Considering career change to teaching. Opinions?

Question

I am a female paramedic in my 40's. I make less than $12.00/hr, and have no retirement benefits. No raise in 3 yrs, but I love my job (except for the drunks and OD's that want to fight). I have to work OT just to pay my health ins. It can also be very physically demanding, and I can't see myself doing this 15 to 20 yrs from now. Carrying large patients downstairs, or extricating them from crushed cars in bar ditches can be taxing, and I am trying to be realistic. I am considering going back to school and becoming a teacher. I think I'd probably like elementary ages best. I guess the point is that I am used to no benefits and hard, thankless work. I think teaching would be rewarding. Would you teachers do it again? If not, why? What do you like and dislike? If you work in or near Oklahoma, what can I expect, esp. pay/benefits? How do you feel about online college courses to help me get my teachiing degree? Would my medical background of any benefit in any way?

Answer 1

I am 43 and will finish my secondary ed teaching degree in Dec. I was an EMT, then did a dozen years as a corrections officer. I, too, had to face the age factor--having to deal with inmates would have come to an end sooner or later.
I am student teaching in an urban alternative school. I love it.
I would suggest that you try to arrange to observe in a classroom if possible. Many people our age have memories of what school was like in their day. Much has changed.
Don't limit yourself to health education. Personally, I will be teaching English.

Answer 2

Have you considered becoming a nurse? Much higher pay, easier hours, and little lifting involved!

I'm a paramedic in my 20's, and I've been thinking that realistically, I can't do this job forever. I've been thinking about becoming a PA. It involves a bachelor's degree, and a master's, and then you get to practice medicine (under a doctor's supervision, of course). In many ways, it doesn't seem that different from being a paramedic, except for the pay (PA's make $70,000 a year)!

If you really like medicine, there are lots of careers that pay more with less grunt work. I know a radiology tech and a respiratory tech. They both make $20 a hour to start, and they only had to get an associate's degree.

Have you considered teaching paramedics (or ACLS classes, etc)? The paramedic instructors I know made decent money, and the only thing they had to lift was a slide projector!

Hope this helps. I'm sure that you will be happy in whatever career you choose.

Answer 3

What do you plan to do while working at a school? Are you going to be an aide, a sub, a secretary? Of you have a degree in business administration are you planning on trying to teach a business class? Just wondering. Are you prepared for a cut in pay? Have you saved up for that degree in English (by the way, the hardest jobs to get at ANY level are English and History)? Have you considered what hours you will have to put in to work at teaching and go to school to get and English degree? Those are just a few things to consider before you put away the job you currently have. There is a great need for good teachers. The problem is that many people decide after getting the degree that the pay is not enough or they just are not cut out for teaching.

Answer 4

I am a teacher and I love it. I have taught since 1993. I have taken a few years off from time to time to be with my children, but could not wait to get back in the classroom. It is a wonderful and rewarding job-no matter what level you choose. I have taught K,1,2,and Technology 1-8. Regardless of what you choose, your day will always be different. I love being able to use creative methods to help others learn and I love the looks on their faces when they "get it". A downfall is overactive parents-or Helicopter parents-parents that spend a LOT of time "hovering". However, if you put yourself in their place and realize that it is their baby in your care, it helps you relate a bit better. Even if you don't have kids, you can imagine how you would want your child treated/taught.
I don't live in Oklahoma, but teacher frineds of mine from different areas agree with me-the benefits are great, pay is okay, but improving. You can view the pay scale by going to the Oklahoma State Dept. of Education
http://www.sde.state.ok.us/home/defaultie.html
Click Site Directory on the left side nav bar, then T for Teacher then click Techer Salary
I believe beginning starts at 31,000
Online courses seem to be really good for coursework, as long as you can stay focused-there is a lot of infomation you will need for when you student teach. Student teaching is invaluable-you will learn the most during this. A friend of mine is currently taking online classes for teaching and loves the freedom.
You medical background would be helpful if you choose to go into Health or Health and PE-which is a fun field.
Hope this is helpful!

Answer 5

First of all, thank you for all the hard work you do NOW. :) People are constantly kissing up to us teachers on here, but you paramedics definitely deserve some mad props.

I've only been teaching for 3 years, but the fact that I can stay I'd still do it over again actually does say something. Many people who enter the profession NOW leave shortly thereafter. I've had teachers close to retirement or those substitute teaching while in retirement tell me that they wouldn't go into teaching NOW if they were given the chance. It's not that they regret their professional decision- it's that they wouldn't make that same decision given today's criteria.

Personally I still find it to be a rewarding job- it's easy to get caught up in the politics involved in education, but when you focus your energy on your students, you realize it's worth the time, effort, and heartache.

As for online college courses, if you get them from accredited schools, you've got nothing to worry about. People appreciate circumstances in which adults need to work while in school- you can't be expected to give up your job while you get your new certification, and online courses are a great way to manage your time.

Your medical background will definitely help in that you'll be the go-to gal for CPR in your grade level. :) It will also help if you're interested in teaching science, especially in higher grade levels.

Best wishes for whatever you choose!

Answer 6

Lots of good info and advice here!But besides pay and retirement, you'll want to check out the medical benefits available to teachers.

I suggest you look into teaching health care related subjects at the high school level--history is on your side as demand for health care workers will BOOM as baby boomers age. As a rsult, there is a high demand for people to train these types of workers. These classes will probably fall under what used to be "vocational education" and, as such, there MAY BE provisional teacher certification programs where you may be able to teach--and get the benefits and pay--while completing a degree or teacher certification program. A teacher in my careet ed group is working on an undergrad degree while teaching web design and publishing (the person is self-taught and started a consulting business designing websites which helped qualify them to teach since it's a unique skill set in high demand; most schools cannot afford such highly specialized and skilled people; you might just fit the bill! You might also want to check with area community colleges.

Happy hunting!

Answer 7

I understand your situation-I'm going through a career re-evaluation myself. You seem to have a lot of medical experience-have you considered going into nursing (you could be a school nurse) or another allied health care profession (e.g. sonography or OT or PT). I know these professions tend to pay more-esp if you are certified. If you are still set on teaching, then go for it. A former college classmate teaches 2nd grade and she loves it. However be prepared to have to go back for a Master's degree-some states will allow you to teach provisionally, if you pass a test and are enrolled in a approved program. There are also programs that allow you to teach FT for a reduced salary, while you are completing your master's degree. One that's here in NY is called teach for america. Hope this was helpful and Good luck !!!

Answer 8

My name is Amber. I'm 30 years old, and this is my 5th year teaching. I work at an inner city school in Baton Rouge. Most days, I don't feel rewarded or like I am making any difference at all. My advice to you? If there is anything else you would rather do besides teach, go ahead and do that. Unless you are totally convinced it is your life's calling, you probably won't make it. I think it's my life's calling, but there are days when I'm not so sure at all...

Answer 9

Hi. Although I am not a teacher, I applaud your efforts in wanting to better your current situation. I, too, want to return to school to pursue my teaching degree. I am 31 years old, and i am a Respiratory therapist and a Sleep tech. I have always wanted to becoe a teacher, teaching on the elementary grade level. But I have been told by other teachers that you may not always teach the grades that you desire. you may have to teach where there is a shortage. Anyway, getting back to the point, I hope you go forth and get your teaching degree. I think that because of your background, you will be compassionate to the youngsters who will be looking up to you for guidance. Perhaps some teachers out there will be able to answer your questions specific to their occupation, but I just wanted you to know that you have someone in SC who wants you to go for it!! Good luck.

Answer 10

You must think about your future.
Without any retirement benefits, you will never be able to retire.
I would consider any good civil service job as well as a teaching career.