1. I went the alternate route as well (my B.S. degree was in psychology)
2. I am working on a Master's degree, because I HAVE to get out of the classroom. (NCLB is a joke and too much unecesssary stress)
3. Ditto to what MeezDiscreet said
4. In Mississippi, we don't have a union, however if you have the opportunity to join one, it would be in your best interest.
Understand that as an educator, you cannot save everyone. There will be students who do not care and do not want to learn. You have to be focused, patient, and heavily medicated. (just kidding about the last part...a little