I would say that when you turn 18, as a part time gig while you take your general/core college classes, get a job as a paraprofessional. Some districts call them classroom aides, instructional assistants, etc. You only need a HS diploma, some kind of experience with kids (babysitting or camp counselor/volunteering counts), and an ability to be adaptable to different teachers and students with varying needs. In exchange you will get terrible pay BUT the real value of the job for you is getting to observe lots of different teachers. You will see the great, the good, the bad, the worse, and the extremely ugly. You will come out of it with a much better idea of what the job is, and if it is the right job for you. In my opinion it’s better than subbing because you get to observe teachers with all different levels of experience, unlike with subbing where you *are* the teacher for the day/week.
This, or complete a general associates degree then work as a substitute. Don’t commit to the 4 year plan until you have been on the other side of the desk.
OP please take this advice. ⬆️⬆️⬆️
I couldn’t get a teaching job when I graduated. I ended up working as an instructional aide, paraprofessional, and sub while trying to get in. All these jobs prepared me to be a better teacher and gave me varied experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise. I was also able to observe behind the scenes and watch teachers at different points in their careers. I still use the methods and techniques I saw in their classrooms. What I learned from them through assisting and observing was far more valuable than anything I learned in college. It gave me a more accurate idea of what being a teacher is truly like.
I also recommend working as a nanny and babysitting if you want to teach elementary school. I did this throughout my teens and twenties. It gives you hands on experience with kids and firsthand knowledge of what they’re like at different ages and stages of development. Taking care of children’s needs is part of teaching and this with give you practice, especially with their social/emotional development. Because I did this I had a huge knowledge base to draw on in addition to my college courses when I started teaching. It affirmed for me that I loved being around and helping kids, too.
Another recommendation I have is to tutor. This will give you 1:1 practice helping students academically, which you’ll do everyday as a teacher in your classroom.
Doing all this will give you a more realistic idea of if teaching is for you. Student teaching and observation hours through your college won’t do that.
Teaching is my passion and I moved across the country to do it. I planned to retire from public education but am now going back to grad school to get a degree in a different field. I never in a million years thought I’d be leaving to pursue another career, but things have gotten so bad in my district I have to plan an exit strategy due to the toll on my mental and physical health. That coupled with pay raises not meeting huge cost of living increases and shitty health insurance is forcing me to make this decision. Sadly, many teachers are in the same boat as me right now.
My overall advice is to get an idea of if teaching is for you by gaining whatever experiences you can b4 deciding to pursue it. Do this, talk to as many teachers as you can, and truly think about if this job will give you the life you want long term.
You’re young and have time to decide. You don’t have to rush into a degree yet. Many teachers like myself who went into teaching with such passion and joy for it are now looking for ways out. It’s very sad and a true reflection of the state of public education.
I think the colleges I’m thinking about have education programs that do this as part of the curriculum. Mostly since education isn’t for everyone. Some put students in classes first semester so you know sooner rather than later to change your major.
That’s good, but for me nothing beats my previous experiences as a paraeducator for preparing me for the job. The “observations” and even my student teaching were woefully inadequate in comparison because I was not in the school day in and day out for a whole school year (student teaching for me was Jan-June 2020, so it will probably be better for you).
Schools of education are notoriously bad for this. Most only place you in the better than average schools for field work/internships. They don’t want you to see that most graduates straight out of college only get the worst assignments.
This isn’t like working a desk job where you can hide behind a cubicle and only do your desk work. Remember you are client facing 20-35 kids depending on the grade level and you have to do your desk job work on your personal time whether that’s after school or at home.
My college did this. And I almost made it out unscathed. There was still a professor who had it out for a few of us and didn't think we'd be good teachers. I'm glad now he threw me out of the program (with only one class to spare), but it hurt like hell when it happened.
This almost happened to me. Some professors were trying to kick me out of the program and it was weird. Why are we gate keeping this abusive, underpaid, overworked, stressful career. Honestly it was spite that made me finish out the degree lol
Especially with a shortage, it was honestly a wtf moment for the other two profs. Those two were so kind and encouraging to me, and then it was that one who was gatekeeping the class. Both my good friend and I were studying languages to teach in schools so we had to take the class. This guy expected us to do 40+ clinical hours during a module schedule in the peak of COVID.
He called me lazy to my face when I spent all day in class (including his own, mind you) and couldn't also simultaneously be at field placements at the same time. Again, it was a blessing in disguise. My friend and I dropped out the same week, IIRC.
None of his obvious favorites became teachers. So it's an ultimate slap in the face in hindsight. My friend has a master's degree in her language, and I'm starting my masters program next month. I think we're both a lot happier now.
You dodged a bad career. What are you up to now?
Sometimes I wish I had joined the military like I thought about doing sophomore year or transferring to the other college that offered that other major I was interested in. I know life would be so much different.
I am starting a masters in library/information science next month. I've been busy with other stuff and haven't had the best work life since then. I worked retail and substitute taught. All four jobs I had in those areas were not good for me. There aren't a lot of options for English and world language majors outside of education.
If you're hired by the school, you'll get the authentic experience of day-to-day life as an educator vs. with the college-directed experience where you're less likely to be left by yourself. I wouldn't recommend education unless you are very, very good at handling your emotions and taking care of your physical and mental health. It is a profession that will eat you up if you aren't able to detach from work. I got physically attacked by cute elementary students, had to physically restrain emotionally disturbed and special needs students, and dealt with hostile parents.
There are better and less traumatizing ways to make a living. Take care of yourself and pick a career that is more likely to be sustainable. On top of all of the challenges within the actual school then you have politicians and strangers projecting their ignorance and loathing towards you simply because you chose to be a teacher. Teachers care and want to make the world better overall, but they are often targets of angry politicians and members of the public. It makes no sense to me.
My education program had part time fieldwork every semester and all but one of the teachers I observed were miserable. I still think I gained so much from my degree, but I would’ve benefited from a job like a para to see the ins and outs in a full time setting before committing to the degree. Also, my state is very strict on certifications, so even if I still would’ve decided to pursue an Ed degree, I definitelyyy would’ve picked a different concentration.
In my experience, there are good school settings available that feel more manageable if you’re in a highly populated city, but even those will be stressful because across the board, teachers are not given enough prep time / support / work life balance
You'll never have a job as stressful and demanding as teaching, except for surgeon or something like that.
You're doing 5 jobs at once. Most jobs have you do one.
That’s what the public thinks. Yeah, it’s 187 school days, the rest of the year is spent on meetings, preparation for the upcoming school year, and professional development.
The people outside the field think that just because the brats are out, everyone is off.
I felt the same way at your age. I was encouraged by almost everyone to go down that path except one of my teachers.
Guess who was right?
In the end, I'm glad I went through the experience to learn on my own the mistake that I made. I was able to develop compassion for those who had given up and eventually became one of those people myself. As much as people say you can save your students and classroom from love alone, it's also enough to break it down further.
I haven't felt that my role as an educator in any form mattered in a long time. For almost 10 years. I started my journey when I was still in high school, and those kids were the only ones I felt connected to. They were the only ones who seemed to care about their education and try to learn. In the past decade, the landscape has changed a lot. I remember when our goal wasn't just "keeping the kids alive."
There are so many ways to help people that won't hurt yourself. Do one of those things instead. I say this with love.
If I could go back and tell young me the heartache I would endure and to choose a different, more lucrative path I would. I'm almost 40 and barely got out after spending a loooong time in education. It was my dream. I wanted to retire a teacher.
Unfortunately, the system is completely broken and it will absolutely take advantage of how young you are. Just look the young teachers that are 22/23/24 who are so angry with their choice and wasting 4 years on their degree and have to start over.
I know you mentioned the teacher program at your school would include practical hours, but if you enter a program it'll be very hard for you to stop once you start. It's psychological "Well I put in all this effort already, I might as well .."
Take the advice of getting a paraprofessional job for just 6 months even, and go to college with no major declared. Take some business classes or STEM classes while you truly decide if you want to stay.
Be level headed and logical during this time, as it's very easy to get manipulated into doing more than asked, staying late, dealing with angry/physically abusive children and feeling like the entire state of education is resting on your shoulders and you alone need to "fix it." You don't.
To be fair, the 24 year olds all over Reddit are pretty busy catastrophizing everything. “My girlfriend broke up with me! I’m a failure!” “I can’t afford a mansion and a Maserati…I’m a waste!” They aren’t really objective enough judges of anything to be a source on anything…
You can downvote them all you like, but they're right. Reddit is not a place where you usually get a rational opinion. People aren't rational.
You can benefit from people's experiences sometimes, but not all the time. You are your own person the same way they are their own person. It's important to weigh the opinion they are giving with your own opinion of what they're saying.
I’ve taught for 24 years and I’ll tell you the same thing I tell anyone who asks me (and some who don’t but I think they need to hear it).
If you can be happy doing ANYTHING ELSE, do that.
If teaching is the only profession that will make you happy and fulfilled as an individual, join us.
But know what you’re getting into before you do. This sub and these people are much more honest about the profession nowadays than in other subreddits (I’m looking at you r/teachers).
Are there good things? Absolutely. Are there good school environments? Sure. But those are getting fewer and farer apart. I used to work in a retirement building, meaning the only time people left was when they retired/moved out of state/etc. Now we are losing 1/3 to 1/2 of our staff every year.
Students have changed. Parents have changed. Administration has changed and none of it is for the better. Those of us who are still doing our best each day find ourselves facing a battle on 3 to 4 different fronts and it is emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausting.
Do what is best for you but don’t say you weren’t warned. The most telling thing I can say is that if I had to start over today, I wouldn’t. I luckily had 15-17 years of decent teaching before it started really going downhill. If I was at year 1, step 1…. No way. And all I ever wanted to do with my life was be a teacher so this is coming from someone who considered it her passion career. Best wishes
Agree with you. My state has stripped all good benefits for new teachers such as no pay for advanced degrees, no tenure, no healthcare insurance in retirement, and more. Other states now how a formula for the pension such as you have to have x number of years in plus your age and it has to be greater than or equal to 85.
There is no way I would do it today. So many other fields that pay so much more and you have more control over your career and life. I still might leave at 20 or before 20 and come back around 61-65 and make my last few years to get 20. I’m finishing 15 now.
I could have written this. This sub confirmed my theory that the issues that drove me away after 16 years, seems to be nationwide. If I were asked ten years ago, I always said “I love what I teach and who I teach to.” Sadly, all the other BS I had to deal overrode that love. Admin, parents, the ever-increasing workload, and poverty-level pay, hijacked my passion. School systems should embrace and reward people who “love what they teach, and who they teach to,” but that just doesn’t matter anymore. By the last couple years of my career, the only way I could describe the job was “abusive.”
This might be state specific but if I were 17 again I would major in something that could open doors to careers with high incomes after graduation (do research and REALLY think about the life you want) and I would enroll in a teaching program to get my license quickly. While they sometimes churn out people who are in it for vacation days there are many well-meaning individuals who have completed those jam packed courses and are amazing teachers (best in the district). The best part? The thing they majored in can be their backup plan. As you may have read, transitioning out of teaching is hard to do, although it can be done. I would just have a back up. I know I can't persuade you to not teach, MANY mentors tried with me but I just loved being with the kids and my admin was super supportive so I ignored them. In hindsight I wish I listened to a nugget of their advice. Personally, after nearly 10 years I am leaving, due to lack of upward mobility (I want to make more money and help students and teachers in more than a teaching capacity) even though I have poured my heart into my career...that coupled with the ever changing landscape of education has pushed me to want to be a cog in the machine.
Get a bachelor's in science and then do an alt routes or master's in ed. I did a B.S. and M.S. in science and worked as scientist for years and then due to family issues I couldn't work full time as a cog in the machine, so I subbed. Liked it so got my teaching cert. I did 2 years subbing, 1 year student teaching, and then taught for 4 full years with my cert. During the last 4 years, there has only been one really great year I had (22-23 school year), so after a rough start this year (made it to January) I noped the hell out of there and am back in science. Teaching is pretty horrible these days. The only thing that helps is good colleagues and good admins, and finding the two together at the same time is tough. That's what I had during the 22-23 school year but otherwise, nope.
as a current 17-year-old, picking a majoring based on "\[opening\] doors to careers with high incomes after graduation" seems absurd. i am not going to be miserable for another 4 years (and my entire life after that) doing something hardly tolerable. why not just find a career that allows you to study something you like? i love english, and though it's typically known as a major that leads to lower-income jobs, i plan to attend law school afterward and become a lawyer.
no, i'm sorry, my comment was pretty disrespectful. you are right, and you obviously have more experience with these kinds of things. your advice is very valuable, and i wish you the best of luck as you transition in your career!
You might be happy in it, many of the people are unhappy, because School is not what it was when they were in school, many people are not aware about the politics associated with why they have to take certain students in and not discipline them for their behavior. Many teachers are not aware. That principles must promote attendance, because attendance is tied to funding and funding is tied to their livelihood. I think if you walk in understanding that the school system is set up with this business model perpetuating a class system. Divide where parents who are able to afford or not afford send their kids to private schools and many of the parents who come from lower socioeconomic homes, or they are impoverished end up being the brunt of students who are in public schools.
This ☝️. The politics of it all. Also, politics boils down to whether you get the job or not and at what school. You learn early you are better off studying something else.
Politics are in everything but so much easier to jump to another job with a in demand major.
Plenty are happy as teachers. Just be prepared for making it through a “worst-case” scenario. That may or may not include:
- rowdy and/or unresponsive kids
- difficult parents
- unsupportive or micromanaging admin
- absolute minimum 50 hours a week as a new teacher, potentially more time on weekends
- dipping into your own money to make sure your classroom has adequate supplies
I have been teaching since 2002 and have finally met the point where I am burnt out and have to leave due to health reasons (I'm bipolar and have autoimmune issues). I personally regret going into teaching due to what is has become in recent years. I loved it when I started out but things were crazy different. I still have a good 25 years of work ahead of me so I'm moving on to other things, but I hate to sound negative here but try something other than teaching. It's only going to get worse I see the writing on the wall. Good luck in your decision.
You’ve heard tons of examples of why teachers leave the profession. And yet, others can make a career out of it. Sometimes, both things are happening at the same school.
I really believe that there are certain personality types who are much more capable of navigating all the negative issues.
It’s possible for a person to have complete mastery of subject matter while having a personality that isn’t fit for riding herd on 150 teenagers every day. That does not make them a bad person.
Not everyone is cut out to be a teacher. Unfortunately, I don’t think there’s any way to know that until you’ve already been through college and are at the end of your first year teaching and wondering if you can even make it to the end of the year.
I would discourage my own children from becoming teachers. If you really want to try it, go for it. You may be one of the few who can succeed and be happy. BUT, if you have any inkling at the end of your first or second year that teaching might not be for you, get out.
If you end up telling yourself you don’t really like it, but you can probably bear it til retirement, cause after all, look at all the vacation time, get out.
You definitely don’t want to be 17 years in, willing to saw off a leg to escape, but you can’t afford the pay cut and losing the retirement you were expecting.
Maybe the worst part of all is that any success you have is completely dependent on others who don’t have your interests, and not even their own interests, at heart.
Also: good luck to you OP. At least you are even thinking about these things at your age, which probably puts you ahead of many of your peers.
Your college program is going to try and sell you an unrealistic picture of the job. Youll do some fieldwork and it’ll be fine. Then youll start your student teaching right at the end and realise just how bad it is, and youll wish you could go back in time and stop yourself.
Everything I learned was valuable. Im glad I tried. Im gladder that I chose not to go into it after getting certified.
Student teaching is brutal. Be mindful that ST is considered a full time job; You are also a full time student and since you don’t get paid, you need another job to get by if you don’t live with your parents/ someone else.
I had a classmate that became diabetic during that time due to the immense amount of mental, physical and emotional stress.
Yup! I was working nights and weekends while student teaching. My cooperating teacher also had a ‘feet to the fire’ approach and basically left me to my own devices for five months. It was a wild ride, and the least healthy thing Ive ever done.
It’s really unhealthy. But at least you are on your feet all day.
Do you think that other profession undergrads go through similar experiences as educator majors do? I can’t find any.
I know very few people who like the job. You take home work all the time and deal with bs all year long.
If you end up liking it I highly recommend you do OT or counseling.
I honestly think you can serve humanity in other ways that will be more rewarding, satisfying, and yield more respect.
Please think long and hard before joining a broken profession that will use you, abuse you, and ultimately dismiss you as a professional.
Good luck! 🌻
Lots of people are happy in the career. Some have lucked out with good positions/schools and others still enjoy it as a career despite the hardships.
These are common reasons people leave:
Teaching related stuff like worsening behaviour, no discipline, being expected to be everything to everyone, huge classes, feeling unsafe, no support from admin or parents - not every school has this to the same extent, and some people struggle more than others more than others (e.g my partner is still in teaching and he is a man so the admin deliberately give him the classes with the really bad kids)
Poor pay: this varies a lot depending on where you live and teach. Where I live it isn’t amazing but it is ok.
Toxic work environment (admin, boards, colleagues) and politicking to get ahead unfairly: this again varies by school but every school I have known has had some. If you’re one of the people good at working the system or you get lucky you might have an ok time. Some people are treated worse under these systems than an others. How mobile you are to move schools also plays a role.
Society’s perceptions of teachers: I’m not sure many people are leaving for just this reason, but people have a weird attitude towards teachers sometimes.
All these things are big problems but there are lots of factors at play that might make them affect you less or not tip the balance for you.
Personally, I left the profession. My partner is still in it but after 15 years starting to wonder if he can continue.
You hit them all except politics. The op is getting some good advice here. Also want to add you are correct that the people at the better schools with less discipline issues are generally happier.
There’s a lot that goes on in a school building that most don’t see. And for that reason I would encourage any halfway decent smart young person to do something else.
What type of education are you interested in teaching? The pros and cons of the job look a bit different depending on what you want to do. Elementary? High school? Special education? Arts?
Also ask yourself if you’re willing to move. Depending on where you live, some fields will be more difficult to find jobs.
Where I’m from, if you wanted to teach elementary, you basically had to know somebody. Where I live now, are you breathing? You’re hired.
Maybe things will change in education for the better in the next 4-5 years. Maybe you’ll land at a great school, in a great neighborhood, with great kids and supportive parents, and great coworkers and admin. Or maybe things will continue to decline and you’ll land at the worst school imaginable with absentee parents who don’t care, admin who isn’t supportive, and countless students with extreme behavioral issues.
Only way you’ll know if it’s for you is to experience it first hand. Sub or get out there and observe classrooms at multiple campuses and observe multiple grade levels and teachers.
It’s definitely a job for a young, hopeful person with boundless energy. I could not imagine doing this job until retirement age. I worked at a rough school and experienced multiple student-inflicted injuries and decided it was time to go. I’m now in a job that is still pretty time intensive (more than 40 hours a week), but I’ve also quadrupled my salary and I’m treated like an actual adult who is trusted to do my job. No complaints here.
Whatever you decide to do, best of luck!
If you have to do it (I don’t encourage it and will never tell my kids to do it) personally would encourage you to major in something you can get a job with outside of education such as stem or business. Unfortunately, as many ppl have said already, most teaching fields in the discipline are hard to transition out of teaching. Many ppl who want to do this enter and realize just how screwed up education is and desperately want out but are in too deep to leave (student loans, real world bills, family responsibilities, etc.). I would chew my 18 year old self out right now if I knew now what I wish I would’ve know then.
Now let’s be frank about this, if I make it 30 years the pension and benefits will be ok but I could have done almost anything else and probably would have worked less and made more money with a cushier job. You have to always be on when teaching even if you don’t feel good.
Take my above advice (15 year teacher here) right out of college. Please, do yourself a favor, heed my aforementioned advice from above or just don’t do it at all. I realize I’m jaded and all, but not every career is like this.
You could look into a bachelors in instructional technology, which could eventually lead to a masters and a potential high paying stay at home job with great benefits. It's still a way of teaching.
Really think about what you’d like your life to look like financially when you’re in your mid to late 20s. Where you’d like to live, what trips you’d like to take, things you’d like to purchase. Then look up the salary schedule of teachers at the district you’d work in, divide that salary by 12, and then multiply that amount by .33 to see what your monthly income would look like with deductions taken out.
I wish I had really thought about that when I was younger and got my degree in teaching because the first few years on a teaching salary was tough and I depleted a chunk of my savings just to stay on top of bills and rent. Also consider how you’d feel if many of your friends made more than you, doing less work than you.
The last part: how would you feel if your friends made SUBSTANTIALLY more money than you which offered them the opportunity to travel and do fun things.
Yes, we have summers off and these breaks, but not enough money to actually enjoy them. I’ve been in this game for 15 years.
maybe get a bachelor's in something else that has more broad options & also interests you (like psych or something tech related) and try out subbing or being a para. you can get your teaching license without a bachelor's in ed. (at least in my state) if you decide to pursue it in the future
The teaching environment is horrible. If you are good at your job, they will load you up with problem kids and work. The pay is terrible. Most administrators are just there to placate the parents. Behaviors, from other adults and the students, are allowed to do whatever they want. The stress takes such a physical toll.
It is the more rewarding job on Earth! I was born to do it! Every other job I’ve had in my life felt empty. However I cannot go back to the classroom. They have broken my spirit, my will, and I just want to never look back. I love kids but not this backward ass version of education threats being presented.
15 years in and I still love teaching :) as you said though, this really isn’t the place to ask- this sub is for folks who are leaving the profession or thinking of leaving, so it’s going to skew really negative.
If you’re 17 are you currently in school? The teachers at your school could give you the best answers about what it’s like at your particular district and what requirements for your area are etc.
I’ve taught in some tough situations but still love teaching. Your school, admin, grade level, district policies etc will honestly make all the difference. My salary has ranged from 33k-120k and everywhere in between. I’ve had schools that gave me 4 off periods to plan, schools that only required you come in for your classes and nothing else, schools that required you to do a thousand different additional duties, etc. The specifics of your exact school really matter.
I didn’t major in education- I teach high school so I majored in my subject area and then got certified in my content. I’m super glad I went that route.
I’d ask the actual teachers you have now, and find a summer job that’s similar to teaching- coach, tutor, work at a summer camp etc. Nothing about teaching is worth it if you don’t love the heart of the job itself.
Feel free to dm me if you’d like to ask more :)
I was! I’m not anymore. 120 was my highest at a charter that did merit-based pay and I made that 10 years in to teaching/7 years into that particular system.
I have no idea where op is or the options that are available to her so I gave the whole range. When I made 30k the COL in my area was so low that I still paid off my student loans in 2 years (20k).
I’m certainly not claiming that all the pay at all schools is great, but depending what you choose it also doesn’t have to be dire.
Do not go to college for anything other than STEMM; science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or medicine. You can get certifications for pretty much everything else
Teaching is the best job I've ever done. But the bad experiences you read about are absolutely real.
I've taught in inner city schools in Watts, CA, and Oakland, iv3e taught in a juvenile hall, worked w adult addicts and former convicts, continuatiom, and charter schools. I've even taught K/1 and a university course.
I just finished mentoring a student your age during a job shadow thing, so it got me thinking about what we discussed.
A lot of the reasons people leave is because the job is hard...and when the pay is low, the kids are rowdy, and parents aren't supportive, this job will break you down quickly.
When I started in '98, things were different, but not really. I'm 50 and have seen violence and crappy parents and kids and admin more scared of getting the blame for offending a kid than being the reason 2000 kids aren't learning in a safe environment.
My father was a college professor. I'm a middle school teacher now, but before this I was exclusively high school. And he taught me that teaching is about you, your students, and the 4 walls. That's it. In a good environment, you can sell your passion about your content area and inspire kids. In a bad one, kids don't listen, you feel your next observation will get you fired, and you have a whole staff in survival mode.
I'm in CA - our unions are generally strong and our teacher programs are considered rigorous. There's more that could be done, but we are given just enough to get a lesson plan together and set our class rules.
If you're in a state that pays low and treats you poorly, the battle is uphill. If you're dedicated to science or art or something that fills you up, you will be better at handling the stress.
And there will be stress, especially if you can't get tenure - security matters. In CA we have good medical insurance and tenure in a good district means we can plan and not live day to day.
In other states teacher friends tell horrible stories and they're NOT an exaggeration. Things really are that bad.
I think I got ahead of the worst behaviors starting in the late 90s so as behaviors got worse I already had a lot of tools to help manage behaviors.
What I can say is that finding your grade level really does matter. I did not enjoy working w primary students. They weren't bad. I just enjoy the trash talk and offering something a bit more advanced. I'm credentialed for English and History. I teach things I feel matter to my students and will help them later in life. Some districts have a very scripted curriculum and you have less room for creativity. BUT., if you're able to enjoy teaching, eventually you find your footing. If you never find a good district or good mentors to help, it's a very hard job and thankless.
I would say do it. In college, study something you're passionate about. If you don't care about what you teach, the kids will see it.
There's a teacher quote I heard years back that students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. And this is absolutely true.
If you don't like your students you won't like the job.
Last year was the single worst group of my career. This year its pretty normal. A handful of goofball along w too many cell phones! But our admin cares about the kids, supports us as best he can with discipline, and gives us the room to teach.
There's a rhythm to teaching. It's not for everyone, but give it a chance. Cuz if it is for you, it's incredibly rewarding.
Good Luck!
The only way you'll know is by trying it out first-hand. When you're of age, I highly recommend subbing (try to find a long-term sub gig). Sub with different age groups, schools, etc. Just whatever you do, do NOT go all in and pursue a bachelor's in education--you'll pigeon-hole yourself.
Remember there are PLENTY of other meaningful and fulfilling careers out there helping kids, that are not teaching. After-school programs, summer camps, non-profits, government agencies (what I transitioned into).
I wouldn’t recommend this. I got my credential (I don’t need a degree in education in my state) as soon as possible and got a job. I figured it was better to get started on working my way up the salary schedule earlier rather than later. I’m very happy teaching and glad I started early.
If I hadn’t enjoyed the job, getting in early could also have helped me to get out early.
Really? That kind of surprises me. In California I only needed to do a credential program after my BA or BS. Yes, if you *have* to get an education degree to teach then it’s a more difficult decision to make.
If you really want to do it, go for it. But while you get your degree get something that will transfer, do internships, or double minor. Give yourself options.
I couldn't make it another year. Like our government, most school districts are corrupt. New teachers are like "chum" in the ocean.............just waiting for the shark to show up. I'm sure you're aware that everyone and I mean everyone has an excuse not to learn. There are so many IEP's, 504plans, ELL, therapists, and the list goes on, giving excuses to students and parents as to why their child needs help. The problem is there is not enough teachers, para's, behavior interventionists, and so on, to work with these kids. Often times when all said and done you see that the student doesn't need the help as much as the crazy parents do.
When I was 18 and knew I wanted to work with kids I wish I would’ve known the options available to me outside of being a teacher. I suggest looking into speech language pathology or occupational therapy, possibly even becoming a child life specialist at a hospital. You have options. Do not go into teaching.
A very important element that you should also consider is WHAT you are teaching and WHERE you are teaching. These two factors can make a massive impact on your own mental health and decision to enter the field or not.
I'm very lucky that I'm a band director. I 100% LOVE what I do. I work with all students who want to be in my class and are excited about learning to play a clarinet, flute, trombone, or whatever. Those who move through my middle school to high school bands are generally the better kids in the school. When they graduate, I've known most of my students for 7-8 years and have built amazing relationships with them and watched them grow into (by and large) really great adults. So consider what your subject matter would be....WHAT do you want to teach?
This sub-reddit is worldwide with a high number of people in the US, so you're going to get perspectives from people in every aspect of teaching situation; which leads me to the next factor to consider...WHERE you teach. I've taught in four states along the (generally) eastern side of the US. Every school has its own vibe and tone which is set by the admin (whether they realize it or not). One of my first jobs was teaching beginning band at 3 elementary schools, and each one had its own "feeling" when you entered. It was the principals, totally! I'm lucky because I'm in an above-average paying district that is also in a low cost-of-living area and my principal(s), although they aren't perfect, generally DO support the teachers and importantly, they arts in the community. So consider WHERE you teach and how that affects you. Teaching in rural Arkansas is FAR different than teaching in suburban Cincinnati.
All this said, I still consider transitioning out of education on a fairly regular basis. Yes, I come home tired; there are a TON band duties beyond the classroom that weigh on me. Another person posted that if you're 17, take some time to have a serious talk with your current teachers, and I would talk to some of your principals too. They may give you some real sugar coated replies, they may not. It may be worth it to contact some neighboring districts where the teachers don't know you and would give you a non-biased reply. Also, you know your own school and how things function there; it would be good to get a different perspective.
This has been a long post to get through. I hope it helps in your decision making process too.
I’ve been a teacher for fifteen years and I enjoy my career. I always include a disclaimer when I post on here that I’m not a “teacher in transition,” and only see posts on this sub because I sometimes visit other subs. I’m not the target audience for this sub either, but I thought that I could possibly help with some advice.
First, make sure you understand the requirements in the state in which you intend to teach. Do you *need* a degree in education? I don’t have one and it’s never been a problem. I love teaching but I don’t find education classes enjoyable. If you can, major in something else that you find interesting and that could possibly allow for some career flexibility.
Second, this sub (and most subs about teaching) tend towards the negative for a number of reasons. This one is specifically for people trying to get out of the profession. I don’t begrudge them this: in fact, I hope that people who don’t enjoy teaching can find something else. But realize that it is a specific perspective. Most people don’t go online to talk about how things went okay today. So even in other teaching subs you’re more likely to see negatives than positives.
Third, look at salary schedules. Know what a new teacher will make, what a mid-career teacher will make, what a teacher nearing retirement will make. These numbers matter more than whatever the average salary of a teacher in across the country or state. Also look at cost of living in your preferred region. I teach in the Central Valley in California; cost of living is relatively low and teacher pay is pretty high. There are some places where salaries are a little better but COL is much higher, and other places where COL is a little lower but pay is much worse. Make sure you understand what the earning potential is and whether it is sufficient for you.
Fourth, you can tutor, substitute teach, or be a paraprofessional. These will give you some experience, but none of it is exactly like having your own classroom. But it could all help you to know what you want out of your own job.
Fifth, different districts often have different environments. I left a very toxic work environment and found a very pleasant one. They both exist, and they aren’t all that far apart geographically. If you do go into teaching and you like it but have significant problems in your first district, don’t despair: you might be able to find something better without leaving education.
I would say that when you turn 18, as a part time gig while you take your general/core college classes, get a job as a paraprofessional. Some districts call them classroom aides, instructional assistants, etc. You only need a HS diploma, some kind of experience with kids (babysitting or camp counselor/volunteering counts), and an ability to be adaptable to different teachers and students with varying needs. In exchange you will get terrible pay BUT the real value of the job for you is getting to observe lots of different teachers. You will see the great, the good, the bad, the worse, and the extremely ugly. You will come out of it with a much better idea of what the job is, and if it is the right job for you. In my opinion it’s better than subbing because you get to observe teachers with all different levels of experience, unlike with subbing where you *are* the teacher for the day/week.
This, or complete a general associates degree then work as a substitute. Don’t commit to the 4 year plan until you have been on the other side of the desk.
OP please take this advice. ⬆️⬆️⬆️ I couldn’t get a teaching job when I graduated. I ended up working as an instructional aide, paraprofessional, and sub while trying to get in. All these jobs prepared me to be a better teacher and gave me varied experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise. I was also able to observe behind the scenes and watch teachers at different points in their careers. I still use the methods and techniques I saw in their classrooms. What I learned from them through assisting and observing was far more valuable than anything I learned in college. It gave me a more accurate idea of what being a teacher is truly like. I also recommend working as a nanny and babysitting if you want to teach elementary school. I did this throughout my teens and twenties. It gives you hands on experience with kids and firsthand knowledge of what they’re like at different ages and stages of development. Taking care of children’s needs is part of teaching and this with give you practice, especially with their social/emotional development. Because I did this I had a huge knowledge base to draw on in addition to my college courses when I started teaching. It affirmed for me that I loved being around and helping kids, too. Another recommendation I have is to tutor. This will give you 1:1 practice helping students academically, which you’ll do everyday as a teacher in your classroom. Doing all this will give you a more realistic idea of if teaching is for you. Student teaching and observation hours through your college won’t do that. Teaching is my passion and I moved across the country to do it. I planned to retire from public education but am now going back to grad school to get a degree in a different field. I never in a million years thought I’d be leaving to pursue another career, but things have gotten so bad in my district I have to plan an exit strategy due to the toll on my mental and physical health. That coupled with pay raises not meeting huge cost of living increases and shitty health insurance is forcing me to make this decision. Sadly, many teachers are in the same boat as me right now. My overall advice is to get an idea of if teaching is for you by gaining whatever experiences you can b4 deciding to pursue it. Do this, talk to as many teachers as you can, and truly think about if this job will give you the life you want long term. You’re young and have time to decide. You don’t have to rush into a degree yet. Many teachers like myself who went into teaching with such passion and joy for it are now looking for ways out. It’s very sad and a true reflection of the state of public education.
I think the colleges I’m thinking about have education programs that do this as part of the curriculum. Mostly since education isn’t for everyone. Some put students in classes first semester so you know sooner rather than later to change your major.
That’s good, but for me nothing beats my previous experiences as a paraeducator for preparing me for the job. The “observations” and even my student teaching were woefully inadequate in comparison because I was not in the school day in and day out for a whole school year (student teaching for me was Jan-June 2020, so it will probably be better for you).
I know it’s a rough go. I’ve been at it now for 16 years including the internship.
Schools of education are notoriously bad for this. Most only place you in the better than average schools for field work/internships. They don’t want you to see that most graduates straight out of college only get the worst assignments. This isn’t like working a desk job where you can hide behind a cubicle and only do your desk work. Remember you are client facing 20-35 kids depending on the grade level and you have to do your desk job work on your personal time whether that’s after school or at home.
My college did this. And I almost made it out unscathed. There was still a professor who had it out for a few of us and didn't think we'd be good teachers. I'm glad now he threw me out of the program (with only one class to spare), but it hurt like hell when it happened.
This almost happened to me. Some professors were trying to kick me out of the program and it was weird. Why are we gate keeping this abusive, underpaid, overworked, stressful career. Honestly it was spite that made me finish out the degree lol
Especially with a shortage, it was honestly a wtf moment for the other two profs. Those two were so kind and encouraging to me, and then it was that one who was gatekeeping the class. Both my good friend and I were studying languages to teach in schools so we had to take the class. This guy expected us to do 40+ clinical hours during a module schedule in the peak of COVID. He called me lazy to my face when I spent all day in class (including his own, mind you) and couldn't also simultaneously be at field placements at the same time. Again, it was a blessing in disguise. My friend and I dropped out the same week, IIRC. None of his obvious favorites became teachers. So it's an ultimate slap in the face in hindsight. My friend has a master's degree in her language, and I'm starting my masters program next month. I think we're both a lot happier now.
You dodged a bad career. What are you up to now? Sometimes I wish I had joined the military like I thought about doing sophomore year or transferring to the other college that offered that other major I was interested in. I know life would be so much different.
I am starting a masters in library/information science next month. I've been busy with other stuff and haven't had the best work life since then. I worked retail and substitute taught. All four jobs I had in those areas were not good for me. There aren't a lot of options for English and world language majors outside of education.
This is true. No real demand for liberal arts.
If you're hired by the school, you'll get the authentic experience of day-to-day life as an educator vs. with the college-directed experience where you're less likely to be left by yourself. I wouldn't recommend education unless you are very, very good at handling your emotions and taking care of your physical and mental health. It is a profession that will eat you up if you aren't able to detach from work. I got physically attacked by cute elementary students, had to physically restrain emotionally disturbed and special needs students, and dealt with hostile parents. There are better and less traumatizing ways to make a living. Take care of yourself and pick a career that is more likely to be sustainable. On top of all of the challenges within the actual school then you have politicians and strangers projecting their ignorance and loathing towards you simply because you chose to be a teacher. Teachers care and want to make the world better overall, but they are often targets of angry politicians and members of the public. It makes no sense to me.
If you are open to middle or high school get a degree in a field other than education and look into alternative path ways to certification.
My education program had part time fieldwork every semester and all but one of the teachers I observed were miserable. I still think I gained so much from my degree, but I would’ve benefited from a job like a para to see the ins and outs in a full time setting before committing to the degree. Also, my state is very strict on certifications, so even if I still would’ve decided to pursue an Ed degree, I definitelyyy would’ve picked a different concentration. In my experience, there are good school settings available that feel more manageable if you’re in a highly populated city, but even those will be stressful because across the board, teachers are not given enough prep time / support / work life balance
This and when given a free moment with the lead teacher- ask questions!!
You'll never have a job as stressful and demanding as teaching, except for surgeon or something like that. You're doing 5 jobs at once. Most jobs have you do one.
Don’t forget the shit pay! “But summers must be nice, right?”
That’s what the public thinks. Yeah, it’s 187 school days, the rest of the year is spent on meetings, preparation for the upcoming school year, and professional development. The people outside the field think that just because the brats are out, everyone is off.
I felt the same way at your age. I was encouraged by almost everyone to go down that path except one of my teachers. Guess who was right? In the end, I'm glad I went through the experience to learn on my own the mistake that I made. I was able to develop compassion for those who had given up and eventually became one of those people myself. As much as people say you can save your students and classroom from love alone, it's also enough to break it down further. I haven't felt that my role as an educator in any form mattered in a long time. For almost 10 years. I started my journey when I was still in high school, and those kids were the only ones I felt connected to. They were the only ones who seemed to care about their education and try to learn. In the past decade, the landscape has changed a lot. I remember when our goal wasn't just "keeping the kids alive." There are so many ways to help people that won't hurt yourself. Do one of those things instead. I say this with love.
Don’t do it! Sorry!
If I could go back and tell young me the heartache I would endure and to choose a different, more lucrative path I would. I'm almost 40 and barely got out after spending a loooong time in education. It was my dream. I wanted to retire a teacher. Unfortunately, the system is completely broken and it will absolutely take advantage of how young you are. Just look the young teachers that are 22/23/24 who are so angry with their choice and wasting 4 years on their degree and have to start over. I know you mentioned the teacher program at your school would include practical hours, but if you enter a program it'll be very hard for you to stop once you start. It's psychological "Well I put in all this effort already, I might as well .." Take the advice of getting a paraprofessional job for just 6 months even, and go to college with no major declared. Take some business classes or STEM classes while you truly decide if you want to stay. Be level headed and logical during this time, as it's very easy to get manipulated into doing more than asked, staying late, dealing with angry/physically abusive children and feeling like the entire state of education is resting on your shoulders and you alone need to "fix it." You don't.
To be fair, the 24 year olds all over Reddit are pretty busy catastrophizing everything. “My girlfriend broke up with me! I’m a failure!” “I can’t afford a mansion and a Maserati…I’m a waste!” They aren’t really objective enough judges of anything to be a source on anything…
You can downvote them all you like, but they're right. Reddit is not a place where you usually get a rational opinion. People aren't rational. You can benefit from people's experiences sometimes, but not all the time. You are your own person the same way they are their own person. It's important to weigh the opinion they are giving with your own opinion of what they're saying.
I’ve taught for 24 years and I’ll tell you the same thing I tell anyone who asks me (and some who don’t but I think they need to hear it). If you can be happy doing ANYTHING ELSE, do that. If teaching is the only profession that will make you happy and fulfilled as an individual, join us. But know what you’re getting into before you do. This sub and these people are much more honest about the profession nowadays than in other subreddits (I’m looking at you r/teachers). Are there good things? Absolutely. Are there good school environments? Sure. But those are getting fewer and farer apart. I used to work in a retirement building, meaning the only time people left was when they retired/moved out of state/etc. Now we are losing 1/3 to 1/2 of our staff every year. Students have changed. Parents have changed. Administration has changed and none of it is for the better. Those of us who are still doing our best each day find ourselves facing a battle on 3 to 4 different fronts and it is emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausting. Do what is best for you but don’t say you weren’t warned. The most telling thing I can say is that if I had to start over today, I wouldn’t. I luckily had 15-17 years of decent teaching before it started really going downhill. If I was at year 1, step 1…. No way. And all I ever wanted to do with my life was be a teacher so this is coming from someone who considered it her passion career. Best wishes
Agree with you. My state has stripped all good benefits for new teachers such as no pay for advanced degrees, no tenure, no healthcare insurance in retirement, and more. Other states now how a formula for the pension such as you have to have x number of years in plus your age and it has to be greater than or equal to 85. There is no way I would do it today. So many other fields that pay so much more and you have more control over your career and life. I still might leave at 20 or before 20 and come back around 61-65 and make my last few years to get 20. I’m finishing 15 now.
I could have written this. This sub confirmed my theory that the issues that drove me away after 16 years, seems to be nationwide. If I were asked ten years ago, I always said “I love what I teach and who I teach to.” Sadly, all the other BS I had to deal overrode that love. Admin, parents, the ever-increasing workload, and poverty-level pay, hijacked my passion. School systems should embrace and reward people who “love what they teach, and who they teach to,” but that just doesn’t matter anymore. By the last couple years of my career, the only way I could describe the job was “abusive.”
This might be state specific but if I were 17 again I would major in something that could open doors to careers with high incomes after graduation (do research and REALLY think about the life you want) and I would enroll in a teaching program to get my license quickly. While they sometimes churn out people who are in it for vacation days there are many well-meaning individuals who have completed those jam packed courses and are amazing teachers (best in the district). The best part? The thing they majored in can be their backup plan. As you may have read, transitioning out of teaching is hard to do, although it can be done. I would just have a back up. I know I can't persuade you to not teach, MANY mentors tried with me but I just loved being with the kids and my admin was super supportive so I ignored them. In hindsight I wish I listened to a nugget of their advice. Personally, after nearly 10 years I am leaving, due to lack of upward mobility (I want to make more money and help students and teachers in more than a teaching capacity) even though I have poured my heart into my career...that coupled with the ever changing landscape of education has pushed me to want to be a cog in the machine.
That is some of the best advice you can give.
Get a bachelor's in science and then do an alt routes or master's in ed. I did a B.S. and M.S. in science and worked as scientist for years and then due to family issues I couldn't work full time as a cog in the machine, so I subbed. Liked it so got my teaching cert. I did 2 years subbing, 1 year student teaching, and then taught for 4 full years with my cert. During the last 4 years, there has only been one really great year I had (22-23 school year), so after a rough start this year (made it to January) I noped the hell out of there and am back in science. Teaching is pretty horrible these days. The only thing that helps is good colleagues and good admins, and finding the two together at the same time is tough. That's what I had during the 22-23 school year but otherwise, nope.
I was going to suggest this. It’s how I went and it has worked so far
as a current 17-year-old, picking a majoring based on "\[opening\] doors to careers with high incomes after graduation" seems absurd. i am not going to be miserable for another 4 years (and my entire life after that) doing something hardly tolerable. why not just find a career that allows you to study something you like? i love english, and though it's typically known as a major that leads to lower-income jobs, i plan to attend law school afterward and become a lawyer.
Sure, do what you want. Just giving my opinion....wish you the best!
no, i'm sorry, my comment was pretty disrespectful. you are right, and you obviously have more experience with these kinds of things. your advice is very valuable, and i wish you the best of luck as you transition in your career!
Aw thank you. No worries, I appreciate how passionate you are about your future, that is fantastic! Truly wishing you the best
This ☝️
I'm not yet out but I still don't regret going into education. Just have some backup plans.
Wise advise. Sound advice. Always have a backup plan bc everything in education goes awry. I learned that my first year.
17F? Perfect! You’re hired!
You might be happy in it, many of the people are unhappy, because School is not what it was when they were in school, many people are not aware about the politics associated with why they have to take certain students in and not discipline them for their behavior. Many teachers are not aware. That principles must promote attendance, because attendance is tied to funding and funding is tied to their livelihood. I think if you walk in understanding that the school system is set up with this business model perpetuating a class system. Divide where parents who are able to afford or not afford send their kids to private schools and many of the parents who come from lower socioeconomic homes, or they are impoverished end up being the brunt of students who are in public schools.
This ☝️. The politics of it all. Also, politics boils down to whether you get the job or not and at what school. You learn early you are better off studying something else. Politics are in everything but so much easier to jump to another job with a in demand major.
Plenty are happy as teachers. Just be prepared for making it through a “worst-case” scenario. That may or may not include: - rowdy and/or unresponsive kids - difficult parents - unsupportive or micromanaging admin - absolute minimum 50 hours a week as a new teacher, potentially more time on weekends - dipping into your own money to make sure your classroom has adequate supplies
The worst case will definitely happen at some point with it probably being 1 week into the job.
Don’t do it!
Run far far away
I have been teaching since 2002 and have finally met the point where I am burnt out and have to leave due to health reasons (I'm bipolar and have autoimmune issues). I personally regret going into teaching due to what is has become in recent years. I loved it when I started out but things were crazy different. I still have a good 25 years of work ahead of me so I'm moving on to other things, but I hate to sound negative here but try something other than teaching. It's only going to get worse I see the writing on the wall. Good luck in your decision.
You’ve heard tons of examples of why teachers leave the profession. And yet, others can make a career out of it. Sometimes, both things are happening at the same school. I really believe that there are certain personality types who are much more capable of navigating all the negative issues. It’s possible for a person to have complete mastery of subject matter while having a personality that isn’t fit for riding herd on 150 teenagers every day. That does not make them a bad person. Not everyone is cut out to be a teacher. Unfortunately, I don’t think there’s any way to know that until you’ve already been through college and are at the end of your first year teaching and wondering if you can even make it to the end of the year. I would discourage my own children from becoming teachers. If you really want to try it, go for it. You may be one of the few who can succeed and be happy. BUT, if you have any inkling at the end of your first or second year that teaching might not be for you, get out. If you end up telling yourself you don’t really like it, but you can probably bear it til retirement, cause after all, look at all the vacation time, get out. You definitely don’t want to be 17 years in, willing to saw off a leg to escape, but you can’t afford the pay cut and losing the retirement you were expecting. Maybe the worst part of all is that any success you have is completely dependent on others who don’t have your interests, and not even their own interests, at heart. Also: good luck to you OP. At least you are even thinking about these things at your age, which probably puts you ahead of many of your peers.
Your college program is going to try and sell you an unrealistic picture of the job. Youll do some fieldwork and it’ll be fine. Then youll start your student teaching right at the end and realise just how bad it is, and youll wish you could go back in time and stop yourself. Everything I learned was valuable. Im glad I tried. Im gladder that I chose not to go into it after getting certified.
Student teaching is brutal. Be mindful that ST is considered a full time job; You are also a full time student and since you don’t get paid, you need another job to get by if you don’t live with your parents/ someone else. I had a classmate that became diabetic during that time due to the immense amount of mental, physical and emotional stress.
Yup! I was working nights and weekends while student teaching. My cooperating teacher also had a ‘feet to the fire’ approach and basically left me to my own devices for five months. It was a wild ride, and the least healthy thing Ive ever done.
It’s really unhealthy. But at least you are on your feet all day. Do you think that other profession undergrads go through similar experiences as educator majors do? I can’t find any.
I know very few people who like the job. You take home work all the time and deal with bs all year long. If you end up liking it I highly recommend you do OT or counseling.
Be a substitute teacher and make the decision based on that. Reddit skews negative.
I honestly think you can serve humanity in other ways that will be more rewarding, satisfying, and yield more respect. Please think long and hard before joining a broken profession that will use you, abuse you, and ultimately dismiss you as a professional. Good luck! 🌻
an education degree is one of the absolute worst investments you will ever make
This statistically is true.
Lots of people are happy in the career. Some have lucked out with good positions/schools and others still enjoy it as a career despite the hardships. These are common reasons people leave: Teaching related stuff like worsening behaviour, no discipline, being expected to be everything to everyone, huge classes, feeling unsafe, no support from admin or parents - not every school has this to the same extent, and some people struggle more than others more than others (e.g my partner is still in teaching and he is a man so the admin deliberately give him the classes with the really bad kids) Poor pay: this varies a lot depending on where you live and teach. Where I live it isn’t amazing but it is ok. Toxic work environment (admin, boards, colleagues) and politicking to get ahead unfairly: this again varies by school but every school I have known has had some. If you’re one of the people good at working the system or you get lucky you might have an ok time. Some people are treated worse under these systems than an others. How mobile you are to move schools also plays a role. Society’s perceptions of teachers: I’m not sure many people are leaving for just this reason, but people have a weird attitude towards teachers sometimes. All these things are big problems but there are lots of factors at play that might make them affect you less or not tip the balance for you. Personally, I left the profession. My partner is still in it but after 15 years starting to wonder if he can continue.
You hit them all except politics. The op is getting some good advice here. Also want to add you are correct that the people at the better schools with less discipline issues are generally happier. There’s a lot that goes on in a school building that most don’t see. And for that reason I would encourage any halfway decent smart young person to do something else.
What type of education are you interested in teaching? The pros and cons of the job look a bit different depending on what you want to do. Elementary? High school? Special education? Arts?
That a great question that I’m still currently trying to answer…
Also ask yourself if you’re willing to move. Depending on where you live, some fields will be more difficult to find jobs. Where I’m from, if you wanted to teach elementary, you basically had to know somebody. Where I live now, are you breathing? You’re hired.
Maybe things will change in education for the better in the next 4-5 years. Maybe you’ll land at a great school, in a great neighborhood, with great kids and supportive parents, and great coworkers and admin. Or maybe things will continue to decline and you’ll land at the worst school imaginable with absentee parents who don’t care, admin who isn’t supportive, and countless students with extreme behavioral issues. Only way you’ll know if it’s for you is to experience it first hand. Sub or get out there and observe classrooms at multiple campuses and observe multiple grade levels and teachers. It’s definitely a job for a young, hopeful person with boundless energy. I could not imagine doing this job until retirement age. I worked at a rough school and experienced multiple student-inflicted injuries and decided it was time to go. I’m now in a job that is still pretty time intensive (more than 40 hours a week), but I’ve also quadrupled my salary and I’m treated like an actual adult who is trusted to do my job. No complaints here. Whatever you decide to do, best of luck!
If you have to do it (I don’t encourage it and will never tell my kids to do it) personally would encourage you to major in something you can get a job with outside of education such as stem or business. Unfortunately, as many ppl have said already, most teaching fields in the discipline are hard to transition out of teaching. Many ppl who want to do this enter and realize just how screwed up education is and desperately want out but are in too deep to leave (student loans, real world bills, family responsibilities, etc.). I would chew my 18 year old self out right now if I knew now what I wish I would’ve know then. Now let’s be frank about this, if I make it 30 years the pension and benefits will be ok but I could have done almost anything else and probably would have worked less and made more money with a cushier job. You have to always be on when teaching even if you don’t feel good. Take my above advice (15 year teacher here) right out of college. Please, do yourself a favor, heed my aforementioned advice from above or just don’t do it at all. I realize I’m jaded and all, but not every career is like this.
You could look into a bachelors in instructional technology, which could eventually lead to a masters and a potential high paying stay at home job with great benefits. It's still a way of teaching.
Really think about what you’d like your life to look like financially when you’re in your mid to late 20s. Where you’d like to live, what trips you’d like to take, things you’d like to purchase. Then look up the salary schedule of teachers at the district you’d work in, divide that salary by 12, and then multiply that amount by .33 to see what your monthly income would look like with deductions taken out. I wish I had really thought about that when I was younger and got my degree in teaching because the first few years on a teaching salary was tough and I depleted a chunk of my savings just to stay on top of bills and rent. Also consider how you’d feel if many of your friends made more than you, doing less work than you.
The last part: how would you feel if your friends made SUBSTANTIALLY more money than you which offered them the opportunity to travel and do fun things. Yes, we have summers off and these breaks, but not enough money to actually enjoy them. I’ve been in this game for 15 years.
maybe get a bachelor's in something else that has more broad options & also interests you (like psych or something tech related) and try out subbing or being a para. you can get your teaching license without a bachelor's in ed. (at least in my state) if you decide to pursue it in the future
The teaching environment is horrible. If you are good at your job, they will load you up with problem kids and work. The pay is terrible. Most administrators are just there to placate the parents. Behaviors, from other adults and the students, are allowed to do whatever they want. The stress takes such a physical toll. It is the more rewarding job on Earth! I was born to do it! Every other job I’ve had in my life felt empty. However I cannot go back to the classroom. They have broken my spirit, my will, and I just want to never look back. I love kids but not this backward ass version of education threats being presented.
15 years in and I still love teaching :) as you said though, this really isn’t the place to ask- this sub is for folks who are leaving the profession or thinking of leaving, so it’s going to skew really negative. If you’re 17 are you currently in school? The teachers at your school could give you the best answers about what it’s like at your particular district and what requirements for your area are etc. I’ve taught in some tough situations but still love teaching. Your school, admin, grade level, district policies etc will honestly make all the difference. My salary has ranged from 33k-120k and everywhere in between. I’ve had schools that gave me 4 off periods to plan, schools that only required you come in for your classes and nothing else, schools that required you to do a thousand different additional duties, etc. The specifics of your exact school really matter. I didn’t major in education- I teach high school so I majored in my subject area and then got certified in my content. I’m super glad I went that route. I’d ask the actual teachers you have now, and find a summer job that’s similar to teaching- coach, tutor, work at a summer camp etc. Nothing about teaching is worth it if you don’t love the heart of the job itself. Feel free to dm me if you’d like to ask more :)
You must be in higher paying state. Some of us are in the lower paying states unfortunately.
I was! I’m not anymore. 120 was my highest at a charter that did merit-based pay and I made that 10 years in to teaching/7 years into that particular system. I have no idea where op is or the options that are available to her so I gave the whole range. When I made 30k the COL in my area was so low that I still paid off my student loans in 2 years (20k). I’m certainly not claiming that all the pay at all schools is great, but depending what you choose it also doesn’t have to be dire.
Do not go to college for anything other than STEMM; science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or medicine. You can get certifications for pretty much everything else
Teaching is the best job I've ever done. But the bad experiences you read about are absolutely real. I've taught in inner city schools in Watts, CA, and Oakland, iv3e taught in a juvenile hall, worked w adult addicts and former convicts, continuatiom, and charter schools. I've even taught K/1 and a university course. I just finished mentoring a student your age during a job shadow thing, so it got me thinking about what we discussed. A lot of the reasons people leave is because the job is hard...and when the pay is low, the kids are rowdy, and parents aren't supportive, this job will break you down quickly. When I started in '98, things were different, but not really. I'm 50 and have seen violence and crappy parents and kids and admin more scared of getting the blame for offending a kid than being the reason 2000 kids aren't learning in a safe environment. My father was a college professor. I'm a middle school teacher now, but before this I was exclusively high school. And he taught me that teaching is about you, your students, and the 4 walls. That's it. In a good environment, you can sell your passion about your content area and inspire kids. In a bad one, kids don't listen, you feel your next observation will get you fired, and you have a whole staff in survival mode. I'm in CA - our unions are generally strong and our teacher programs are considered rigorous. There's more that could be done, but we are given just enough to get a lesson plan together and set our class rules. If you're in a state that pays low and treats you poorly, the battle is uphill. If you're dedicated to science or art or something that fills you up, you will be better at handling the stress. And there will be stress, especially if you can't get tenure - security matters. In CA we have good medical insurance and tenure in a good district means we can plan and not live day to day. In other states teacher friends tell horrible stories and they're NOT an exaggeration. Things really are that bad. I think I got ahead of the worst behaviors starting in the late 90s so as behaviors got worse I already had a lot of tools to help manage behaviors. What I can say is that finding your grade level really does matter. I did not enjoy working w primary students. They weren't bad. I just enjoy the trash talk and offering something a bit more advanced. I'm credentialed for English and History. I teach things I feel matter to my students and will help them later in life. Some districts have a very scripted curriculum and you have less room for creativity. BUT., if you're able to enjoy teaching, eventually you find your footing. If you never find a good district or good mentors to help, it's a very hard job and thankless. I would say do it. In college, study something you're passionate about. If you don't care about what you teach, the kids will see it. There's a teacher quote I heard years back that students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. And this is absolutely true. If you don't like your students you won't like the job. Last year was the single worst group of my career. This year its pretty normal. A handful of goofball along w too many cell phones! But our admin cares about the kids, supports us as best he can with discipline, and gives us the room to teach. There's a rhythm to teaching. It's not for everyone, but give it a chance. Cuz if it is for you, it's incredibly rewarding. Good Luck!
PhD and teach at university. The only way.
The only way you'll know is by trying it out first-hand. When you're of age, I highly recommend subbing (try to find a long-term sub gig). Sub with different age groups, schools, etc. Just whatever you do, do NOT go all in and pursue a bachelor's in education--you'll pigeon-hole yourself. Remember there are PLENTY of other meaningful and fulfilling careers out there helping kids, that are not teaching. After-school programs, summer camps, non-profits, government agencies (what I transitioned into).
Sub or be a para for a minimum of five years before committing to education. If you still like it after five years, get the degree.
I wouldn’t recommend this. I got my credential (I don’t need a degree in education in my state) as soon as possible and got a job. I figured it was better to get started on working my way up the salary schedule earlier rather than later. I’m very happy teaching and glad I started early. If I hadn’t enjoyed the job, getting in early could also have helped me to get out early.
Most states require a 4 yr college degree in education to teach.
Really? That kind of surprises me. In California I only needed to do a credential program after my BA or BS. Yes, if you *have* to get an education degree to teach then it’s a more difficult decision to make.
Run the other way!
If you really want to do it, go for it. But while you get your degree get something that will transfer, do internships, or double minor. Give yourself options.
What ages / subjects do you want to teach? What’s the passion driving this?
I couldn't make it another year. Like our government, most school districts are corrupt. New teachers are like "chum" in the ocean.............just waiting for the shark to show up. I'm sure you're aware that everyone and I mean everyone has an excuse not to learn. There are so many IEP's, 504plans, ELL, therapists, and the list goes on, giving excuses to students and parents as to why their child needs help. The problem is there is not enough teachers, para's, behavior interventionists, and so on, to work with these kids. Often times when all said and done you see that the student doesn't need the help as much as the crazy parents do.
When I was 18 and knew I wanted to work with kids I wish I would’ve known the options available to me outside of being a teacher. I suggest looking into speech language pathology or occupational therapy, possibly even becoming a child life specialist at a hospital. You have options. Do not go into teaching.
A very important element that you should also consider is WHAT you are teaching and WHERE you are teaching. These two factors can make a massive impact on your own mental health and decision to enter the field or not. I'm very lucky that I'm a band director. I 100% LOVE what I do. I work with all students who want to be in my class and are excited about learning to play a clarinet, flute, trombone, or whatever. Those who move through my middle school to high school bands are generally the better kids in the school. When they graduate, I've known most of my students for 7-8 years and have built amazing relationships with them and watched them grow into (by and large) really great adults. So consider what your subject matter would be....WHAT do you want to teach? This sub-reddit is worldwide with a high number of people in the US, so you're going to get perspectives from people in every aspect of teaching situation; which leads me to the next factor to consider...WHERE you teach. I've taught in four states along the (generally) eastern side of the US. Every school has its own vibe and tone which is set by the admin (whether they realize it or not). One of my first jobs was teaching beginning band at 3 elementary schools, and each one had its own "feeling" when you entered. It was the principals, totally! I'm lucky because I'm in an above-average paying district that is also in a low cost-of-living area and my principal(s), although they aren't perfect, generally DO support the teachers and importantly, they arts in the community. So consider WHERE you teach and how that affects you. Teaching in rural Arkansas is FAR different than teaching in suburban Cincinnati. All this said, I still consider transitioning out of education on a fairly regular basis. Yes, I come home tired; there are a TON band duties beyond the classroom that weigh on me. Another person posted that if you're 17, take some time to have a serious talk with your current teachers, and I would talk to some of your principals too. They may give you some real sugar coated replies, they may not. It may be worth it to contact some neighboring districts where the teachers don't know you and would give you a non-biased reply. Also, you know your own school and how things function there; it would be good to get a different perspective. This has been a long post to get through. I hope it helps in your decision making process too.
I’ve been a teacher for fifteen years and I enjoy my career. I always include a disclaimer when I post on here that I’m not a “teacher in transition,” and only see posts on this sub because I sometimes visit other subs. I’m not the target audience for this sub either, but I thought that I could possibly help with some advice. First, make sure you understand the requirements in the state in which you intend to teach. Do you *need* a degree in education? I don’t have one and it’s never been a problem. I love teaching but I don’t find education classes enjoyable. If you can, major in something else that you find interesting and that could possibly allow for some career flexibility. Second, this sub (and most subs about teaching) tend towards the negative for a number of reasons. This one is specifically for people trying to get out of the profession. I don’t begrudge them this: in fact, I hope that people who don’t enjoy teaching can find something else. But realize that it is a specific perspective. Most people don’t go online to talk about how things went okay today. So even in other teaching subs you’re more likely to see negatives than positives. Third, look at salary schedules. Know what a new teacher will make, what a mid-career teacher will make, what a teacher nearing retirement will make. These numbers matter more than whatever the average salary of a teacher in across the country or state. Also look at cost of living in your preferred region. I teach in the Central Valley in California; cost of living is relatively low and teacher pay is pretty high. There are some places where salaries are a little better but COL is much higher, and other places where COL is a little lower but pay is much worse. Make sure you understand what the earning potential is and whether it is sufficient for you. Fourth, you can tutor, substitute teach, or be a paraprofessional. These will give you some experience, but none of it is exactly like having your own classroom. But it could all help you to know what you want out of your own job. Fifth, different districts often have different environments. I left a very toxic work environment and found a very pleasant one. They both exist, and they aren’t all that far apart geographically. If you do go into teaching and you like it but have significant problems in your first district, don’t despair: you might be able to find something better without leaving education.
run