Advise for the potential high school teacher?

Question

What advice would you offer someone considering a career as a high school teacher?

Answer 1

DO NOT accept ANY late assignments. It's not worth your time to grade them, and it doesn't help the students at all.

Answer 2

The answer to this question depends a lot on where you are in the process. So, I'll cover a few basics.

1) Find out what is required to become certified. Are you starting college now, or do you already have a degree? Will you qualify for a teaching certificate?

2) If you are getting ready to start working, read some things by Harry Wong. His books and online articles will help with classroom management issues.

3) Consider how your teaching career will impact your overall goals for life? Will a teacher's salary allow you to live the lifestyle you want? You won't make enough by to be a Porsche, if that is important to you. But, if you like to travel, you might like the summers off.

4) Consider whether the day-to-day work is a good fit for you. Are you the type of person who likes to move a lot, or hates working with the same people all the time. Remember, teachers typically stay in one school district for most of their careers and often work with many of the same group of colleagues for decades. At the same time, you get a new group of students every year or semester and have some ability to change your teaching subjects, grade levels and schools within districts.

Answer 3

I think teaching high school students is the most rewarding job I could ever have. I love my job and I look forward to work each day. However, it takes someone with a great deal of patience to handle the job.

High school students will push you to the limit of your emotions every day. You must be prepared for this and never lose your "cool." Expect the unexpected. Just when you think your lesson is going really well, someone will fart and the whole room will be lost.

As for classroom management, make all of your rules clear and concise. Leave no loop-holes or they will find them. Actually post the rules in your room and include "must bring book each day" "must have paper each day" "must have pencil each day" and other rules that should be assumed. You can't leave anything to chance.

Be consistent with your discipline and homework rules. Don't change the punishment from one person to the next. Don't accept excuses. If you rules are clear then they know the consequences of not getting their work done.

We really need good candidates to enter the field of high school education. The "experts" tell us that after 10 years only 3 of 5 new teachers will still be in the profession. Good Luck!

Answer 4

Let's see, get a prescription to Valium, take the care you have about having the kids learn something and throw it out the window, and don't sign up for a ton of extra stuff (drama club, coach, etc...) My aunt is a teacher and she has no time, a bad attitude from the high schoolers, and if she lives to retirement I'll be surprised- she's up to drinking Pepto straight out of the bottle.

Answer 5

Don't get caught up in playing the game. High school is all about politics (among teachers and administration). It's rewarding inside the classroom. Don't sleep with the students. :)

Answer 6

It would require patience, as the high school students tend to goof around a lot. You would also need to be strict (but fair) because if the students can see that you are an easygoing person, they will slack off in your class.

Answer 7

What subject do you want to teach? I've taught grammar, rhetoric, and literature. Of the three, literature is by far the most fun.

I've also tutored for English and Math, and I found that I actually enjoy tutoring Math a lot more than tutoring or teaching English.

Answer 8

what's misguided along with your head?? A Catholic HS? A bribe? experience like being suspended? it extremely is a huge thank you to commence! positioned some potential into incomes a favorable letter of advice - ya nunce!!!

Answer 9

Be consistent in your discipline, testing and grading (not always an easy task). Don't try to be their friend, but make sure they know you care about them-it makes a world of difference. Try to support their extracurricular activities like sports, drama, competitions, etc. I didn't think they would care, but they really do, esp. those events that don't usually have a lot of spectators.

Answer 10

Lots of patience........
Be strict inside the classroom but be a friend outside :-)