Any teachers here?

[Ponyup]

On my strong interest inventory 3 out of my top 10 career fits were teachers. My top fit was an Elemantary shool teacher. The more I think about it the more it seems like a good fit. I have always loved kids & I seem to relate better to young children than people my own, most people say i have the mentality of a 4 yr old.
My other option I'm looking into is a college professor in math, business, or psychology. But I'm becoming more used to the idea of teaching little kids. Like grades K-4. Does anyone have any experience or thoughts that might help me figure out whether or not this would be a good fit for me.

[Gina]

Originally Posted by Ponyup

On my strong interest inventory 3 out of my top 10 career fits were teachers. My top fit was an Elemantary shool teacher. The more I think about it the more it seems like a good fit. I have always loved kids & I seem to relate better to young children than people my own, most people say i have the mentality of a 4 yr old.
My other option I'm looking into is a college professor in math, business, or psychology. But I'm becoming more used to the idea of teaching little kids. Like grades K-4. Does anyone have any experience or thoughts that might help me figure out whether or not this would be a good fit for me.

Judy is a retired teacher, she is best for giving you advice in that field... My niece is a special ed teacher for the elementary age children. She loves it , she does find it rewarding. All I can add is that I worked as a para in elementary school and I just love the young ones.. Whatever you decide good luck to you. For it is a rewarding field...

[teri88]

I went to college for elementary ed...got as far as my student teaching and then decided it wasn't for me. I've regretted it over the years that I didn't stick with it. It's a wonderful profession. No one gets into it to get rich, but it's rewarding in other ways. I was on the Board of Education for 6 years and I have so much respect for good teachers. Good luck!

[Janet]

Wish I could help you. I had wanted to be a first or second grade teacher from the time I went to kindergarten. I didn't have the most encouraging parents and then I met my husband. Maybe this school year you can help out in one of the classes to see if it's something you really want. Schools need volunteers to help the teachers so bad.

[Marilyn]

I have a dear friend who was an elementary teacher, then assistant principal, now he's a high school principal. It can be a very rewarding field, and he is devoted to it and to making a difference. He has told us some very sad stories though of children with no adult supervision, parents who are more interested in their drugs and sexual exploits than their children. Some of the children are abused and get no sleep before being dumped at school. One little boy would hide behind the bushes and they had to coax him inside the building and deal with his emotional issues. I guess it depends on where you are teaching, public vs private, and the area. You just need to be aware of all aspects of the job. It's not all smiling, cute children.

If this is what you want and you can handle all aspects of the job, go for it. We desperately need some really good teachers out there!!!!! Hope they pay well where you are. Here a teacher with a masters and 20 years experience makes less than a nurse or engineer right out of college.

Really not trying to got you down, but it's best to make an informed decision. Some teachers thrive in this environment.

[Ponyup]

My husband has a good job, so money really wouldn't be an issue. I intend to talk to some people I know around the area that do this. I live in the town I grew up so I know a lot of the teachers. One of my favorite cousins is a kindergarten teacher & she would let me help out if I wanted to.

If i knew a child was being neglected or abused, i would want to take them home with me. But I am a really good listener & i seem to connect with kids because I listen to what they have to say & show them that what they are saying is interesting & important.

[Marilyn]

Sounds like you have a good plan!!

[judy]

I love teaching. I found it one of the most rewarding things I ever did.

[Ponyup]

Originally Posted by judy

I love teaching. I found it one of the most rewarding things I ever did.

What grade did you teach? I think I would truely enjoy teaching. I love helping a child fulfill their curiousities. If I don't knw the answer I will find it for them. I always enjoyed helping friends & classmates with school work in high school & college. I once helped a girl in my management class with her calculus. I spent 2-3 hours tutoring her. She got a D on her first test (the one I didn't help with) and a B on the one I did help with. I have to talk to my career counselor to see, but my options are Elem. ED. Highschool math. college professor in math, business, or psychology. My husband thinks getting a PhD in math would be really boring, & I wasn't like a math genius I was good at it & could show it to others, but that was all. My husband is worried about my safety & sanity as a high school teacher. I'm kind of a pushover & he thinks I would have a hard time being authoritative with high schoolers. Plus i look barely out of high school myself.

[DianaB]

I think that you've been given some really good things to think about. There are pros and cons to teaching so make sure that you talk to alot of people and consider carefully what you want to do. I think that teaching would be very fulfilling. Good luck with what ever you decide to do!

[AngieDoogles]

Originally Posted by Ponyup

My husband has a good job, so money really wouldn't be an issue. I intend to talk to some people I know around the area that do this. I live in the town I grew up so I know a lot of the teachers. One of my favorite cousins is a kindergarten teacher & she would let me help out if I wanted to.

If i knew a child was being neglected or abused, i would want to take them home with me. But I am a really good listener & i seem to connect with kids because I listen to what they have to say & show them that what they are saying is interesting & important.

This alone makes me think you would be an incredible teacher! Too many teachers take on the "authoritarian" role rather than the listener/guider role which, in my opinion, is much more appropriate and effective. Schools need more compassionate people like you!

[Ponyup]

Thanks angie.