Any Teachers Out There?

[Missam05]

After reading another thread..

After reading another thread I noticed there are a few (maybe more) teachers out there. I am currently a senior (graduate in December '05) and want to hear any stories or advice from those currently in the field..this pertains to any situations the good, the bad, the ugly..

Don't forget to include the grade level you teach..this ought to be good for those thinking about entering the field..I know I always love some good advice..

[tld221]

i second this topic. however, perhaps we can do this as a PM thing? i dont know if this should be a full on thread.

nonetheless, i am an upcoming junior who would like to teach as well. i tutor math at a junior high school, so i get 2 sides of the coin. while there are good days (ex. when one of my kids tells me ill be a great teacher someday), there are bad ones as well (like today, going into work with a fever AND super congested, AND having to mediate kids with all sorts of problems)

however, im not a full-on teacher, so i cant give the full perspective. i would like to hear stories as well.

(and yes, i did a search on this topic)

[CrimsonTide4]

I used to teach.

Keep it as a thread. Don't PM me about teaching PUHLEASE!!! I am too hot and tired to respond further right now.

[RedefinedDiva]

I don't advise anyone to enter the profession. Not that I would try to deter anyone from their dreams/goals. I am just saying that I would never encourage anyone that was undecided, unemployed, etc. to enter the profession. I am a special education teacher and the job is NOT fun. My situation is a special case because I teach at a residential treatment center. To simplify it, it's a mini-jail for kids. They live at the facility and are wards of state. They all have "sick." In other words, they are crazy and aren't getting the "treatment" that they need. Considering my situation, I can't generalize to other places, but I have classes with teachers at other schools and it seems to be a mess everywhere.

There are trials and tribulations DAILY!! Out of nine months, I can't recall one good day. I am not going to say that I haven't had one, but if I had, it's been so long ago that I can't remember. From my experience, I have realized a few points:

• The public education system is failing
• Most children are NOT interested in learning
• Parents are NOT involved like they need to be
• We are highly underpaid for the work we do
• Some people's children make you want to stab them

I am sure that teachers in better districts and teachers in private/parochial schools have a better experience. I can not make it as a classroom teacher. I am all for educating kids, but I don't think that everyone is cut out for teaching. It takes lots of patience and drive. It takes a lot out of you. You must be able to deal with stress and pressure. We must realize that these kids are NOT like we were during our school days. They say and do things in school that we would NEVER dream of doing. It's a new breed of kids. Be prepared!

[Little32]

I have taught at many different levels over the past few years, elementary, highschool, and post secondary. Currently, I teach at a college. I agree with Redefined on some points. This is a different breed of student, and they do things that you and I would never have done in the classroom. The work is demanding and so draining, and it is very rare that you will receive any sort of positive feedback from the students that you are working with (not that it does not happen, but it is rare). However, it is not as bleak as it seems.
One piece of advice that I can offer is to make sure that it is the work in itself that fulfills you. Don't expect the students you teach to make the job worthwhile. If you are looking from some sort of validation from your students, you probably will be very disappointed.
It might be helpful if you tell us what grades you are thinking about teaching. Different grade levels present different challenges, though there is some advice that is useful across the board.
I will post more later.

[DST4A00]

Originally posted by RedefinedDiva
There are trials and tribulations DAILY!! Out of nine months, I can't recall one good day. I am not going to say that I haven't had one, but if I had, it's been so long ago that I can't remember. From my experience, I have realized a few points:

• The public education system is failing
• Most children are NOT interested in learning
• Parents are NOT involved like they need to be
• We are highly underpaid for the work we do
• Some people's children make you want to stab them

I am sure that teachers in better districts and teachers in private/parochial schools have a better experience. [/B]

I would agree mostly with this post.


I teach in a private institution (Catholic elementary school) I teach all grades (Pre-K-8th) in art and I have to deal with the different attitudes of each student. I cannot attest to the public educational system because I haven't taught in it and I refuse to teach in it. I've heard too many horror stories. Not only should you not expect recognition from the students but you're lucky if you get it from your collegues or bosses.

Ok, I've just had a really bad day so I need to focus on the good side. I'll return tomorrow.

[Missam05]

While I agree that in some cases the public education system is failing and that children are not interested in learning (the two points that I can remember) you must look at the causes....

This comes from the sometimes heated discussions that we have in our Education Foundations class..

Whose fault would you say that it is that the system is failing..personally I think it's due to the lax requirements of teachers. In some states, probably a lot, people from other fields not related to education are not required to have any hands-on-experience in the classroom before hand..I can remember my teacher saying how unfair it is that you can be a teacher with a degree in any field but it's impossible for a teacher with a degree in education to become a doctor..just like we would need more training they do also..and believe me I know I've gotten lots of training..(staying up late doing portfolios filled with lesson plans)...shoot you would get beat up coming into one of our classes telling us that education is an easy major..

Second point sort of relates to the first..could it be that students are not interested in learning because the teachers dont give them new and exciting ways to learn and use the textbook as their only guides..with the strict guidelines now teachers are forced to teach to the test and it leaves them no time to teach about things that children are actually interested in..and also students are uninterested in learning because they have teachers who dread coming to work and find no enjoyment in the field..

Strictly my opinions and definitely open for discussion...

[AKA2D '91]

As points of reference, there are several threads in the AKA forum regarding education, teaching, educators.

I am a teacher (few days away from vacation), but my (and my fellow cohorts in Education) sentiments have been expressed in several of these threads.

Good Luck!

[BirthaBlue4]

This has been interesting reading. I can say that I have NEVER heard any one just straight out say DON'T DO IF YOU CAN AVOID IT, lol. I'm also an education major, for Early Childhood/Special Education, and I'll be done in May 05. From what I've seen so far, the system IS a mess, but its been a mess for a while now, AT LEAST the past 5-8 years in particular. These kids are VERY brand new (I heard a little 4 year old lookin kid outside my window talking about a missed sexual experience because the girl didn't want to that day. He was TINY, and cussed throughout the entire story). They kids are new because the parents are new. These kids now are the "kids of kids", all those teen mothers' kids are growing up. They're also the kids of the "working woman" (with no time), the "babydaddy" (no complete families), the "MTVBETLiljohnLudacrisshakeyotailfeatherinatho ng" era (where its cute to be a ho), and a multitude of other bad experiences that are shaping these kids into the little monsters that they are.

I'd have to say that the poor state of education has many roots: triflin and/or busy parents, poorly/non trained teachers, school boards made up of people that have never been in a classroom and/or don't even have kids, no money, etc. I think that since we as people can't control what parents do and who has children, I think the main thing that needs to be done is to train teachers to TEACH, not follow a pre-designed curriculum, but CREATE, find intersting, innovative ways to deliver information so kids will like it. That's ahlf the problem there.

Then, give teachers the money they need to do this, both in salary and school budget. Next, get rid of these idiots that are running the school system and put teachers and administrators that have been in the game and been successful in those seats, so the people leading aren't lost, dazed and amazed as they all seem to be.

Teaching is a CALLING. True, I wouldn't advise anyone unsure to do it, not because its hard, but because these kids have enough teachers that don't want to be there and don't care (present company excluded). Even some people who PURPOSELY go into education go in expecting a utopia and are sorely disappointed when it never comes. I don't have any ridiculous expectations going into this, because I know that kids are naturally egocentric and won't always see and appreciate what you do for them, they're not at the age to understand all that yet (at least for my age range, birth to age 8). And I have stopped hoping for others approval on stuff, I don't care really. My reward comes when lil Johnny can finally say his ABCs, or Keisha can finally tie her shoes. They may not thank me or be particularily excited, but I will be FOR them, because I know what big steps they are making. THAT's why I'M in it. For the little things.

I know I'll have a long road to travel, but I really can't see myself doing anything else.


The main suggestions I can offer from what I've seen is

• Keep parents thoroughly informed
• Keep copies of ALL their work
• Apply EVERYTHING as much as possible to the "Real World"
• Use technology, such as LeapPads, to make things interesting
• Use learning centers to have on-the-side learning experiences and to enhance your curriculum
• Leave as much work as you can AT SCHOOL
• Have a good sense of humor, try to stay light
• DON'T TEACH SUMMER SCHOOL! You'll need a break.
• Go to grad school, its more money for you!

That's all I can think of at the moment.

[RedefinedDiva]

I can agree with 2D and say that this topic has been brought up many times on the Ave. and my (same) sentiments have been expressed over there. I just can't resist telling people that you MUST be prepared for what you are about to do.

[Missam05]

Dang BirthaBlue..I got chills just reading your post..you are Sooo right in all that you said and I totally agree with you in every aspect..

I think I'll be satisfied with just getting kids to know words to the pledge of allegiance or the preamble..rather than the whole Lil Flip CD cuss words included..what a generation it will be..but I think I'm ready..

I've already learned more about myself while being a student observer..and I know that kids are definetly going to leave saying ooh she's mean but I think no I am sure that when they get farther in life I'll be one of those teachers they can remember..too many teachers trying to be your friend and make it easy rather than prepare you for whats to come..

Great comments!!I did a search and looked for similar topics but found them relating to specific issues..anyone find something the same post the link and we can continue discussion there..got to get to work!

[BirthaBlue4]

Originally posted by Missam05
Dang BirthaBlue..I got chills just reading your post..you are Sooo right in all that you said and I totally agree with you in every aspect..

...too many teachers trying to be your friend and make it easy rather than prepare you for whats to come..

Hey, I just tell it like it is! And that is TOO true, a lot of teachers think that if the kids like them and they let them get away with stuff, then its all good. And its not. You SHOULD get close to your students, but from JUMP STREET you need to have your rules and expectations and routines outliined and NEVER waiver from them, NO EXCEPTIONS. They'll know you don't take no stuff when it come to what you want, but that you're still a cool person.

[Missam05]

Okay this question is for those who have had the experience or anyone who has some suggestions...

I graduate in December (half way through the school year) and am curious as to if there will be any openings at this time in a public school system. If so, do you think (from experience or just opinion) that a first year teacher can/could handle teaching and grad. school at the same time. Me and a friend have been debating as to what to do. We talked about possibly getting a Teacher's Aide job for that spring semester as to not jump right into the field and start taking some grad courses. What is the best thing? Anyone have any opinions??

[BirthaBlue4]

Depending on what area you live in and the teacher job situation, youmay be able to get a position. The aide route may be a good idea for the spring. As for grad school, I'd suggest you go crucially part time for the first year (one class) to see how it goes, or not do any classes until the second half of your first year of teaching. You need time to get acclimated to your new life!

[PrettyPetite]

Originally posted by Missam05
Okay this question is for those who have had the experience or anyone who has some suggestions...

I graduate in December (half way through the school year) and am curious as to if there will be any openings at this time in a public school system. If so, do you think (from experience or just opinion) that a first year teacher can/could handle teaching and grad. school at the same time. Me and a friend have been debating as to what to do. We talked about possibly getting a Teacher's Aide job for that spring semester as to not jump right into the field and start taking some grad courses. What is the best thing? Anyone have any opinions??

Well, I graduated in December 2001, and I started working as a permanent full time teacher the day after I graduated. I think it (finding a permanent position) depends on what field you are entering. You will be more likely to find a position if you are certified to teach in a critical shortage area. In addition, I started grad school that January. I teach full time, and attend graduate school full time (Two more semesters to go!). Many teachers do that, and it CAN be done, but you need to be disciplined. Your first year is when you TRULY learn what it is to be a teacher. Personally, I suggest waiting a while to see what you want to study....you grow so much as a professional in those first years. What you were interested in as an undergrad/new graduate can completely change after just one year in the system. It happened to me. (That's why I am still in grad school)

I enjoy teaching. Last school year, I taught Special Education Lang. Arts, Reading, and Math to sixth grade resource students in an inner city school. Yes, the pay isn't all that great (it's okay to me....I"m not complaining...we get paid more than the surrounding districts), the kids are ruthless (one of the teachers at my school got stabbed in the hand last year....I had to literally dang near cuss out a chronic class cutter out for constantly disrupting my room), and the hours are long (your work day does NOT end when the bell rings, lol) but the reward for me is when I see my students "get it". I especially enjoy seeing when they really get into the projects I give them, and they see their end result. One of my students was so proud of a project that she did that she took it around to EVERY SINGLE TEACHER that she had in the building. So yes, there are some rewards to teaching.

I am strongly against someone entering the field without a degree in Education. I that it is necessary to take curriculum, psychology, and education courses AS WELL AS complete multiple internships in order to be halfway successful at teaching. I am all for reforming the requirements of an entering teacher. In addition, you must have PATIENCE....because you will see that these kids will try your nerves.....be it by not understanding what you are teaching, after you've explained it 10 times....or by just doing dumb ish.

I guess what I am saying is, don't go into education unless you truly love it. If you don't truly love teaching, you will be one of those bitter teachers sitting in the faculty lounge just as mad as ever EVERY SINGLE DAY, or one of the ones that try to sneak out early on the regular.


One additional tip: When you do your field experiences, try to go to different types of schools (inner city, suburban, predominantly black, predominantly white, etc.) to get a feel for what's out there.

If you have any other questions...feel free to PM me.