Has anyone taught secondary ed. and higher ed.? Which is better?

Answer 1

I've done both and I prefer higher ed. In secondary school you have to deal with a thousand other issues - lunch duty, bus duty, constant meetings, paperwork, testing and other forms of bureaucracy, not to mention unmotivated kids and behavior problems.

In college you are dealing with a self-selected population and most are motivated. You don't have to decorate your classroom. You have a lot more freedom to explore controversy. Your time is mostly your own. You are freed from NCLB legislation. You don't get squeezed between parents on one end and administration on the other. No contest!

Answer 2

Depends on what you think "better" means. You'll make more money and have more fun in secondary, but it is a lot harder job. In higher ed, the job is very easy, but you won't have much fun, and you won't make much money either.

I preferred secondary ed as a teacher. It's more of a challenge. And more fun. And you're REALLY helping kids a lot, not just going over some textbook material. You're making a difference!

Answer 3

I have taught both -- as well as elementary ed., too. Depends on you and how you teach. I loved college teaching, but started as an adjunct, and just couldn't afford to "wait it out" -- (I have a BA in English Literature and a Master of Arts in Teaching for Secondary English and Reading Certification K-12).

I don't agree with high stakes tests, (Ohio started them in 1997/98 -- before NCLB) and I quit after several years of teaching.

If I could start out at a good salary, I'd teach in college -- but for my area it would take too long (and not pay enough during that time) to get to a living wage.

I'm a technical writer now, but my son is in a Montessori school as a 1st year (1st grade), and I'm thinking of going back to get a degree in Montessori education, as it really speaks to me and why I went into education in the first place. It might take me a while, though. Hubby started his own business a couple of years ago and we depend on my income to get by....
c'est la vie...

Answer 4

Better in what way? What age group do you enjoy? What is your level of expertise? Who do you feel comfortable with? You need to know yourself....then you can know "them," your subjects.