I Am Thinking About Being A High School Teacher. Should I Find A New Career Goal?
February 15, 2010 – 10:53 pmI was going to school to study physical therapy, but my grades are already low and if I continue on and doing the science curriculum, I will be on academic probation for YEARS…lol. My “plan b” for my area of study is secondary education. I know that they dont make alot of money however, I can do other things to help make money. I want to be a teacher for many reasons: there arent that many African American Teachers and there is a big neccessity for them. Is being a teacher worth it?
Tags: About, Being, Career, Find, Goal, High, School, Should, Teacher, Thinking
8 Responses to “I Am Thinking About Being A High School Teacher. Should I Find A New Career Goal?”
I am a high school teacher, and despite the challenges and the busyness, I love almost every minute of it. Contrary to what a lot of people think, it is not a job that ends when the bell rings. There is always work to be done, and the hard part is knowing when to stop. As an African-American, you could bring so much more to the job in the form of role modelling for young African-American kids. My experience is that kids who are part of minority groups need to see adults like themselves holding worthwhile, respectable positions in society. My understanding is that teachers in the U.S. are highly underpaid, so don’t do it for money. You’ve got to want to do it. Good luck with your decision.
By grammarh on Feb 15, 2010
no,being a school teacher is very stressful and if you have kids don’t even think about talking to them if you are a school teacher, stick to physical therapy!
By Anna W on Feb 16, 2010
Being a teacher is definitely worth it if it is your passion, but just filling a void is not a good enough reason. You need to really sit down and think about this. Furthermore, depending on your school district, there may be a significant amount of African American teachers. If you can’t buckle down and study hard, you won’t make it. The teacher education path is very demanding, so you need to think about whether you are dedicated enough. Our children deserve hardworking, educated teachers.
By Maria on Feb 16, 2010
my time as a high school teacher was well spent… I loved the kids and teaching them… if money is a concern look enlsewhere, although the pay is on the rise… look to work at high poverty schools/ impacted schools with initiatives.. work towards your masters off the bat, and then after three years of teaching kick out your national board. In my area those two add a nice 22% increase in pay… do what you love and you’ll find the money…
By tomi2741 on Feb 16, 2010
I’m about to complete my first year teaching elementary music. I’m at a school with a lot of poverty. It’s been tough, and it’s been great…all at once.
I’m 25, and even since I was in school things have DRASTICALLY changed.
You’re right, the money isn’t great..but I plan on going back to my old job this summer to supplement my income. It’s also nice having holidays off and a summer break, etc, etc.
Someone else here said to go for your masters right away, and I disagree. It’s sometimes harder to get hired b/c you will be “overqualified” and although quality teachers should be important, a lot of schools are looking for cheaper hires (like first year teachers). Some schools will help pay for your masters, so I would wait that out. National cert is a great way to go…but a pain in the ***.
If your heart is in it, go for it and good luck!!
By Jen due December 09 on Feb 16, 2010
Teaching wasn’t my first career choice, but I have been doing it for almost 20 years and I love it. You can teach if you have a family; you just have to find a balance. What concerns me is that it’s your “fall back” if you can’t cut it as a PT. That isn’t what education needs, and that won’t get you through the rough patches. If you have coached or tutored and love it, go ahead. Otherwise, you may be very disillusioned and become one of the many teachers that quit during their first five years.
By emenbens on Feb 16, 2010
If you are doing poorly in PT you may want to REALLY rethink teaching. My husband is becoming a teacher and it is alot of hard work and takes a tons of dedication. I am helping him alot and it is still tough.
I wish you the best of luck but think long and hard before you leap.
By wicked wench on Feb 16, 2010
In my opinion, yes. I am a high school teacher and have been for 12 years. You don’t make a lot of money but it is a great job that I truly enjoy. There is indeed a need for African American teachers as well as other educators ethnic groups to help students get a well-rounded view of the world and to learn about other cultures. Best of luck. You sound like you’re well on your way.
By oslomodo on Feb 17, 2010