Would you reccomend a career in teaching?

Question

Why or why not?

Please can you say which country you are from.

Answer 1

Hi there,
I am a primary school teacher in the UK. this is my 6th year in teaching and I am an asistant head. ( i worked very hard to get here so quick)
There is no other job in the world I would want to do and I knew I wanted to be ateacher when I was 11.
I have had some pretty impressive arguments with people (one was a stand up comedian in a club - I won!) about how teachers in primary school "get home by 4, play with paint and glitter all day, get 12 weeks holiday a year and every weekend off......" Primary school teaching is NOT like that at all, although depending on the age of the kids there will be more paint!
I am in year 6, top juniors in a "rough" inner city area where non of the kids speak English at home. This is my second year here, I was in leafy pretty burbs before. Both schools have provided me with unbelieveable challenges and some pretty depressing lows, however these are tiny drops in an ocean of amazing rewarding experiences.
When you put the time and effort into your kids they become "your kids" even the ones that never shut up, or fight at play time or just generally drive you mad, you still end up feeling ever so proud when they achieve something and no matter how tough the kids, they know its you that helped them.
Also there is no other job I can think of that makes me laugh as much every day, 10/11 year olds are cheeky but funny.
My day yesterday (I was on a course today)
7.10 leave my house, half hour drive to school
7.40 -coffee and prep
8.45 - 10.45 lessons (Y6 maths adding decimals, place value and roundind decimals.
11.00 Literacy - Narrative structure, analysing extracts from books from different genres
12.00 Reading
12.30 lunch for kids, I set up for the afternoon Eat about 1)
1.30 Geography - the features of mountains
2.30 science - animal adaptations
3.30 home for kids
3.45 Staff meeting
5.00 set up for the next day, mark one set of books
5.30 leave for home (now 50 mins in traffic)
6.20 home, then one set of books to mark!
I do nothing Friday night or saturday and work about 4 hours on Sunday.
Always in schools for a few days over 2 weeks hols and for about a week in the summer. 1 week hols tend to catch up with marking and write reports in summer half term.
I am not great with the little ones as they are a bit too clingy and touchy/feely for me but again, teaching children to read and write is amazing.
Secondary takes the right kind of person as once kids get hormones they are young adults with all the stroppyness attached. Even my "coolest" kids who think school is rubbish can't help getting sucked into lessons that grab their imagination - thats because they are still children!
I know I have rambled but I think I needed the chance to vent about why I do what I do, to remind myself just as much as any one else!
I would recommend you visit a school and ask to stay in the same class (they would usually move you around) If you stay in the same class you will see a true representation of everything a teacher does and the difference in the kids.
xx

Answer 2

When i first thought about being a teacher, i had visions of a beautiful classroom, well behaved kids... It isn't like this! I am in the UK and qualified in July and have worked as a supply teacher since then. I am looking for an alternative career, there are too many NQTs out there and not enough jobs. I also got hit by a child and was sent home the next day because i wasn't firm enough. Some schools are really rough and you need to be tough to work in them and be firm with the kids. When kids listen and behave, teaching is really wonderful ! i would recommend teaching but its not a 'beauty queen' response- it's hard work and emotionally draining and i have found little comfort in it. The money might be good but it doesn't justify the verbal and physical abuse that i have and you may, encounter.

Answer 3

I would recommend it if you're really passionate about it. It's a demanding career, as far as time spent preparing for lessons, actual work time, meetings, dealing with parents, and grading papers. It's not a 9-5 job especially since you think about your students all the time. So if you're working in especially a really rough school (which a lot of new teachers do) prepare to be completely emotionally drained everyday. It's not easy. For the most part I'm glad I went with teaching. It can be a very rewarding profession and it is amazing to see your students make progress. You really feel like you're making a difference sometimes. The schedule is great too, as far as holidays and summers off, I must admit. But like I said before, you really have to be passionate about it or you'll probably hate it!

Answer 4

If you have a strong personality, love kids, love your subject, and care about the future of our world, then absolutely YES! I teach tenth grade right outside of Boston, MA, USA, and it is the most fulfilling thing I have done in my life. First of all, I love literature and writing, so this is an opportunity for me to share my passion every day of my life (well, every weekday). More importantly, my fifteen-year-olds are at a very important stage of their lives, and as their teacher, I get the fulfillment of sharing in and influencing their growth into themselves in a positive way. It feels damn good to be a role model, especially when you know your students don't necessarily see that outside of school. Also, there is nothing to compare to witnessing an "AHA" moment or getting those tough apathetic kids to discover their true passion. As a teacher, you get the privilege of being able to glimpse into the soul of another human being and seeing what shapes them, what drives them, what they fear, what they love, and what they need. If you really want to teach, you need patience, TOUGH LOVE, discipline, kindness, compassion, and a vision of what you and each student you touch can achieve. Good luck, and I hope you make the right choice.

Answer 5

I am a teacher in the US and I have been for 8 years. I am rethinking this whole teaching thing because there is so much pressure with test scores and all....and I can't take it anymore. It used to be about the kids, now it is about a test number!

Answer 6

Sorry! Your posting includes both grammar and vocabulary errors. Chance are that you will not qualify as an ESL teacher. European schools are demanding evidence that you can teach and are qualified in the subject. Young children are as difficult to teach as adults. Do inquire at the local embassy of any country you plan to apply to teach about work permits and visas.

Answer 7

If you love your subject and kids, and feel that the pay is worth it, it's a good thing. The downside is the overemphasis on test scores. Pledge to yourself that you will do it for a minimum of so many years (like 3-5) and then make an honest assessment as to whether you want to continue. There are many who have honorably decided to stop, and even more who have honorably decided to continue. No one that I know on either side has regretted their decision. Good luck! USA

Answer 8

If it's your passion then go for it. However a word of warning..my sister is a teacher and arrives at school at 7:10am and doesn't get home until 6:30pm. She lives 10 minutes away from the school. And you know what you get for it? People who don't know constantly saying to you...you're so lucky you go home at 4 every day..
England.

Answer 9

I have been a teacher for 3 years. I teach 5th grade and am from the U.S. I love teaching. I don't know why, but I love it! It is so much fun!

Answer 10

mmm...depends what age group.
In the Uk the way our youths are I couldnt stand to be a teacher of kids over age 10!

whereas a reception/year1/year2 teacher would be more rewarding seeing how the children develop their skills.
=)

and hey think of the brightside a class has about 30 kids and they all get their teachers a christmas pressie ;-)