Is elementary education a good career?

Question

I would like to teach elementary school particualry K-3. Does anyone have any advice on choosing this as a career path?

Answer 1

In FL, we have 2 paths for Elementary Education one is Elementary Education (K-5) the other is PreK Primary which is prek -3. I think teaching is a "good" profession as it is high demand, you can move and easily find a job, there are a lot of opportunities for continuing growth, the kids are pretty cool and you get a lot of time off. Now the bad, the salary is kind of crap, parents can be a pain in the butt, no child left behind (not even the little kid in the back who sleeps everyday and is borderline abused and doesn't eat at home and has to stay up cleaning the house) ie you are responsible for the education of every kid in your room regardless of their home life (and some are pretty terrible). I love teaching! But it is NOT an easy job!!! But can be very rewarding.

Answer 2

I teach in an Montessori Elementary school and I love it. It is very challenging though because I teach grades one , two and three. So i have lessons for every grade level. We teach in a different manner from a traditional classroom and I can combine some work for all grade levels. Especially subjects like science and social studies.

I have to agree with the others though. It is a pain dealing with parents who are sure they know everything that is right. If you touch a child no matter how disrespectful they are being you are at fault. Dealing with district bull is always a part of the job as well as dealing with the other teachers and those over you
Dealing with no Kid left behind is a big deal, it just doesn't work the way they want it to.
For me the money isn't a big issue since I have a husband working as well, but it was actually a big increase to go to public school from a private one. Great benefits and a huge pay increase. The best i had made before that was $10.00 and hour. Not much to raise two kids on.

Answer 3

Usually when you teach elementary school you don't really get to choose what grade. If you do become picky (say only k-3), it gets harder to find a job. Also you can't really be picky about where you teach. You just have to go wherever there is an opening. So it makes it harder to find a job in one area. One of my friends tried to find a job in Southern California for a year before she finally gave up and moved to Arizona. Other than that.. yes its a good career. It doesn't make a lot of money, and you spend a lot of money on supplies, so don't expect to become a millionaire teaching.

Answer 4

It is only respectable if you think it is. If you are embarassed, then I guess you don't think it is respectable. What is not respectable about working with children to help them have a successful future? I think that if you want to be a good example for your younger siblings--show them that you are passionate and committed to what you want to do. Don't pursue a career that you arent' interested in---what example does that set for your younger siblings? Someone above said it correctly--it is a respectable but not a RESPECTED career at the moment. That doesn't mean it isn't worthwhile to pursue. You need to think about this very long and hard. I don't think there is anything wrong with deciding to work with children. They are amazing little people. And yes, the pay probably won't be as big as nursing, but you can get by on a teacher's salary.

Answer 5

If you're considering public schools in the USA, I would say think very very very carefully about it and talk with as many teachers AWAY FROM THE SCHOOL GROUNDS as you can. It can be an extremely thankless job. It's civil service, underpaid and underappreciated. But, if your love of the children outweighs all of the administrative B.S., you might be okay. Find people who are willing to truly speak openly and candidly about their experiences... not people who are going to sugarcoat everything. Some of the best teachers I've ever known are still teaching, but they've got a lot of sound, candid things to say about what a thankless job it can be. You really have to have an iron constitution and be prepared because unless you're teaching in an extremely affluent area, you'll be dealing with a lot more than what you bargained for.

Answer 6

To my opinion, you have to look at the condition of the school. For example, if there are around 20 students(18-28), fine. But don't forget to look at the other side. Are they obedient? Are they noisy? It is no use going to a school where you get a good pay but you need to eat 3 tablets of Panadol every day after school.
So you need to consider a few things first before you take up the job.

Answer 7

i agree with that 100%. That's my major. I love kids so much. We can make a difference.

Answer 8

Yes it is. Our children our are future.

Answer 9

depends what qualifies as good

- helping kids -- yes
- pay -- no