4 answers
5
Asked 306 views

What grade is the best grade to teach as a first time teacher?

I'm in 9th grade and want to be a teacher. But what is the best grade to teach as a first time teacher?

teaching teacher educator teacher-training
Answer This

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you
5

4 answers

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Barbara’s Answer

Hi, Kaelyn! You have a great question and in my opinion, the answer is hard to explain! I believe that a lot of factors contribute to your question. What do you mean “best”? Do you mean easy? The most fun? The most rewarding? I knew I didn’t want anything below 5th grade because I worked at day cares and I wanted older students that didn’t require so much hand holding!! I tried 5th grade and I loved/hated it! In my school it was only 5th and 6th grade, so my kids were babies and needed to learn a loooot! I moved to 8th grade and I love it. You still get lots of loving, some hand holding, but you can be real to them (not all) and they try to get you! It all depends on the school district you’re in, and even the administrative team you have! My recommendation is to feel out different grade levels, research districts around you, not all follow the same teaching styles. Do you want a core subject or would you prefer an elective class? Remember you will spend most of your time in this classroom with these kiddos and they need you at your happiest and best! So choose something you’re passionate about! Think about state testing, how big the department is, and research! But most importantly— follow your heart and listen to your gut! You have plenty of time to figure it out. I went to school and got a Bachelor’s in Business Management, six months later I got my alternative teaching certification, taught math— moved to Spanish, and now I’m starting my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health! What you choose is not set in stone, if you don’t like it— determine what it is that you don’t like and think if you need to try a different school, district, subject, ir grade level!

Best of luck to you! Teaching can be hard, but the rewards are amazing!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Monica’s Answer

Hi Kaelyn, trust you are fine😊

I'm so excited to hear that you're aspiring to become a teacher! That's a wonderful career goal, and I'm happy to help you explore the best grade level to teach as a first-time teacher.

As a first-time teacher, it's essential to consider a grade level that aligns with your personality, skills, and comfort zone. While every grade level has its unique challenges and rewards, here are some factors to consider for each level:

Elementary School (Grades K-5)
🤗Pros: Young students can be adorable and enthusiastic, making the teaching experience enjoyable and rewarding.
🌞Cons: Classroom management and behavioral challenges might be more significant with younger students.

Middle School (Grades 6-8)
🤗Pros: Students at this age are developing their interests and personalities, making it easier to connect with them.
🌞Cons: Pre-teens can be more challenging to manage, especially during puberty.

High School (Grades 9-12)
🤗Pros: Students are more independent, and you can have more in-depth discussions and debates.
🌞Cons: High school students might be more resistant to new ideas, and grading can be more time-consuming.

Considering these factors, many first-time teachers find that teaching elementary school students (Grades K-5) can be a great starting point. At this level, you'll have the opportunity to shape young minds, and the students' energy and curiosity can be incredibly rewarding.

However, the best grade level for you will ultimately depend on your👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽
💦Personality: If you're more patient and enjoy working with younger students, elementary school might be a great fit. If you prefer working with older students and more abstract concepts, middle school or high school might be more suitable.
💦Subject expertise: If you're passionate about a specific subject, like math or language arts, you might prefer teaching at a level where you can dive deeper into that subject.
💦Teaching style: Consider your teaching style and what type of classroom environment you'd thrive in.

Kaelyn, as a 9th grader, you have plenty of time to explore different grade levels and subjects. Therefore, I recommend👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽
🦾Volunteering: Volunteer at local schools or educational programs to gain experience working with different age groups.
🦾Job shadowing: Shadow teachers at various grade levels to observe their teaching styles and classroom environments.
🦾Reflecting: Reflect on your own educational experiences and consider what grade level and subjects you enjoyed the most.

By exploring these options and reflecting on your own strengths and preferences, you'll be well on your way to determining the best grade level for you to teach as a first-time teacher.

Keep shining, Kaelyn✨✨✨ You're going to make an amazing teacher one day👍🏽
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Melody’s Answer

WHAT LEVEL depends on you. My level has been elementary primarily 4-6 grades. It would be best to take time to feel out as you work. Most start at the point where they think they will work best, but this may change as they get experience. One way to try this out is to volunteer to work with different age-level groups to see which area you feel you would work with even if it means additional study or research to work better with them. You can volunteer for grades below your current grade level to get experience.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Amanda’s Answer

Hello Kaelyn!

Drawing from my experience as a teacher, I highly recommend you immerse yourself in school environments through volunteering. This hands-on approach will expose you to students of various ages across diverse school settings, helping you discover the age group you connect with the most. Many colleges offer ample opportunities for such experiences, enabling you to fine-tune your teaching aspirations.

Your ambitions are commendable, and I wholeheartedly wish you all the success in your journey!
Best Regards,
Amanda
0