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NWR
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Re: NWR: Thinking about going into teaching
Just beware that there are not a whole lot of jobs on Long Island for teachers, so positions are very competitive to get.
I think if it's what you really want to do, go for it! Be sure to do some child-related work while you're in school for the experience... and be prepared to possibly look for a job in NY City if you cannot find something on LI after graduating...
I think if it's what you really want to do, go for it! Be sure to do some child-related work while you're in school for the experience... and be prepared to possibly look for a job in NY City if you cannot find something on LI after graduating...
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Re: NWR: Thinking about going into teaching
Have you ever worked with children b4? If not I think you should maybe try to work at a day care or tutor or something...just to make sure that you will really enjoy it. I'm only saying that b/c a friend of my changed careers to teaching and when she actually started doing her student teaching she hated it.
I agree that you should wake up everyday looking forward to the next 8 hours
good luck
I agree that you should wake up everyday looking forward to the next 8 hours
good luck
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Re: NWR: Thinking about going into teaching
Posted by moonlitee
Have you ever worked with children b4? If not I think you should maybe try to work at a day care or tutor or something...just to make sure that you will really enjoy it. I'm only saying that b/c a friend of my changed careers to teaching and when she actually started doing her student teaching she hated it.
I agree that you should wake up everyday looking forward to the next 8 hours
good luck
Good point -- same thing happened to my brother!
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Re: NWR: Thinking about going into teaching
I'm a speech therapist at a school, and while im not a 'teacher' i do know what working in a school is like and i see what the teachers do.... my sister is also a teacher...
while it is a great job and very rewarding, its also not nearly as 'glamorous' as people think. teachers (especially in the beginning) spend HOURS at home outside of work getting plans together. they get prep periods, but those are spent updating bulletin boards and getting things ready for the next lesson... and really with the way so may kids are today, managing their behavior is a job in itself!
i wouldn't discourage you from going in to teaching, becasue like i said, its a great job. but juts REALLY look into it before you go through all the schooling. see if you can spend a day or 2 at a school in a classroom and really see what its like and if it would be something you would enjoy![]()
while it is a great job and very rewarding, its also not nearly as 'glamorous' as people think. teachers (especially in the beginning) spend HOURS at home outside of work getting plans together. they get prep periods, but those are spent updating bulletin boards and getting things ready for the next lesson... and really with the way so may kids are today, managing their behavior is a job in itself!
i wouldn't discourage you from going in to teaching, becasue like i said, its a great job. but juts REALLY look into it before you go through all the schooling. see if you can spend a day or 2 at a school in a classroom and really see what its like and if it would be something you would enjoy
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Re: NWR: Thinking about going into teaching
I've always wanted to be a teacher...kindergarten or first grade. After high school I started slacking in my freshman year. I instead chose to work full time. Then i couldn't afford not to work since I had bills and car payments. After 5 years I have decided to go back. I am starting from the begining! It's a lot of work but if its something you love then you can do it! ![]()
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Re: NWR: Thinking about going into teaching
I had a similiar situation...
I graduated 2 years ago with a degree in PR and Advertising, but I had started to doubt my degree my senior year in college so I started to take good electives that would play into teaching requirements. I went on some interviews once I graduated and I just couldn't see myself anywhere. So my mom helped me land my current position in a hospital where I do a lot of community outreach with children. Last January I started my masters program at Dowling and this semester I am doing my part-time student teaching and next semester I will be doing my full-time student teaching. I cannot even begin to explain how much happier I am to wake up and go to work in the schools than my regular job. I just knew that being in a school was where I ought to be.
Now like other posters have said, there aren't a lot of jobs out there right now. I have read and heard that this shoudl be changing in a few years that more teachers will be retiring and there will be a whole new wave of teachers...I am keeping my fingers crossed. If not on LI, teachers are always needed in NYC. Plus, one of my professors told me that the city is increasing beginning teachers' salaries!! That is just great news.
If you know that you want to be a teacher- go for it!! Sometimes it takes us doing what we dont want to do, to realize exactly what we do want. Best of luck to you and and if you have any questions or need to talk, feel free to FM me.
Lots of luck!!!![]()
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I graduated 2 years ago with a degree in PR and Advertising, but I had started to doubt my degree my senior year in college so I started to take good electives that would play into teaching requirements. I went on some interviews once I graduated and I just couldn't see myself anywhere. So my mom helped me land my current position in a hospital where I do a lot of community outreach with children. Last January I started my masters program at Dowling and this semester I am doing my part-time student teaching and next semester I will be doing my full-time student teaching. I cannot even begin to explain how much happier I am to wake up and go to work in the schools than my regular job. I just knew that being in a school was where I ought to be.
Now like other posters have said, there aren't a lot of jobs out there right now. I have read and heard that this shoudl be changing in a few years that more teachers will be retiring and there will be a whole new wave of teachers...I am keeping my fingers crossed. If not on LI, teachers are always needed in NYC. Plus, one of my professors told me that the city is increasing beginning teachers' salaries!! That is just great news.
If you know that you want to be a teacher- go for it!! Sometimes it takes us doing what we dont want to do, to realize exactly what we do want. Best of luck to you and and if you have any questions or need to talk, feel free to FM me.
Lots of luck!!!
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Re: NWR: Thinking about going into teaching
I would definatly try working in at atmosphere where there is children, just so you can be sure you would enjoy it. Teachers are lucky, they do get off every holiday and the summer ( if you dont decide to teach summer school) and you can make more money by coaching a sport. THe downside is, teaching jobs are hard to find, and very competitive...Look into what schools are mostly accepted over others during the resume process, I hear St joesephs has an awesome rep! I was going to become a teacher but I decided on nursing. Iether way, dont let anyone discourage you...if you really want to be a teacher...then go for it..start taking some classes now!! Goodluck!![]()
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Re: NWR: Thinking about going into teaching
i'm going into teaching myself. i applied to the nyc teaching fellows (just got selected for an interview ![]()
) and am also applying to grad school (#1 is hunter) in case that doesn't work out. i'd recommend looking into nyctf. you have to work in a city school for two years, but they pay for your masters and if you get in this year you can start teaching next year. there are some down points - nyc schools (though that's a positive for me), they select the position for you based on what you're qualified for and what's needed (like if you're qualified for english and special ed, you're more likely to get special ed b/c it's needed more), and they select the college you'll be going to based on where your school is located. but if you're willing to work in a nyc school and want to teach in a high need area (sp-ed, science, math, or bilingual) then i'd say go for it.
and as someone ^ said, definitely try out working with kids if you haven't before. it's a workout and it doesn't matter what age you're with, it'll always be hard work. but if it's for you, it's SO worth it. =0) good luck!
ETA: http://www.nycteachingfellows.org/
and as someone ^ said, definitely try out working with kids if you haven't before. it's a workout and it doesn't matter what age you're with, it'll always be hard work. but if it's for you, it's SO worth it. =0) good luck!
ETA: http://www.nycteachingfellows.org/
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Re: NWR: Thinking about going into teaching
hey! i think its great that you are interested in changing careers to something you really love. I have been teaching for 3 years now in Queens....i truly love working with the kids and it is a rewarding job. With all that said, working for the board of ed (in my region at least) is a bit torturous. I did all my student teaching and observation hours in LI and it was awesome, but as mentioned, the jobs are highly competitive and there is not as much security as in the city because of the independent school districts. Luckily my school itself is great and the people are excellent to work with (and most of the kids lol) but there are demands from the region that are a little obsessive. Like others mentioned there is a LOT of work outside of your hours. Im up every night grading papers and planning and most of my weekend time too (I teach sixth grade and have 4 classes of 35). i feel its worth it but FH thinks im nuts (he gets a lil jealous i think ). I agree that a good way to find out if its for you is to spend time with kids, if you have any teacher friends ask to spend a day or two in their classrooms, usually its not a problem. Good luck with your decision! FM me if you have any questions!
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Re: NWR: Thinking about going into teaching
although i think it's great you're looking to change careers, don't assume you'll love going to work everyday. i know that i don't. in fact, there are days i dread it and i'm considering getting a second masters in something else to get OUT of teaching.
just make sure it's what you want to do. i would give up summer vacation ANYDAY to have a job that i loved and was as 'rewarding' as teaching is supposed to be
just make sure it's what you want to do. i would give up summer vacation ANYDAY to have a job that i loved and was as 'rewarding' as teaching is supposed to be
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Re: NWR: Thinking about going into teaching
I am a teacher in NYC (at a great school-- I work with students with Autism) I love it but I don't love every day! AND its not as easy as people assume. Lots of paperwork, beauracratic crap and take home work-- planning, etc ( also prepare yourself to spend a lot of your own money on things you need to teach these kids-- especialy in NYC) But I wouldn't change careers. I LOVE kids.
I agree with some of the other posts-- make sure you get a little experience before you commit. Make sure its something you really like.
I agree with some of the other posts-- make sure you get a little experience before you commit. Make sure its something you really like.
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Re: NWR: Thinking about going into teaching
I graduated with a degree in business then decided that def wasnt the path for me. So I got a teaching assistant position and went to Adelphi for my graduate degree! I now have a 3rd grade position in Queens. I love what i do. But it is definitely true that when i leave work i am not really done with it. Tests to grade and lessons to plan are all done at night! But it is great!!!
The fellow program in the city is an awesone deal, definitely look into it!!
The fellow program in the city is an awesone deal, definitely look into it!!
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Re: NWR: Thinking about going into teaching
There are so many tachers looking for jobs and so few available. So many teachers now are younger, they arent leaving. The jobs that are available are leave replacements (short term). It seems harder to get a job in is especially harder to find a job at the elementary level.
and its getting hard to get a job in the city now too.
If I can make a suggestion I would go into Secondary education. Math or Science. there is a BIG NEED!!!! My bro isn't cert in education yet but has his degree in science. He subs and the principal would have hired him on the spot if he was certified
Good Luck
I hope I didnt discourage you, teaching is an awesome profession, but you should be prepared to expect the job hunt to be frustrating.
and its getting hard to get a job in the city now too.
If I can make a suggestion I would go into Secondary education. Math or Science. there is a BIG NEED!!!! My bro isn't cert in education yet but has his degree in science. He subs and the principal would have hired him on the spot if he was certified
Good Luck
I hope I didnt discourage you, teaching is an awesome profession, but you should be prepared to expect the job hunt to be frustrating.
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Re: NWR: Thinking about going into teaching
Hey there, I can totally relate. I did what you did...got a business degree and was in the business field for 10 years and then woke up one day & said this isn't for me and isn't what I truly want to do. I went back to school for my Masters in Early Childhood Ed at 31. I started teaching while working towards my Masters at a Catholic School & now 2 years after my Cert/Masters, I'm still in a Catholic school. I took a huge paycut, but to me it was worth it. As the others have said, although I do look forward to work most days, some days I long for the weekend. It's a tough job because you are so emotionally involved. You don't walk out at 3 and go home and go on with your life, the way you handled situations and the things the kids say and things that happened during the day play over in your mind. Yet the days when the kids come up and hug me or send me the 'my favorite teacher' cards they drew at lunch, its so worth it.
Yet as the others also have said, the competition is ridiculous on Long Island/NY, if you are going for a Masters I suggest ESL or Special Ed b/c Elementary/Early Childhood are a dime a dozen (as I've found out).
Best of luck though!!!!!!!
Yet as the others also have said, the competition is ridiculous on Long Island/NY, if you are going for a Masters I suggest ESL or Special Ed b/c Elementary/Early Childhood are a dime a dozen (as I've found out).
Best of luck though!!!!!!!
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Re: NWR: Thinking about going into teaching
I agree with most of the above posts. Although i was not a career changer (I studied education for undergrad. and graduate school) I LOVE it. i worked in higher education for awhile, but there is nothing like the impact you can have on a child's life. but it's hard work too... there is beaureacratic nonsense, lots of planning, etc. etc. but it does need to be something you are passionate about....not just because you love kids. some of the worst teachers i've seen LOVE kids, but they are not smart... they don't know their subject area, they don't know how to make things developmentally appropriate for kids, etc. teaching is not about being a friends to kids all the time....although that is great if you do that too, it's about making them learners and thinkers....
I would HIGHLY suggests getting a DUAL certification (i.e. elementary AND special education) or a subject area (for high school) AND special ed. or ESL or the math or sciences. it is really tough to be a general education (elementary teacher) honestly, the degree is a 'dime a dozen' and the job search is hard.
I am dual certified (elementary and special ed. and EVERY job interview i went on was for special ed.) honestly, that is what they want and what they need. and i love it so much... those kids REALLY need you and because you have a smaller case load, those kids become your own...you know them so well.
Please feel free to FM... I've taught in a housing project in Chicago, in a great area of Brooklyn and now i'm in a suburban school district... i've seen a lot in terms of the inequities in education....
good luck to you.
I would HIGHLY suggests getting a DUAL certification (i.e. elementary AND special education) or a subject area (for high school) AND special ed. or ESL or the math or sciences. it is really tough to be a general education (elementary teacher) honestly, the degree is a 'dime a dozen' and the job search is hard.
I am dual certified (elementary and special ed. and EVERY job interview i went on was for special ed.) honestly, that is what they want and what they need. and i love it so much... those kids REALLY need you and because you have a smaller case load, those kids become your own...you know them so well.
Please feel free to FM... I've taught in a housing project in Chicago, in a great area of Brooklyn and now i'm in a suburban school district... i've seen a lot in terms of the inequities in education....
good luck to you.
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Re: NWR: Thinking about going into teaching
This is my 5th year teaching 1st grade in Brooklyn and I absolutely love it!!!! I think you should def consider it. You could always go and observe in a school to see if its really for you. Good luck and FM me if you have any questions!!!!
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Re: NWR: Thinking about going into teaching
Posted by donegal419
I am dual certified (elementary and special ed. and EVERY job interview i went on was for special ed.)
good luck to you.
same here el ed and special ed. Every interview i got was for special education.
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Re: NWR: Thinking about going into teaching
I worked in the financial services industry as well and went back to school to become a teacher in 2003. I am currently a high school business teacher and love it! It is hard to find a job but I am certified in Home Economics and Business and it was the best decision I ever made. If you really want to teach I would suggest secondary ed, math or science...those are the most areas that are in need...especially math! good luck and fm me if you need help with anything.
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Re: NWR: Thinking about going into teaching
I'm a career changer into teaching myself. I was originally a performer in musical theater, and then I decided I wanted a more stable career in which I can be home more often and raise a family the way I want to! I got my Masters in Music Ed....and I couldn't be happier. I have fun aaalll darn day long! ha ha ha! Although...there are definitely days I want to tear my hair out, and classes I do dread. But on the whole, I never complain about getting up in the morning to go to work. But...I did say to myself tonight ![]()
'tomorrow is only Thursday?' hahaha! It is the most EXHAUSTING job you will EVER have!
For a while though, I really thought this job was too good to be true (I know I am EXTREMELY lucky with the disrict I'm in, in NJ)....and now, here I am in the middle of getting ready for holiday concerts- I've never been so stressed in my life! So now I'm kind of losing it!
So yes, you do get those summers off and all of those weeks now and then for vacation...but you work your tail off for those 10 months!!! You always take your job home with you. But to me- it's sooooo worth it!!!
As everyone said though, it's terribly competitive. So frustrating because I have lots of friends who are FABULOUS teachers who can't get a job- or even get a job at a decent school!!
Why not observe at a few schools before you make this decison? Maybe you have some teacher friends that will let you drop by? Really check it out- extensively. Really see what a typical day is like and see if you'd really like it. Observations are what sealed the deal for me- I knew I was meant for it, cuz I'd be there for a few hours, and have to return to my crappy temp job...and I never wanted to leave the school!
For a while though, I really thought this job was too good to be true (I know I am EXTREMELY lucky with the disrict I'm in, in NJ)....and now, here I am in the middle of getting ready for holiday concerts- I've never been so stressed in my life! So now I'm kind of losing it!
So yes, you do get those summers off and all of those weeks now and then for vacation...but you work your tail off for those 10 months!!! You always take your job home with you. But to me- it's sooooo worth it!!!
As everyone said though, it's terribly competitive. So frustrating because I have lots of friends who are FABULOUS teachers who can't get a job- or even get a job at a decent school!!
Why not observe at a few schools before you make this decison? Maybe you have some teacher friends that will let you drop by? Really check it out- extensively. Really see what a typical day is like and see if you'd really like it. Observations are what sealed the deal for me- I knew I was meant for it, cuz I'd be there for a few hours, and have to return to my crappy temp job...and I never wanted to leave the school!
