Should I look for a teaching job or stay being an aide?

Question

I have my degree in Elementary Education. I got my teaching license 2 years ago. Now I'm a special ed. aide and love my job. I'm going back to school part time to get my teaching license and Master's degree in special ed. I'm sure next year I can get some sort of teaching job either special ed or regular ed.

At this point I really just want to teach special education. At the same time I really want to stay home and raise my children when they are young. Currently my husband and I are trying to get pg.

The job as an aide that I have now I love and work with the kids, and the hours are nice and when I leave work I'm done. As a teacher I would have to take work home. If I get a teaching job I would make more money and have benefits. If I just stayed as an aide I would keep my teaching license for gen ed and sp.ed. and think about getting a teaching job when my youngest enters school. I would have to worry about not having much teaching experience then.

What should I do?

Answer 1

It all depends upon where you live, but in some areas, a special ed teacher can almost write their own ticket because they are short staffed. Do you have your certification yet. Can you talk with the superintendent of the school or the principal? Ask them if there are any possibilities of a part time or job share position. I understand your desire to stay at home with a young one, but would they be willing to work you into a part time position?

I really would recommend getting not only the certification, but get some teaching experience under your belt. Even if you do get your certification, you want to keep up your credentials (which may require X amount of hours of teaching in order to retain your certiification).

Good luck to you!
As you know, that type of teaching is incredibly difficult, but it is some of the most rewarding teaching out there!

Answer 2

My mother is a special ed teacher on the gifted end. She has taught children on the other end as well. I can tell you, it is A LOT of work--far more work than any other kind of teacher. She goes to school at around 6 am and comes home between 5 and 6 in the evening. It's tough!

At the same time, it may be more difficult to get a job right away if you take 5, 6, 10 years off between your masters and first job. You may want to ask around and see how other teachers have handled it. The best people to ask are those with experience with both sides of the issue.

Good luck with everything! You're braver than I am--I just want to teach theatrekids! :-)

Answer 3

I think you already know the answer. Stay as a special ed aide.

Your own children need to be your priority, and they will only be young once. I heard a saying before that "love" is spelled
"T-I-M-E." Pick the job that (1) gives you more time with your kids and (2) that you enjoy more.

I assure you that you will be very thankful you did this a few years from now. When your own kids reach school age, you can shift your career into full-time teaching.

Answer 4

I think a good compromise may be to get a part time teaching job next year say 1/2 time. It would probably pay as well as the aide position, but still give you some time at home and give you valuable teaching experience. Just a thought - obviously this depends on the jobs available in your area - but you may have some say in the district you are in.

Answer 5

I would take a teaching job.You will add credits to your pension plan.I do not know how old you are and the school system you are in .In most cases it is best to add the money to your pension plan at young age. Good luck and Happy New Year

Answer 6

If you want to stay home and spend time raising your children - you must do that. They will appreciate it.
If you can afford it.
Then again how much money does one need ?

Answer 7

special ed instructors are in such high demand, i wouldn't sweat it.
i am going bilingual; for my job security. you have yours.

Answer 8

maybe you should stay being an aide it's less stressful trust me