I want to teach. I want to make a difference in younger kid's lives; is it a realistic dream?
464929
*In response to your additional information--saying that you are really interested in secondary education...\n\nI still think you ought to go into a school and volunteer or observe to check it out.\n\nTeaching is very hard work. Most people don't have a clue. They think we work from 8 to 3. But that's just when the kids are there. I usually put in 10 hours each day and at least four more on the weekend. Secondary teachers may not be at the school as late, but they definitely bring their work home because there are lots of papers to grade, and they bring this work to appts., and their own kids' games, and in the evening when most of the world has finished work, the teacher can be found with his or her family watching TV with a lap full of papers to grade.\n\nIt's wonderful that you want to inspire kids to learn. But you have to realize no matter how wonderful you think the stuff you have to say is, there are kids out there who don't want to hear it. They're not interested. And they want to be in charge of your classroom and be the class clown and will do anything they can to get the rest of the class' attention on themselves. \n\nThese kids make it hard to teach. You have to learn strategies to deal with kids like that. But it's not easy, especially the first few years. That's why so many teachers leave the profession. \n\nYes, there are definitely those kids who you want to take home with you. Kids who want to learn. Kids who hang on your every word because their minds are so hungry for knowledge. But most of the time you don't have time for those kids because you're running around your classroom trying to make the others learn. Taking a horse to water and trying to make him drink is what teaching can be like.\n\nI don't want to discourage you from the profession. Just trying to give you a glimpse of the real world. Depending on the school you're in. Teens who are having problems at home with their own parents tend to look at their teachers and project whatever they're feeling about their parents onto any other adult. You have to find a way around that. But at the same time, all kids know when you genuinely like them. And this will give them someone outside their family who they can trust and seek help from.\n\nAfter trying high school for a few years, you'll be able to more easily make the jump to college teaching (than if you taught elementary). \n\nWhatever you decide, I wish you the best.
425569
It's a great job with the normal headaches and red tape b.s.\n\nI believe the most important teachers are the primary teachers. If the kids get a good handle on reading and writing at the early stages, things go much easier.\n\nGet your master's degree as soon as possible because the extra money is nice. Vacation days and health insurance is usually pretty good in most school districts. Retirement for a teacher makes social security a joke.\n\nIf you do become a teacher, have high goals of achievement for the kids and yourself. Make earning an "A" difficult. It should be. Forget self-esteem psychology and work on self-acceptance.\n\nGood Luck
705479
I taught in an inner city school my first three years of teaching. I could not afford a car so I took the job as it was in walking distance to my home. Around the middle of my second year I realized that I loved my job! The only reason I left was due to marriage and relocating. \n I want to make it clear that teachers in a high need school need to be MORE qualified! They are a special breed of people who are willing to give of themselves.They find themselves spending longer hours at the work site. They also will need to be prepared to supply some basic comforts for their students such as snacks, tissues and supplies as the parents are not able to do this and the school is on a tight budget. \nMost of the  children have learning problems "up the kazoo". This may be due to poor nutrition,or mothers who took drugs, used alcohol and smoked during pregnancy. You will find yourself working with many specialists. The reading teacher, speech pathologist, math specialist, physical therapist, and possibly an audiologist quickly become your new best friends and colleagues.\nThey will mentor students who have many emotional, physical  and social problems. It comes with the job. The school psychologists, social workers and pediatricians become not only their advocate but yours also!  It is harder to teach these children as they usually are not socially aware of the world.\nAll in all, however, I look back with great pleasure on those years. I truly believe I made a difference! \nSo to answer your question-- Why would one teach in a high need school. ? You do it because you truly want to.\nThose teachers who go into this type of teaching solely because they want loans paid off soon fall by the wayside. \nCheck out this link for some interesting reading.\n\nhttp://www.successinhighneedschools.org/journal/
1074859
Hi there, I am from Europe,I was a teacher of English as a foreign language in the Czech Republic. Now I teach English here in the USA. Comparing CZ with US brings up many differences and also many simmilarities. As far as finances, US is incomparable. I used to make $200 biweekly in the CZ, now with the same amount of experience I bring home $1500 (both net). As far as students, kids in Europe are so much different and much more appreciative. I was wondering why, there are many factors influencing it. E.g. kids don't get things, toys,junk anytime they wish to, kids have to earn money themselves to get what they want, they spend more time with families, more time outside and more time with the books...lots of them were brought up without TV, without DVD, CD, VCR....they learned to entertain themselves by playing the musical instruments or playing outside games. Mentality of these children is so much different. Also partents have more respect, you cannot put your kid in front of TV, next to the PS2 and 2 pop corn bags and expect miracles...WHy do I teach here? Well, I am an optimist, I still believe that I can change at least some of them, influence their lives and enrich their thinking....who knows, they might do the same in future for other kids...If I had the power to "save" at least one kid in my educational career, I could say I was a successfull teacher. Hopefully there are more than one though....:) I don't have behavior problems, although I teach in Abbott district, belive or not, love, understanding, humor, motivation and optimism will always do!
977258
More teaching opportunities would open up for you.  You could get a job in a teaching program at a junior college or, in some cases, at a university training others to teach.  You would make more and also not have to deal with little kids.\n\nThis site has a lot of salary related information:\nhttp://www.salary.com
909897
Guess you wont know until you try.  I spent four years of college to be a teacher, did student teaching and hated it.  I felt the same as you...loved kids, projected well, had lots of friends but teaching was not for me.  I wish I had been able to do student teaching before I finsished college with a degree in education.  In my days, student teaching was the last thing you did before graduation.  I love the teaching aspect but could not get on with administration.  Because I was sensitive to the needs of kids, I had issues with the curriculum not meeting the needs of individuals.  Only trying teaching will help you know and let your mum eat cake while you try.  Maybe she's right, maybe not..only you can know and you cant know til you try.
636834
find a job doing manual labour, perhaps on a construction site.  it'll give you the break away from kids that you need to re energize, provide you with great exercise, supplement your income handsomely, and make you look forward to getting back into the classroom so you can be the best you can be for the kids.  as well, during the school year, as you reflect on the different jobs other people are doing in all kinds of weather while you are safely tucked away in your classroom doing what you love to do, you will have far more appreciation for your gift of teaching, as well as the labours of those that pay for you to be able to share your gift
640158
Probably ... I have taught in some very isolated places.  Life is an adventure, so why not?  Every experience makes us wiser and stronger.
261107
i do not really know.  i have two goals:  to be a teacher, or a shrink dealing with kids.  i LOVE kids.  i absoletutly LOVE them.  especially the younger ones.  but i know that teaching doesnt pay well.  and also i feel like i think a lot.  about the world, and everything, the way ppL act, stuff like that, so i think i want to become a shrink.  if i could i would be a psychologist working with kids.  other than that, i don't really know as of yet..\n\nage 16
1084035
yea, to a certain level... following up with teachers, letting your kids know that you will be in the grades and classrooms from time to time...this ensures that your children will not become slothful...creat discipline in the home...bad grades, no t.v, or no slumber party... what ever is dear to them, they can earn by making the grades
268563
ABSOLUTELY!!!  It is difficult to describe, but there is a high level of stress.  I tell people that teaching is live raising 30-150 kids.  Kids try your patience all of the time, but that is in their nature.\n\nAnother thing about teaching is that you cannot do anything about your pay scale.  In other jobs, you get paid for the amount of work you do and you get to almost work your way to the top.  That is not available to us.  Unless you leave the classroom, you will not receive adequate raises.\n\nAlso, teacher spend a considerable amount of money on their students.  You have to buy your own crayons, markers, construction paper, bulletin board decorations, and in some cases, you have to pay for your own copies. On average, I spend at least $200 a month on my students.\n\nFace it, people do not teach to make money!!!
1166202
Hey, you're asking this in a category filled with teachers and parents who care enough about their kids to be asking for help....\n\nWhat do you think?\n\nDefinitely choosing a career that is emotionally fulfilling, and allows for family/friends/community time!
712494
I am not a teacher but i would like 2 when i get older i love kids!!! maybe u could try that!!!!!
1068740
If the teacher is qualified to teach and there are no other problems, then maybe you should be a little more open minded.\n\nSuing for something like that does not make any sense.  This is why the cost of education has gone up.\n\nIf the teacher has done something to your son then by all means take action but if not then grow up and let the teacher do his/her job.
234994
Good first answer. I'd like to add to.\n\n  I suggest, RELAX, first, like wild animals Kinder Kids sense fear,,,smiles.\n  It may be a very strict, narrowly defined session? You don't say that.\n  In any case, think of the reasons you entered the challenging arena you did, present yourself with poise, tempered authority, charm, Youthfulness of spirit if not of age, and make certain that "interaction" happens as soon as you have their attention.\n  If it's a virtual situation, no kids, I'd decline to do the test, if I was in your shoes.\n  One of the greatest effects a teacher of Kinder kids can have is to also be a caregiver, MOM, DAD, playmate even. They already are on a level, not yours, but one they are growing into. Don't escalate them to levels they aren't ready for, without pacing the task.\n   Certainly some of this assumes  you already will have the job,,,smiles,,, but you can.\n   Formality may be the standard for many interviews. Credentials and experience certainly are taken into account. What is it that most attracts you, and what can you offer to "attract" THEM, (Kinderkids) That's as much the bottom line as what the administration thinks.\n\nBuena Fortuna\n\nRev. Steven
559268
More than anything else, when I have seen my children taking a wrong turn in life I have wanted to implant my experience into their heads. Of course that is not possible. But that is what I would give them if I could. I would give them my experiences in life in such a way that they would learn from me and not make the mistakes themselves. Well I can dream.
770832
Hi there!\n\nWell, I would like to say that a child should be provided an environment where he can be himself and develop into a good personality. \n\nI hope I do not sound 'cliche'\n\nAs a young teacher, I feel that most of the children now-a days are prepared by the parents, teachers or rather society to play a role which they could not play or reach the place which they have never been! \n\nI am not against encouraging them to face future but rather than providing with materialistic things and making them more dependent and selfish we can give then 'Values' which seem to be deteriorating day by day!\n\nThey should be made aware about the real facts regarding people rather than bookish knowledge!\n\nThey should be taught to share, to take all things whether sad or happy moments in their stride and develop self confidence with self respect but not arrogance and rudeness!\n\nthey should not be taught by instruction but indirectly by being an example!\n\nSo, I hope I was able to justify the answer and make sense!\n\nWell much more can be written but it would be too long answer!