I am thinking about going back to school to be a teacher (probably elementary), but I am still undecided. I obtained my Bachelors in Business and am totally unfulfilled, hate the corporate world, and am beginning to become depressed. Can someone give me some pointers? I am thinking about going back for my Masters since I already have a bachelors, but don't know if I can afford to pay it all? PLEASE HELP!
2006-06-06 08:26:51 · 8 answers · asked by Jenn B 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Primary & Secondary Education
before you make any commitments, call up an old teacher you respect and trust, and ask them too go out for lunch. talk to them about why you want to make the career change, ask them questions about the pros and cons of their job, and ask them for advice on the best way to go from your currnt job to that of a teacher (ie: going back to school vs getting certified elsewhere etc).
your depression is probably not rooted in your job. the job probably aggravates the depression, but the source is probably something else. if you are looking for happiness, you need to address the issues at the heart of your life. no job change will heal them.
2006-06-06 08:34:04 · answer #1 · answered by creative_erin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a lot of good advice posted already, but here are a few more options.
To help you decide: Some schools allow guests/ speacial speakers in the classroom. Perhaps you could talk to a local school. Tell them you are interested in teaching and would like to speak with a buisness (or other related subject) teacher. S/he may allow you come in and observe the class or teach a session. Another option is find and organization Like Jr. Achievement, that goes into the schools and does units on buisiness. They may welcome the "real world" exposure for their students. You will use your current skills and career to get your feet wet a little and see if you like education enough to change careers.
Some states (I believe Florida is one) has a program designed specifically to get working professionals in the classroom as teachers. I don't know all the details, but you could do some research to see whats out there.
An option someone else wrote for another question is to combine the areas - Be a presenter for business related workshops.
If you are wanting to completely leave the business world behind, Teaching is a wonderful field. Like the others have said, its hard. You're not going to be rich, but it is very rewarding.
2006-06-06 12:54:10 · answer #2 · answered by justmyopinion 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are some programs that will get you teacher training without an additional degree if you alread have a bachelor's degree.
I highly recommend doing an actual certification and training program before you get a job. Try calling the school of education at a university in your state to find out what the requirements are and what kinds of programs they offer to help students fulfill those. Also ask about financial aid. Some districts will hire you on a provisional certification and have you take classes in teaching while you are already teaching. Often teachers who are still working towards their credentials get placed in difficult assignments, like schools with high crime or high dropout rates. This is great, but you should be aware that it will be tough! I would not skip student teaching and the long credential process, as my student teaching experience helped me so much!
Another way to find out what is required in your state is to search for educator certification on the internet. Look for your state's board of education website.
You should also know that teaching is hard - especially the first couple of years, so make sure you are really up for the challenge. It is super rewarding if you are! Also, teachers who have taught for fewer than five years have a much higher attrition rate than those who have taught five years or more. I think this means that if you give up early, you're likely to be missing out on something you will love doing later on as you get more used to it.
It's definitely way better for me than some businessy desk job. I love that every day is different and you can actually see the rewarding human element of what you are doing.
Above all, if you decide you want to do this, get training through a university or your state and READ, READ, READ! I highly recommend the book THE FIRST DAYS OF SCHOOL by Harry Wong. Visit Amazon.com or another bookstore and get lots of books on classroom management, discipline, and educational theory. Reading up will help you get an idea of what it is like and will help prepare you. Then be prepared for the unexpected!
A fast-track option is Teach for America. If you don't mind getting placed in a tougher assignment, like a rural or urban school, they are a wonderful way to get into education and get good training. It's not feasible for everyone, but it's worth checking out. http://www.teachforamerica.org/flash_movie.html
Good luck and welcome to the wild world of teaching!
2006-06-06 08:43:08 · answer #3 · answered by cucumberlarry1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All i can tell you is teaching is not as easy as a lot of people seem to think it is. Yes you do get the summers off but you will have between 20 to 30 students in your room for 6 to 7 hours a day. They will not listen all the time and chances are they will get you sick from time to time. If with all of that you still want to, here is my advice. Go for the masters that way you can go around all of the core classes you would have to retake. Teaching is very fulfilling minus the colds and viruses and what not, but you can get over them. The smile on a child's face when they master a skill or concept is awesome. It is one of the best feelings you can experience and i say that because i know. You will also have to pass the PRAXIS series of tests which after you pass them you will be certiefied in whichever state you are in. You will need to find out what tests are required as it varies from state to state. Once you get past them it is a lot of fun. Believe me when i say that this is a very rewarding profession. Good luck and god bless.
2006-06-06 08:34:48 · answer #4 · answered by prof56 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. I inform lies to my consumers each time I pass to paintings, infront of my colleagues and with the skills and approval of my boss. If you disapprove you then inform me how one can calm an eighty four yr historical widow who's hysterical approximately getting dwelling for the reason that she had a little one the day gone by and her husband does not understand how to guard it. My reaction to her is that she is staying with us to get better, she may not be any well to the little one if she is going dwelling and collapses and that I've despatched a nurse to support her husband.
2016-09-08 21:30:29 · answer #5 · answered by geddesjr 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some school districts have programs to pay for you to be a student teacher and receive your masters at the same time.
2006-06-06 08:29:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can always try it. There's nothing written saying you have to live with been a teacher -if it doesn't work out either- for the rest of your life.
Remember: it's the trip that matters, cause we are all heading towards the same destination.
Good luck!
2006-06-06 08:33:08 · answer #7 · answered by Haze_ram 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go ahead take a chance...you do know you aren't happy where you are
2006-06-06 08:30:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋