Help! In my heart I really think that I would like to be a teacher, but I then I think about the pay and all?

Question

I really think that I would enjoy teaching. I always have doubts because of the pay and because of the paperwork and work at home involved. I have participated in a student teaching internship and job shadow and I loved it except for the fact of how the teachers complained about money and all of the paperwork. I know that teaching is a rewarding career, but it has a lot of sacrifices that I do not know if I am willing to make. Could I have some insight, opinions, views, thoughts, anything would be helpful. If I do not teach I am thinking about going into healthcare because I love helping people and I love working with children.

Answer 1

Well, you have the most imporant thing that it takes to be a teacher - a love of teaching and wroking with kids. You should look online to find out exactly what teachers make in the area where you want to teach and live. Then, make a budget (considering the fact that at least 20% will be taken out for taxes each month) and see if you can live with it. Teaching is not for extravagent people who can't live without designer clothes, weekly trips to the mall, and eating out all of the time. But you do have your summers off to earn extra money or vacation, and you have better hours than many people (depending on how much work you take home). Many schools provide their teachers with aides, as I've been fortunate to have...this cuts down on a lot of the paperwork...but this is typically only provided for elementary teachers. Parent volunteers often help, too, depending on the district and the group of parents you have in any given year. Do plan on spending a lot of time and money on your classroom in your first year. I spent at least $400 on furniture, classroom library books, decorations (posters, pillows, bookshelves, etc), and miscellaneous necessities my school didn't give me, in my first year teaching. The next few years are better, and you can usually do without some of the things I thought I needed. Start collecting early! As for your own expenses, you will probably have a tight budget, but if you truly love your job it will be worth it. Many people make two or three times a teacher's salary but quit and begin teaching (or suffer in a hated job) because it wasn't fulfilling or what they really wanted to do. Healthcare would be a great field as well, but I suggest you volunteer or participate in an internship as you did with teaching, to get a better feel for the job.

The best salary I've heard of for teaching is in the Dallas, TX area. My friend's starting pay (with a bachelor's, right out of college...elementary teacher) was $42,000 - that was two years ago. California has similar or higher pay, but a much, much higher cost of living...Dallas is a very reasonably priced place to live. Other states often start teachers out at $25,000, $30,000. Public schools usually have automatic raises (often at least $1,000 a year), but private and charter schools vary in annual pay raises (or the lack thereof). Private schools may start their pay at as low as $15,000 (possibly lower?), but I am sure many pay much more than that. If you're concerned about pay and are willing to move, Dallas or any of its suburbs (Allen, Grapevine, Copel, many others) is your best bet.

Answer 2

I am a 56 year old recently retired elem teacher. I'm not sure what to tell you, but I did start whispering in my own 2 chidrens' ears, you won't be a teacher, you won't be a teacher. Only because it is an impossible job, at least in elem I know. I think there are actually many professions where you have to choose, like I would never marry a dr because of their hours and on call because family is so important to me. If you love to work with children and you want to "live the good life" I don't think you'll find a job like that. It seems every job where it is satisfying like teaching, it is also not high pay. Lack of discipline in homes is the major drawback, because most of the time you are just the policeman and don't get to teach, which is NOT fun. Did you know teachers can't even use red pens any more because it hurts the childrens' feelings ? I think things have become quite twisted. Seek out all you can, but I believe nursing is another caring profession which is just as hard if not harder than teaching because of odd shifts, changing shifts, no summers off or long vacations to recuperate. Any truly caring profession is extremely stressful. Did you know nationally teaching is only 2nd to air traffic controllers in stress levels. Very high stress and sacrifices ... I lost my health,almost completely. I was a single parent too.

Answer 3

Teaching is a wonderful profession. Depending on where you live, the pay is different. And paperwork, involving lesson plans and grading papers- I don't think it is as bad as it has been portrayed. I am NOT a teacher, but both of my parents and my aunt and uncle are- i have grown up in the environment my whole life. I admire my family for teaching and think the world of my parents- both principals now (they make a little better $$$ now). I AM a nursing student, and in regards to paperwork- it is neverending. We spend as much time filling out paperwork as we do taking care of the actual patient. Don't let the $$ or fear of paperwork deter you from what you actually want to do. Healthcare is a great field, as is teaching- both of which are underpaid, underappreciated and in need of caring individuals. Either field would be proud to have you. Choose the one you will be passionate about. Teaching is my first choice- I was actually an education major years ago- but now that I am older, single mom I chose nursing because the program is shorter, with less schooling, and I can get my certification quicker and begin my career!!! I often sub as a classroom aide at my mom's school and love it- she worries that I will quit my nursing program to switch programs and prolong my education even further. I would love to teach, but can't afford to go to school for that long right now. Good luck to you.

Answer 4

I think you should follow your heart. If you feel that becoming a teacher is the what you are being called to do, than GO FOR IT!!! I have asked myself the same questions, as I am an ed. major and will be student teaching in the fall. I also worked in education as an aide for five years and IT IS VERY REWARDING, but it can also be very demanding--if you want to be an awesome teacher!!

The pay is fairly low compared to other jobs, but I look at the fact that most often I will leave work at 3:30 pm, plus I will have every major holiday off, spring, summer & christmas vacations too, and in the past I received over ten sick days per year at the district I worked for. This time off has allowed me to spend more time with my children, which is PRICELESS!!!

I also weighed the options I had and the money I could make in other jobs, but I finally made my decision by looking at my husband---he makes LOTS of money, but is miserable at his job because it is not what he wants to do with his life. So I can tell you first hand that a job that pays lots of money does not guarantee happiness!!!! Only a JOB YOU LOVE can:-) I wish you the best of luck on your decision because you are the only one who can decide what is best for you!

Answer 5

Look around at different districts. 60 thousand isn't that bad for 9 months work. The work day is still shorter than most careers, especially heath care which involve many 12 hour days. Go with your heart that way you will be good at your job and if you want more money go get a masters degree if you don't have one.

Answer 6

.First of all, let me say that health care is a good field too. But have you thought about, those three months in the summer, that you will have off, if you become a teacher. Laying in a hammock, under a shade tree, sipping lemonade.. Writing the first draft, of the next best seller. Money is important, but time is important too.

Answer 7

Tough question.
If the pay's that important to you, you should do something that pays better. Maybe start teaching after a few years or something..