I ahve always wated to become a Science teacher ever since I started High School but my father thinks...?

Question

that because I get really high grades at school I should try and do some thing that requires a higher education. I don't believe there is any point in doing a job unless you really want to do it and I know teaching Science would make me happy yet I also know my father only wants the best for me. What should I do?

Answer 1

Well, having a mom that's a teacher, I know that you can get as high of an education as you want and still be a teacher. My mom teaches with people who have only a general BA, people who have their Masters and even Doctors. In fact, here in Ontario and elsewhere in Canada, your place on the pay grid is determined by the level of education that you have. Likewise, you can be promoted to higher positions (i.e. department head, vice-principal, headmaster, etc.) if you have a higher education.

Similarly, you could consider teaching beyond a highschool level. Some of my highschool teachers taught highschoolers during the day, but were professors at a University or College at night. Being a Professor is quite a prestigious position, and I'm sure that your dad would approve.

Education is also a life-long process. You can begin teaching and still attend night school, or take online courses, as my mother did. You could also be involved in associations or organizations outside of work where you can have just as much influence on the community as higher-paid workers.

There is something to be said for the impact teachers have on children. Although teachers might not make as much money as doctors or lawyers, the intrinsic rewards of making a difference in the lives of children are both endless and priceless. Perhaps your father will begin to see things your way if you continue to express your passion to him. Best of luck in whatever you choose to do in the future :)

Answer 2

Well, first of all, being a teacher requires higher education.
"Those who can, Teach, the rest take easier jobs."
Go through the curriculum of the college you attend and take enough serious courses that you are well supported, then add the courses for a teaching certificate on top (like Methods, Classroom Management, and Childhood Development.) so you have more than the minimum to teach "Science" Take advantage of opportunities to teach that involve classroom work, not just tutoring, so you have a clear idea of the discipline you must maintain, the other tasks you must carry out, the records you must keep.
I love teaching (look at my answers here). I don't like discipline maintenance so I teach adults who want to learn. The nightmares of school bureaucracies I avoid as much as I can.

Answer 3

If your passion is for teaching, then you will be a much happier person (and a great teacher)!

Your father's concerns are valid though. Teacher pay stinks. As a "male" you would probably be the breadwinner for your future family and this can be difficult on a teacher's salary. But hey, you only live once! Do what makes you happy. And like every other teacher, you'll somehow make ends meet and be much happier about having to take a summer job!

Answer 4

But teaching DOES require a higher education. Four to five years of university, in fact. And more if you want to get an MEd or a PhD in education.
The bottom line is, as laudable as your father's inclinations are, it is your life you must live, not his. If teaching Science is your goal, then go for it. He'll be proud of you no matter what you do.

Answer 5

Well you do have to go to college to be a teacher so thats a start. If teaching is your passion then you need to be a teacher. You could always begin by teaching elementary or secondary teacher and eventually become a professor. I bet that would make your father proud. As a professor you can get grants to do research and write books. That all goes beyond teaching but you are still doing what you enjoy.

Answer 6

I have been a science teacher for many years, then I went for my Masters and now I have my Doctorate. I received my Bachelors in Biology and Business so I can do something else if I ever want to get out of education. What I am trying to say is that as with any field you can go as far as you want or do the very minimum and just get by so you, in my opinion, can make both yourself and your father happy. I taught as I was finishing my graduate degrees...you have to have a job to pay for it right? Now that I am out of the classroom, I miss the kids tremendously and am thinking of ways that I can get back in touch with them to see the light come on in their eyes when they understand a concept is the greatest reward. Do what your heart desires!

Answer 7

If you are in high school, you don't have to make decisions on your career for a long time.

Take all the science courses your school offers, and keep your options open.

By the way, a career as a science teacher requires at least a bachelor's degree in one of the sciences.

Answer 8

Its your choice in the end but i would do what i love to do. on the other hand if you got a higher paying job you would have more money and please your dad. is there any way you could do a different field in science?? perhaps a collage professor? or chemistry? food science? there are many other options. try
www.bridges.com
it has many career options and explains income,education requirments, and job requirments. you have to sign up but its free!

Answer 9

Do what your heart desires. Remember, your father is not the one who will be doing it for the rest of his life, YOU are! Here's what you should do: become a teacher and if you decide you want a bit more, go back to college and get your masters.

Answer 10

Do whatever your happy with. Heck, you might even be an awesome science teacher and become famous like Bill Nye the science guy!!