About becoming a teacher.?

Question

I want to do some teaching of high school science and asked a teacher about her recommendations and experience. She said it was not worth it. She told me i would become fustrated with the politics that go into schools. The annoying parents who blame you for their kids faults and the administrations expectations of you to pass every kid. She even said that teachers are those who wanted to do something else but didn't for whatever reason and ended up as teachers. Is she being too negative about it? a little pessimistic? or is she being brutally honest?

Answer 1

A little of both. A LOT depends on your teaching style and where you are located.

Inner city, SHE's TOTALLY RIGHT

Rural or Suburbs with good equipment and students who are somewhat into learning, she is only partially right.

IF you make the CLASS interesting you might have a chance.

Hands on stuff.

Group activities.

But you have to face facts that about 10-25% don't want to be there, don't want to participate and YOU have to deal with them.

She is right they don't like failing, holding back.

So you're looking at awarding D's for just being there part time and not being a total pain in the butt.

BUT A GREAT teacher MOTIVATES 95% to do something.

Especially in Science.

Let's face it. Your DRUGGIES know more about two and three beam scales than you do. They know how to test cocaine and heroin for impurities.

What you have to face is THEM stealing your equipment to use at home in their drug dealing!

What you have to face is Cute Girls who see NOTHING important about science who just want to TEXT or TALK on their CELL PHONES

You have to face GUYS and GIRLS who pair up and just want to go into a dark corner and make out or MORE!

These are a minority.

But they can be an annoyance.

Answer 2

I was a teacher for 35 years and I loved it. Was everyone as happy as I NO ! But there are negative people in all professions. I saw a report that said after 4 months in a teacher's lounge a visitor could not tell the new teachers from the veteran teachers by their conversation. They were all bitching. That is so true. For every negative teacher if you look you can find a positive one. You decide which path you will take. Don't allow anyone to talk you out of a dream before you dream it. Not al teachers are there by default.

Answer 3

Yes and no. The problem with teaching is that it is run by governments, rules are made and often what teachers want is not relevant, only what is popular with the voters.

But one thing I haven' t seen mentioned so far , and which I think is the most important is this: YOU HAVE TO LOVE KIDS.
If you love them, and they know you love them, you' re halfway there.

I taught for 32 years, I was known to be strict, but fair, I didn' t try to be their buddy (they have friends their age, they don' t need or want someone twice or 3 time their age) . They need someone to look up to, someone who is strong if they need help, and they' ll respect that. It is a great like, very full of emotions, never a routine, every day is a new day, a lot of unexpected events, not boring one bit............... if you' re cut out to be a teacher, if you decide to become one for the right reasons.

Answer 4

First off, one poster made an incorrect comment about inner city schools. They are just kids..why bring your prejudices into it?

as to your question:

You do have to deal with parents
You do have to deal with politics
you do have to deal with administrators

Every teacher can make these things run their lives, or deal with them in a positive way. Sounds like she has had some bad experiences and has no outlet to vent. I say talk to a more positive person.

There are good and bad administrators, just as with teachers.
Tell me which profession has no politics?
The involved parents can be some of the most supportive. it really all depends on your attitude. If you were a parent, and this negative teacher was your kids teacher... how would you deal with her? I suppose if she was more positive with her kids, she might have better relationships with families.

Answer 5

She is realistic with a pessimistic slant. And, despite what others say, it doesn't matter where you are geographically, what matters is the atmosphere of the school - specifically the faculty and how the faculty gets along with administration. You won't really know what you think until you've been there...any way to watch a few classes - go to school for a few days - not just in her class - ask to go to others - her class is probably slanted, too. I could have done a bunch of other things - I chose to teach and I continue to choose to teach. Good Luck.

Answer 6

I think she is pessimistic. Some of what she says is true, but it's not that bad. Every job has its positives and negatives. In addition, a lot depends on the school where you teach.

If you want to teach, go for it :)

Answer 7

Teaching is a noble profession.Without teachers ,there would be no doctors,nurses and lawyers.This is the highest profession for me.To become a teacher ,is like marrying your profession.It is teacher's responsibilities to mold student's knowledge and personality.The future of students lie on the teacher's hand.Teachers must be after for the welfare of students,not even thinking for salaries.teaching needs dedication and love.WE teach not only to earn but we teach because we want to educate children and share our knowledge.This is much rewarding than other profession.

Answer 8

I am about to begin my 30th year in the classroom. Do I get frustrated and annoyed? You bet. Is it worth it? It is to me. Did I ever want to do something else? Never. Teaching is a calling, you do it because you love it, not for the money, recognition, praise or appreciation. All of those things would be nice to get, but that isn't why I teach.

Answer 9

She sounds burnt out. I would take that with a grain of salt. Granted, you will have some parents that pressure you, and there are politics, you should still have a fulfilling career. Some people are teachers because it's a job to do, but many many love what they are doing, so don't be discouraged.

Answer 10

she is obviously angry at the system, and she has the right to. but dependent on the school you teach in and the students you get, you might actually enjoy teaching.