is anyone a teacher?

[Unregistered]

Hello, is anyone out there an elementary or secondary teacher in the US? I'm thinking of making a career switch to teaching, and I'm looking for some honest reviews of the profession.

I would have to get my licensure, although I do have a bachelor's and a master's degree in literature. I am looking to teach in the language arts area.

I have some experience training adults to use various computer systems, and I have enjoyed this aspect of my job. What I don't enjoy about my job is spending most of my time in front of a computer in a cubicle.

So, please post any thoughts or comments you have on this topic.

Thanks!

[eeyore]

I was a teacher last year and I loved it. Yes, it's a hard job to learn to do, but I'm sure the second and every subsequent year after that is easier than the first. I didn't have any credentials and I never thought I would end up being a teacher, but I didn't want to work in a lab the rest of my life so I applied. I had to take the CBEST first, though. And then I applied. It was that simple. No credentials needed, although if you have then they would help you. But California, where I live, is so short on teachers that they are willing to take anyone with a bachelors. And they need all sorts of teachers. The pay was not bad. I started at $38K and your salary increases every year. You get to have your own classroom and it's great. The only thing I didn't like was dealing with some of the parents. That was a challenge, but it may have been just a challenge for me because I'm so sensitive. The other challenge was trying to figure out what curriculum you had to teach, what you should be covering for the SAT 9 teat, and so forth. That was a little stressful, but it all works out in the end. I gave up teaching at the end of June 2001 because I got accepted to grad school. Eveb so, I am still substituting for the same district and sometimes I get to see my kids from last year. It's a very rewarding experience, and if you love kids, this is the place to be. You will meet some extraordinary teachers - I did and I was like, "Wow, how do you do it?" Well, I wish more people were interested in the profession. Good luck ;)

[newbie to NYC]

Hey,

I'm strongly interested in becoming a high school teacher in California. Right now I live in NYC but my long term goal is to move to CA (san Diego) by the summer. The question is how would I begin the process of becoming a teacher for that state (especially since I don't live there yet). All I have now is a BA in psychology. Who should I contact to find out about requirements and what should I do to prepare myself for this.

[TranquilSkye]

newbie i live here in california, try calling the teachers credentialing office at 1-888-921-2682


and for anyone who took the cbest, how was it? what type of stuff does it ask?

[imagine1213]

This is so strange. I have been viewing the various message boards here for a few weeks now. I open up the work message board and this posting is here about becoming a teacher. Call me crazy, but I feel like it's a sign! I have been thinking about teaching on and off for about three years now. I have taken sooo many career tests, went for career counseling. I read the quarterlifecrisis book. It is good to know that I am not the only one who feels this way. I have always enjoyed working with kids. In fact, I volunteered for a few years working with younger children. I majored in accounting in college and that has been my profession for the past five years. I just figured that I would always have a job and make a good living. I have never felt satisfied. I almost feel that if I stay in corporate America, I will be an unfulfilling career. However, I have always been too fearful of making the leap and convinced myself that accounting was for me.

Yesterday, I went to church to remember those who died on 9/11. The priest said something, I can't remember exactly what it was. All I know is, I started to think how so many people on this earth are stuck in jobs they are indifferent about. Actually, most people seem to hate their jobs. I just started thinking, what kind of life is that? I made up my mind this morning to become an elementary school teacher. Quite frankly, I have always liked kids much better then most of the adults I have worked with.

I have to admit that I am nervous, but I think it is worth it. The only thing is, I am in the middle of studying for the CPA exam. All I do is study when I am not at work. I feel quite a bit of regret for actually deciding to do it. Part of me wants to quit, but I don't think my husband would let me. I think he would support me, but be extremely disappointed.

I am sorry to ramble, but I guess I am looking for some advice on the teaching profession, making a career change, how it effects your spouse.

I was so glad to find this message board!

Katie

[squirmy]

Unregistered, if you're still thinking of teaching, what about doing something at the collegiate level? You've already got higher degrees in literature, so that's a good start. Plus, your current experience is built around adults anyway. Although I don't quite teach at that level (community college, to be exact, in academic ESL), it can still be something for later on. Just throwing out another idea for you if the option is still viable.