Brides Helping Brides ™ - CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.

ILT1221 Posted: Jan 30, 2003 11:05 AM

CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.

When I was younger I worked for the Board of Education (now Dept. of Ed). My major is in media because I wanted to work in entertainment but I was interested in teaching and have 12 credits in education.

Anyway my husband is a teacher and everyday he comes home very fulfilled and loving his job. Honestly sometimes I get a little envious because I feel like I'm not accomplishing much with my life. Plus I think about future children and how to have a career that will enable me to spend more time with them.

So here's my question. Please give me all the positives about teaching? How long have you been a teacher? My other question is I need to find a school that will enable me to get certified at the master's level. (I already have a B.A. and some programs only let you pursue a master's if you're already a teacher).

Please help?! Thanks.

Betty Posted: Jan 30, 2003 11:44 AM

Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.

I attend Molloy College in Rockville Centre. My BA is not in teaching but I am getting my Masters in Elem/Spec ed. No problem not having an undergrad in education

Good Luck!!

Thrilled Posted: Jan 30, 2003 11:48 AM

Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.

What Irene said. I'm in the same boat and considering the same career change. WOuld love to hear some good stories...

jwalters27 Posted: Jan 30, 2003 12:12 PM

Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.

Irene I feel the same way you do but I am afraid to start over. My degree is in communications because I wanted to work in the entertainment industry. My FH is a teacher and I don't know how I am going to raise a family and have alife working in the corporate world. I am confused!!

Betty Posted: Jan 30, 2003 12:26 PM

Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.

I felt the same way as you guys (actually after 1 1/2 years in the program I still do). It is very scary and I wonder everyday if I can do it but it's something I've always thought about. Once I turned 30 I needed something more in my life. the scariest part is that everything is changing at one time (marriage, job, school) I stress out a lot!!

dgtlsunshine Posted: Jan 30, 2003 12:32 PM

Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.

I think the same thing like I do not want to raise kids working in corporate America.

I have a BA in Information Systems and I work in IT right now. I am getting a Masters in Project Management. I will be done the end of this year.

I want to teach one day, would I need to get a degree in education or just take some education classes? I really don't want to get another degree.

Betty Posted: Jan 30, 2003 12:36 PM

Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.

I'm pretty sure to teach in a public school you would need a teaching degree to be certified.

Jodi73 Posted: Jan 30, 2003 12:42 PM

Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.

I am a teacher and I am just the opposite of you girls. I am thinking of going back into corporate. I was there once and then I took a teaching job. I have my undergrad degree in Elementary Education and my masters in Instructional Technology. I work in the Bronx. You could probably get a teaching job in the NYC public school system with a BS and then work towards a masters degree in education.

Betty Posted: Jan 30, 2003 12:45 PM

Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.

Why don't you like it Jodi? Is is b/c the Bronx is tough or you don't like teaching? What grade(s)?

HappyEverAfter Posted: Jan 30, 2003 12:48 PM

Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.

I have a degree in commications and have been working in media for about 6 years, and I want to be a teacher too Maybe all us Comm majors are teachers waiting to break free.
After the wedding, FH and I are planning to move to Connecticut. After that, I am planning to make the career change into teaching. It is something I have been thinking about for a long time, and want to be able to have kids and still work while still seeing them. All my friends are teachers, and seem to get so much out of it. Whereas in my job, I feel like I go through the wringer everyday, and get nothing in return (unless you count aggravation). I think its a great career, but would love to hear from teachers for their thoughts as well.

christine1221 Posted: Jan 30, 2003 01:13 PM

Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.

Wow! This is terrific! such interest in a profession that is by no means well paid OR appreciated by many ... I am proud of you girls. This is not an easy decision to make. It's terrible, but some people enter this field lightly. It's not for everyone, but there are the obvious advantages, which we all know.

Teaching is a calling more than a career. If you feel this in you, then by all means ...AND I AM TALKING TO YOU IRENE, You know how I feel about this! ... do whatever it takes to pursue it. Far too often, the best people chose other careers b/c of the $$$. Teaching is not about the Money! We know this.

I've been teaching for 10 years ... and its in my blood. It defines me as who I am. and always have been. I could go on & on about this .... so bear with me as I get to the point.

Advantages:

When you decide what you want in a career, you will be much more dedicated to it, than someone who fell into it or chose it b/c .... well I didnt' know what else to do, so?

Dedication = Good Teaching, Good Teaching = Positive Influences in Children's Lives

Children need good teachers the way they need good parents.

The smile in a child's eye when you connect with them is priceless. They may never say thank you, but you know that you've done a great job.

Good teaching is less about knowing the 'subjects' than about knowing and loving your students. The more you love them, unconditionally, the more they will learn.

You'll affect more change in your classroom on a year to year basis than in just about any other profession ... Medicine is the only other one I can think of.

You are constantly challenged by students to remain current on the times, and current in your field.

You are always learning.

I would recommend for anyone interested that you contact
1-State Education Dept
2- Local Universities ... Hunter College, Queens College, St. John's U, Hofstra
For info on certification requirements ... the guidelines are always changing so, they'd be the most helpful with what's necessary today.

Then, enroll in an education class & see how you like it. Decide if its right for you without quitting your current job.

Good luck !!! If I can be of ANY help, please let me know

ILT1221 Posted: Jan 30, 2003 02:00 PM

Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.

First off, I can't believe alot of us are in the same boat. Maybe you're right communications people are really teachers in hiding! lol!

Christine,

I FM you. We have a lot to talk about I need a big kick in the butt!

JennRenee Posted: Jan 30, 2003 04:43 PM

Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.

I love that my job is radically different from day to day.
I love the challenge of helping someone see/try things in a different way.
I love the hugs.
I love that I have the ability to make someone's day happy and successful.
I love SUMMER!

Oh yeah... I'm a teacher.

Sasha96 Posted: Jan 30, 2003 05:16 PM

Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.

I'm a speech pathologist in a school and love it. I really enjoy working with the special education population. I like having to adapt and individualize for each student (though that can be a challenge based on the school/classroom). There is nothing like the feeling you get when you see the child finally 'get it'. It is amazing how much change and growth you can affect, and how much more you see when you work with the families. And like it was stated before, staying current is so important for you and your students. My profession has mandatory continuing ed./competency requirements but soon all teaching/administration will. It's critical to what we do. Those are some of the reasons I love what I do. But I must say I also enjoy having the vacations, holidays, and summers. I like how my schedule is and I hope that it will allow me to be ok with being a working mom with a career.

Buttafli1277 Posted: Jan 30, 2003 07:40 PM

Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.

Sasha I'm also a Speech pathologist in a school. Do you teach in Queens? I'm currently teaching in a High School in Queens. This is my first year and I'm loving it. I was going to originally work as a regular elementary school teacher, but I gave this a try and I don't think I want to leave. I'm so looking foward to having the summer off.

lulu Posted: Jan 30, 2003 10:08 PM

Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.

I am Special Education teacher and I work 1:1 with children ages 1-5 in thier homes. Most of the children I work with have autism. It is so rewarding to work with a child from the day they are diagnosed with this disorder, starting off non-verbal and completely unaware of thier surroundings, and 3 years later see the same child succeding in a typical kindergarden program. I absolutley LOVE what I do. I could not see myself doing anything else.

I got my certification at the masters level at Hofstra. I thought thier program was great. My BA was in psychology.

ILT1221 Posted: Jan 30, 2003 10:13 PM

Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. I'm looking into teaching.

JennRenee Posted: Jan 31, 2003 07:23 AM

Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.

Best of luck, it's a wonderful career!

Cira Posted: Jan 31, 2003 08:27 AM

Re: CALLING ALL TEACHERS! Need advice.

I'm in the corporate world too Irenie ... but am thinking about pursuing a career in Counseling rather than Teaching!

I appreciate all you teachers responding to this post. It is truly wonderful to hear such positive thoughts and feelings about your work! I would love to wake up and can't wait to start the new day!

Good Luck in your decision Irenie ... there are a lot of us like you!!!