I worked in radio for a few years and although I loved it, the hours were awful, I hated commuting to the city, the money wasn't worth it, and I wanted to be on the same schedule as my now DH. (He is an occupational therapist in a school.) I went for my masters in teaching while I worked full time and I am very happy with my decision. Just make sure you go into a field that jobs are needed. Elementary Ed is very difficult to find a placement. I am an ESL teacher. Math and Science teachers are always needed. Good LUck.
TheMrandMrsof2008
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Re: NWR: Thinking about going into teaching
I am a NYC teacher too. Again, I could not spend my years subbing on LI and never having my own classroom. I suggest doing the program NYC offers, they will pay for the masters. You have to guarantee them the years.. but come on..its a good deal. TEACHING IN REWARDING!
Nicoleta1222
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Re: NWR: Thinking about going into teaching
I am dual certified as well and I definatley helps..although I really would see how you like being in the classroom before you commit to it. If you have any friends that are teachers, see if you can go in for the day as a 'special guest' and see what it is like. Yes we get the summers and days off but most of mine are spent correcting spelling tests and planning projects...it is definatley a DEMANDING job!!
stephdv94
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Re: NWR: Thinking about going into teaching
I must say it is such a rewarding job... I love going to work everyday.... before you start your masters, maybe you can go and observe some classrooms just to make sure you want to make that career change..You are more than welcome to come visit mine) I would def.. go for it.. You should try applying for NYC Teaching fellows, they pay for your masters and place you in a school... FM me if you need anything...
DavaDay
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Re: NWR: Thinking about going into teaching
I've been a high school teacher for six years in NYC and yes it is rewarding, but it is so tough, you really have to be prepared. I would NOT suggest doing the Teaching Fellows program a few people have mentioned - they really just throw you into a classroom (the WORST classroom around, at a school where licensed teachers won't go, which is why there's a shortage there and they need to hire Fellows) with no support and no training and expect you to not only teach right away, but to take three grad classes at night at the same time? The Fellows I know are miserable, and the dropout rate is huge. I myself started teaching under a program like that, with no training and no experience and it was really awful, but I made it through, and I'm still there, but I definitely would NOT do it again if I had the choice.
If you're really interested in teaching, maybe try subbing a bit? You won't get to do any 'teaching' per se (you'll just sit at the front of the room and hope the kids don't kill each other on your watch - if you're in NYC anyway) but you'll be in a school and get a sense of what it's like to be around kids all day. Plus, you can talk to teachers and get a sense of what their day is like. For example, yes, you get summers off, but you get homework too - your first year teaching you'll be up till 10 or 11 at night every night writing lesson plans. It's not a luxury - 10 months of that and you'll NEED a two month break!
I'm sorry if I sound really negative. Teaching is great - it's really rewarding, and I can't think of a better way to spend 7 hours than surrounded by a bunch of kids who are anxious to try something new. I think that if you go into it with your eyes open and with training and experience as a Student Teacher, you'll be fine. Good luck to you!
ejm1219
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Re: NWR: Thinking about going into teaching
If you are looking for a program - and you want to go into special ed - look into the center for integrated teacher education. It is through touro college and you get your masters on weekends and school vacations. My bro got his in 18 months - with a lot less credits! I went to Hunter and had to take 48 credits and I had undergrad credits too! It is a dual in elementary and special ed. Its not the greatest program in the world - but it gets you the same license we all have!
smara
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Re: NWR: Thinking about going into teaching
Posted by betani
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/
Thats so funny, I applied and My interview is in a couple of weeks
cbcf
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Re: NWR: Thinking about going into teaching
I have a question for all you teachers...
I am graduating with a BA in Psych this May 2007. I am applying to grad schools now to start either in the summer or Fall 2007. I am applying for Special Ed/ early or childhood education (dual). However, I understand it takes usually 2 years to finish. Therefore I figure May 2009?!
But FH and I are really looking forward to getting married May 30 2009. Do you think that will interfer with graduation? I am not sure if graduation from grad school is similar to graduation from undergrad. Cause I graduate this year on May 18th.
But also, when student teaching, do you have to compelete the year with tht classroom or once you graduate (in May) do you stop student teaching even though school goes till June? I wouldnt want that to interfer with my wedding either.
