Need exp. male teachers to answer questionaire.. [Archive] - Teacher Forums

casualspeed

07-19-2004, 09:09 AM

hey there.
i am 28 and have a BS in Elementary Education. I teach 4th grade in R.I.
My answers:
1)i chose a degree in teaching for the fulfillment of watching kids grow and learn as well as the satisfaction of knowing that i am helping in some small way. i didn't have many male teachers growing up although i did have a great dad. It seems that a majority of students don't have a father figure at all and thats a shame but i get to work a double role for some students and teach them values that are lacking.

2) "significant moments that bring satisfaction in the profession" I love the feeling of having and completing a kick ass lesson plan! Every teacher has them and some plans are good and some are a disaster but every now and again there is one that works great, the students enjoy the classes and they learn material with interaction and excitement. i get satisfaction by creating lesson plans that involve the students.

3)my downsides to this profession are probably like most professions regarding the chain of command. Some places have terrible administrators that make your life miserable. Ask many questions and don't be afraid to talk to teachers outside the school. The interview process and initial visit may seem nice and friendly, but that's what they want you to see... don't be shy. talk to the teaching staff at the schools your interested in. Another "side" is a lack of funds. teachers end up paying out of pocket for a lot of materials. (where i am, teachers bring pencils, erasers, paper etc. (i even brought my own copier and scanner because the school only has one copier in the faculty lounge. thats not even close to enough to handle our 4th grade with 6 teachers...i was fed up and i paid for it...gotta do what you have to do. it was one way for me to not go crazy.
there are many negatives as well as positives in any school. You just have to make sure that the Positives outweight the negatives.

4-A)Don't be afraid to ask questions!
B)Create your lessons plans in advance and be creative. NO ONE likes a boring teacher!! It's ok to re-use your lesson plans and get ideas from other teachers but don't settle. If it seems dry and boring to you it is and it's going to be hell on your students. Put yourself in their shoes and teach your material in as many formats as possible. dont be a bore. Don't be a chalkboard hound or use the overhead for all your lessons. BTW?if your still using overhead machines it's time to go back to school and learn how to use Powerpoint and do your presentations properly.
C)lastly, don't give up. Teaching isn't easy despite what the "public" thinks. "you only work part time, half a year, make too much money etc..." Teaching isn't 8-3pm. you get up early, set up class, run through your lessons one last time to make sure it's all good to go, check you planner for school events and make sure you adjust your plans accordingly. 3pm...the kids leave, but you usually can't hop in your convertible and head to the beach...there are tests and papers to grade, letters to write to parents, evaluations to write, as well as continuing education and services. So don't give up on teaching.

Finally since i have been spewing off at the mouth here, Enjoy it. Enjoy teaching and make sure you do, or don't teach. IF you don't get satisfaction from teaching and your heart isn't into it, then you will not be a good teacher, your lessons will suffer and your students will not get the education they deserve. Best wishes.