Career Change

[Teach2b?]

I have a B.Sc and a Master's in Natural Resources Management and have worked for the govt for the last few years. I worked as a park naturalist while studying, and looking back now I realize how much I really enjoyed the time I spent teaching school groups and campers about natural and cultural resources. I now have a 2 yr old and am enjoying teaching her all sorts of new things too. Ergo, I am considering a career change. I know how to go about obtaining my B.Ed. but want to make sure I go into this with my eyes open and so figure the best way to learn about life in the classroom is to reach out to teachers and ask, and this forum seems to be the easiest way to do that. I am looking at teaching in the K-6 bracket, preferably grades 1-3. Primary teachers, do enjoy what you do? Any regrets? What are your major stresses? How long have you been teaching? Would you say younger grades are easier or harder to teach and why? I would really appreciate any thoughts you'd care to share. Lori

[Brit]

I am certified to teach k-6, and have focussed on grade 2 last year and grades 1 and 2 in teh upcoming year.

I've just started out (This is my SECOND fall ever as a teacher) and I love it. Now, it's like any other job, some days you come home grouchy, some days you're floating on a cloud. But with teaching, I find that I'm not watching the clock, counting the minute to the end of my shift. I savor every minute!

Regrets? only that I didn't go into the field 5 years ago when they were actually HIRING. It's getting tougher to get a good position out there!

Major Stresses:

Paperwork. There is ENDLESS filing and record-keeping.

Assessment. I still have trouble with deciding between a B+ and an A- when it comes to grade two..especially in areas like art, or gym. I'm not that great at assessing yet, and I find it all very subjective.

Perfectionism. I like everything done right, and I like it done RIGHT NOW. Now, that's not directed at my students, it's directed at myself. I think that would be a killer for me whatever job I was in.

Younger or older easier? I don't think either is easier, I just think that they're different. You have to handle them differently, and they evoke a different kind of energy. Some people will tell you that you're made to teach one age group or another. I think I'd be happy with grade 6's, just as I am with grade 2's. they're just different. Granted, with older kids, most of them don't pee their pants or puke on you, but you have to deal with hormones and attitude as they grow. Give me puke any day.

Best way to go in eyes open is to volunteer. get into a classroom and shadow a teacher. you'll get a good idea quickly if the system is for you or not. It is, afterall, a government regulated system that you have to work within.

[Teach2b?]

Thanks Brit, I really appreciate your insight. This may sound dumb but to teacher's now have computers to use to keep track of grades, attendance or is it still done by paper spreadsheet? On another forum, one teacher said if you think your getting summer's off that's a joke. Not sure what she meant...how much time do you actually get off in the summer?

[Boxcar]

Many schools do have software to keep track of things. I actually prefer the paper still, but that is a personal choice. It will depend on the SES of your school, area, and community whether the technology is there for you.

In order to survive, some teachers must work during the summer months to put food on the table and pay the bills. Additionally, teachers have to write tests, plans, project formats, ect. during the summers.

[dsmms]

I have a B.Sc and a Master's in Natural Resources Management and have worked for the govt for the last few years. I worked as a park naturalist while studying, and looking back now I realize how much I really enjoyed the time I spent teaching school groups and campers about natural and cultural resources. I now have a 2 yr old and am enjoying teaching her all sorts of new things too. Ergo, I am considering a career change. I know how to go about obtaining my B.Ed. but want to make sure I go into this with my eyes open and so figure the best way to learn about life in the classroom is to reach out to teachers and ask, and this forum seems to be the easiest way to do that. I am looking at teaching in the K-6 bracket, preferably grades 1-3. Primary teachers, do enjoy what you do? Any regrets? What are your major stresses? How long have you been teaching? Would you say younger grades are easier or harder to teach and why? I would really appreciate any thoughts you'd care to share. Lori


I had a BS in Business Administration and was accepted into a 15th month program which allowed me to get my Masters Degree in Education while completing a one year internship in the neighboring school district. Check to see if there are any programs like this. With your education and experience, there should a way to get your masters in education. I had a friend in the progam in the exact situation as you. She had worked as a park naturalist for a few years, but unlike you, she only had a BS in Natural Resources Management. Upon finishing the 15 month masters program, she was snapped up immediately as a middle school science teacher. Check for alternative teaching programs and see what happens!

Donna

[Teach2b?]

Thanks Donna, that's very encouraging!

[teacher5]

:D Teaching can be very rewarding, but it is different from working with school groups that go on field trips to a park or preserve. Remember, when the kids come to visit you they are not in their natural environment, their classroom. They are with their teacher, aides, and parent assistants. This is still a job with lots of clerical work: lesson plans, report cards, parent/teacher conferences, curriculum meetings, state testing, etc. I have taught third, fourth, and fifth grade. Although most of the younger kids are still eager to learn and inquisitive; remember you will encounter a wider variety of learning styles and abilities. As the kids get older, they are more independent, but the ones that don't do well academically will be harder to challenge and motivate. If you can afford the time and the loss of some salary, you may want to become a TA (teacher assistant) for part or all of a school year. Then you can work with kids in all subject areas, and at the same time see what goes on with the class and their teacher. It would ge a great learning experience, especially in classroom management techniques and getting an overview of curriculum in all the subject areas. Enjoy the time you have with your 2 year old, but don't fool yourself into thinking this is teaching. Look before you leap. Good luck!