I am thinking of changing from science career to teaching?

Question

How difficult is teaching 11-18 year olds? Is is hard work, are the hours demanding?
Is it easy to get a job?

I would want to teach science

Answer 1

If you can communicate what you know in an engaging way then by all means teach. Simply having the knowledge does not necessarily mean one can effectively convey it to others, particularly those who do not share your love of the topic.

I have taught Science for 29 years. I would not want to do anything else. It can be rewarding and exciting. It can also be frustrating and heartbreaking. If done correctly it takes up a great deal of time both at school and at home. I arrive at school around 7:45 and do not leave until 5:30. This past week end I spent time Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and Sunday evening grading papers and submitting progress reports. I cannot leave my job at school and pick it up the next morning. It goes with me every where I go. I am always on the lookout for ideas and materials. I have taught ages 12 through 18. There are advantages and disadvantages at all levels. You just have to find you niche. I prefer 14 and 15 year olds....call me crazy! There is a shortage of Science teachers. If you are not afraid of hard work, I would say "go for it".

Answer 2

To really teach true science, you would need to teach at a high school level. Teachers work 9 - 10 months a year, usually from about 8 - 3 in the classroom with breaks. Then there are lesson plans, homework and test papers to be graded (some can be done in off periods and some after school). In a science classroom there is extra work setting up laboratory exercises and experiments. In addition many high schools demand that teachers be sponsors or chaperones at after school activities.

I think teaching is very hard work because you have to be engaging enough to attract the attention of teens in an era when they are used to TV entertainment. So it's part teaching, part acting. On the other hand you have great assets like the Discovery Channel and other programs to assist you in the classroom.

If you can teach an upper level science course like anatomy or physics or chemistry then you will have students who have opted to be in your classroom. These kids will be more eager learners.

That said, the demand for science teachers is high. The benefits are long vacations at Christmas, fall and spring breaks, and in the summer. And the biggest one of all, teaching our next generation.

Answer 3

Hey
My advise If u realy like teaching then it is ur choise to tell you the truth i am grade 8 student and the teachers here are fed up with the students most of them like to disturb and i think it is a horable job cause u got waste alot of time on teaching and correcting you will never have a freee mind cause of the teaching and it is a big headacke.but if u realy like it you can teach but u have to be strick. take some tips on being strick to students.

Best Wishes
Chulan
PLz vote for me
I am 15 yers old by the way