scfr Says:
    1236527372

    A teaching job could really mesh nicely with working more on the farm during the summer. Definitely something to think about, especially if you could increase the farm's income by being around more. I guess it just depends on whether you want to continue to pursue a career in IT, or whether you want to pursue the farm income more (and are looking for a job that would supplement that income and not interfere with the farm work).

    It sounds like a tough decision. I wish you the best in making it.

  6. Analise Says:
    1236528575

    I think you should explore the teaching position. Your math and IT background is HIGHLY desirable in education. I'm speaking from the perspective of a former principal, now retired. Teachers may not get paid as much other professions but the benefits are generally good, including their pensions.

    However, depending on where you live, there are huge budget issues looming in education, including layoffs. Unless you are tenured, you will be the first to go. In CA, even tenured teachers may be on the cut list. Tenure usually happens in the third year. I would explore the position but be sure to ask questions. It may also require that you go back to school to get a credential unless you are teaching in a private school. Their standards are usually more relaxed, and the pay is often commensurately lower. Generally, public schools provide the highest pay, benefits, and support for new teachers (professional development).

    I cannot imagine a profession that is more exciting nor more important than that of being a teacher. Gifted and inspiring teachers have the power to make a difference for so many children. Christa McAuliffe said it best: "I touch the future. I teach."

  7. monkeymama Says:
    1236529446

    Salary low, but benefits good. Something else to keep in mind (though I would take Analise's comments to heart as well).

    IT doesn't seem to have a lot to offer in the short term. That's an industry hit pretty hard by the economy. So thinking in other directions is probably a good idea.

  8. Swimgirl Says:
    1236543396

    My one concern when I read you post was "I didn't want to have to put up with whiney kids."

    Students are what make teaching rewarding. Your rewards won't be in high pay or recognition from administration. If you don't love kids and don't want to help them (even those who are whiney) then you should look elsewhere.

    "Summers off" is another bad reason to think about it. The best teachers are exhausted the first few weeks of that summer, because they have gone above and beyond for nine months straight. They take things home, so it's not really a "short work day"...papers to correct, emotional worries about their students... The next few weeks of summer, many teachers are involved in research projects, inservices, classes, developing materials and curriculum for their classroom, etc. And when that's over, it's usually time to start getting ready for the new year to start.

    Yes, it sounds good, and it can be. But you must be doing it for the right reasons or it will be the most miserable job you've ever had.

  9. Amber Says:
    1236547109

    I love math but I am no teacher, do not have the patience . Your credits should be good, I would think and I say follow your heart. Sometimes we can make a lot less but be very happy. Good luck

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