What are the positives and negatives of being an elementary school teacher?

Question

Considering choosing this as a major but I have several reservations: 1) as a nurse, if I don't like a patient, he/she will be discharged soon and out of my hair. With teaching, I'm stuck w/ that kid every single day for 10 months. 2) the pay 3) the politics in education. I understand there's plenty. Feedback please.

Answer 1

I'll address your reservations.
1) At the beginning of the school year, it's pretty easy to figure out who you think you're going to dislike. Sometimes these kids' absences make the day seem to go a little better. However, at the end of the year, these very kids are the ones you realize have grown the most and truly appreciate the hard work you put into helping them be successful. They may not be able to express that sentiment in words, but the hugs and smiles you get when they pass you in the hall the next year are proof that you must have done something right.
2) The pay's really not that bad. My husband and I are both teachers, and we don't want for anything. I don't know what the difference is from being a nurse to a teacher, but it's doable. Think about the free health care and all the vacation time you get- it all evens out in the wash.
3) The politics suck. That's the one thing I really do get bogged down with. It's far worse on the secondary level, but it still sucks on the elementary level. You have to try to avoid the drama while still standing up for yourself, which can be a difficult balancing act. I'm hoping it's like this with every profession. Unfortunately, the government is involved in ours.

Pros:
1) Kids. They're a breed all to their own. They get on your nerves and they try your patience, but they make you laugh and they make you smile. They're awesome. If it weren't for the hugs and the sound of brains enlarging, I wouldn't teach.
2) Vacations. This is NOT the reason to go into education. There should be a yearning to make a difference. Vacations are definitely a perk though.
3) Loads other. :)

Answer 2

I find a lot of satisfaction in teaching. Sharing knowledge and having someone understand something is a rush.

Obviously, pay isn't very good. However, you get a lot of free time in the evening, weekends and the summer. If you make a career of it, pay gets better with more years. Elementary students at grades 5 & 6 are becoming independent without the associated behavior problems of junior high students. Working with younger students can require a lot of "mothering."

My wife is fed up with teaching after nearly 35 years. The politics and administration are the cause. State-mandated requirements are chasing her out of teaching.

You already know some of the other drawbacks to teaching. Don't make the switch from nursing unless you're sure you want to give teaching a try. If you do and don't like it, you could fall back on nursing.

Good luck!

Answer 3

You are probably going to get alot of responses for this question. I have been working in the classrooms for the past 4 years. This past year I followed several children to the next grade. There are some children who I did wish were in a different school, but working with them gives more meaning to the day. I know you are looking for the positives, but if you have a behavior child the best thing to do for them is to find out what is really going on. With some children it is an issue at home, with some it is a disability. For example: I have a child who can't sit still and is always humming. Its probably because they have to watch their younger siblings at home and don't get much time to play themselves. I have another child who is always laying down and can not seem to focus. This child has no abdominal muscles due to a physical disability and some issues at home. So a bratty kid may just have other things going on. The pay varies with level of degree. The more education you have the more money you make. The politics are too much to go through. In some schools there are alot and in some schools there aren't that much. Every school has to deal with politics no matter what.

Answer 4

being a school teacher:
Positives:
Teaching a kid something that will help them in their everyday life {reading, multiplication, etc....all the basics}
Kids need more caring teachers to nurture them
You will have an impact on a child's life forever!

Negatives:
Being stuck with a bratty child. However, you can try to fix their behavioral problem. Maybe there is a problem at home, and you can help them get out of that situation and make their life better.

I have had some great memorable teachers in my life that I am so greatful I have had. Some were in elementary: 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th grade, the others were in high school. It would be great for you to be able to have such a great influence on a child's life like that. I say go for the teaching if you are that passionate.

Answer 5

I am in my tenth year of teaching. As for being stuck with kids, yes you are. However, one of the "challenges" of teaching is to find something likable in every student! There have been students that I have not been able to click with - just as there are many people in life that you will not be able to click with. I find that when a student rubs me the wrong way, it motivates me more to find common ground and work for that student's success. As for the pay - no it is not the salary of a doctor or lawyer, or of many careers. There are places where you can teach that offer decent pay...do your research and make an informed choice when you accept a position. Unfortunately, schools will never be free from politics. It is something you have to accept and work with it. Think of the trade-offs, though...you have summers off, you have major holidays off, and your "hours" are not 9-5 (although, there are few teachers who would tell you that they don't work from home each night!) There are positives and negatives to every career choice! Think about what you're passionate about...if it isn't education, then maybe there is a better career choice for you. It is a very personal decision...I hope that helped!

Answer 6

Positve: It is great to be what may be the only positive influence in the childs life. There are usually only small problems such as talking....not the violence of high school. The kids are really sweet and willing to share in class..whereas high school you ask for an answer and everyone sits quietly

Negative: you have to have every second planned.....they will be out of their seat, they will talk if you give them 2 seconds...if it is a half-day/part day it is nearly impossible to teach because they are soo wound up....you are responsible for identifying possible special education teachers (because most of them are identified before reaching high school)

Answer 7

the positives of course would be putting your mark on future generations and the negatives would be compensation and lack of respect.