What are the pros and cons of being a guidance counselor vs a teacher?
2006-11-25 12:12:38 · 10 answers · asked by cammie 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
When I went to college studying math education, I minored in psychology. Then I did graduate work in Guidance. My first teaching job was in a very small high school were I taught math and also served as a counselor. I quickly realized that I was not mature enough to be a counselor and that teaching math was the career for me. I have had several opportunities to return to counseling, but I couldn't see leaving the math classroom.
The point is, these two jobs require radically different personalities and skills in working with students. I would hope that things like amount of homework to be graded would not influence such an important decision.
What should you really consider? Do you love your chosen subject? Are you comfortable in front of a class? How do you feel about the administrative responsiblities that are associated with the guidance position? Do you have special skills that make you successful in working one on one with students who are experiencing problems? These are the kinds of questions that you should consider when making these life changing decisions.
2006-11-25 14:15:03 · answer #1 · answered by teacher2006 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There are a lot more available jobs for teachers. There are only 1-3 guidance counselors in the average school and 20 or more teachers.
2006-11-25 15:45:32 · answer #2 · answered by Sylvia R 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Teachers have to be counselors all the time. At least a counselor is getting paid for it. Many states do require counselors to have taught before. You do need to consider ALL aspects of a teacher's responsibilities, including grading papers. In considering counseling, remember that a school system needs far fewer counselors than teachers. I have taught for 27 years. Fifteen years ago I received my master's degree in counseling. I had heard the state was going to start requiring school districts to hire full time counselors for all schools. As with many other things, money was the issue and it never happened. I gave up hoping to get a job as a school counselor years ago. I could have left and worked in a center but would have lost a lot of retirement money.
2006-11-25 15:12:36 · answer #3 · answered by wolfmusic 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the salaries are about the same. One difference is that there will be a lot more teaching positions available than guidance positions. Think of how many teachers are in each school compared to just one or two or three guidance counselors. So there is more job security in teaching. Maybe you could find a way to become qualified in both?
2016-05-23 02:41:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In some states you must first become a teacher and teach to become a guidance counselor. I LOVED TEACHING. There is nothing else like seeing a young person understand a concept that has been presented in a manner that is different than they have ever seen before. Teaching is an ART and a SCIENCE combined. You have to love others and expect them to give respect as they see you give it. Guidance is a whole other ball-game. You are required to be able to solve a number of problems between students & students, students & teachers, guide them in a direction that will profit them in the long run, assist in testing and interpreting those results for students/teachers/parents. Keep searching for your path in life and you will find it!
Eds
2006-11-25 12:28:35 · answer #5 · answered by Eds 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Guidance counselors have A LOT of paperwork, and teachers have to deal with idiotic parents who have no business having children.
2006-11-25 12:27:34 · answer #6 · answered by Bestie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Teachers have large classloads and need to correct a lot of papers, and do grading. Counselors need to be available to students and solve problems ( not much FUN stuff - more problem solving) Counselors normally have a longer time in school.
2006-11-25 16:44:54 · answer #7 · answered by fancyname 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Teachers deal with larger groups of students, counselors do a lot of one on one interaction.
Both have loads of paperwork.
Counselors deal with a lot of the emotional issues that kids have, as a teacher will usually refer the student to the counselor.
Teachers spend large amounts of time planning lessons, while counselors help students with college admission tests, essays, recommendations, etc.
2006-11-25 14:15:46 · answer #8 · answered by kiki 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Being a teacher your just busy all the time grading papers even at times where you can have free time to yourself.
2006-11-25 12:19:13 · answer #9 · answered by datjpkid 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
both jobs are rewarding because, you are working children.
Happy Holidays,
Beverly S.
2006-11-25 12:17:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋