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What kind of hardships come with teaching, and how did you overcome them? Would you say it was worth it?
I am currently a freshman in highschool and would like to be an elementary school teacher, but theres a lot of factors that hold me back from dedicating my studies to the education field.
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Colleen’s Answer
I agree with Priscilla. To add to what she said, I think you need to be somewhat strategic about where you teach to set yourself up for long term financial security. Typically the public school districts offer pretty amazing retirement plans if you teach there for enough years. You will need to reach the highest level of education to get to the highest pay scale, but teaching is a career where continual learning is expected anyway. Working with children is incredibly rewarding and I agree with Priscilla that you should start volunteering or working with children in any capacity you can to see if you enjoy it. Subbing is another great way to gain experience when you are old enough, even though subbing and teaching full time can be very different. Having all of the holidays and summers off is wonderful, especially if you have your own children. If you decide this is your path, I would look for college education programs that emphasize observing and teaching in actual classrooms because those experiences are way more valuable than the coursework in my opinion. Best wishes to you!
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Priscilla’s Answer
Hardships are increasing...parental dictates, lack of admin support, need to continue education for entire time and students increasingly less respectful.
But teaching is something that you have intuitively...teaching a skill you have and an age level you enjoy and relate well to. For ex. If you love art, then consider teaching art! Middle school is the most difficult age, esp. If you have not had children. Then i suggest elem. Or high school. The nice thing is having holidays, esp. When you have kids off the same time. Realize that needing student teaching experience, adds a semester to your 4 years unless you take classes in the summer. To see if you have it in you to be able to teach, try teaching anywhere...swimming, sunday school, etc... I also think it is imperitive to sub before teaching full time. You will learn from the strong and the weaker teachers. Another difficulty is the different levels of students and their different styles of learning. You need a good sense of humor too! Good luck.
But teaching is something that you have intuitively...teaching a skill you have and an age level you enjoy and relate well to. For ex. If you love art, then consider teaching art! Middle school is the most difficult age, esp. If you have not had children. Then i suggest elem. Or high school. The nice thing is having holidays, esp. When you have kids off the same time. Realize that needing student teaching experience, adds a semester to your 4 years unless you take classes in the summer. To see if you have it in you to be able to teach, try teaching anywhere...swimming, sunday school, etc... I also think it is imperitive to sub before teaching full time. You will learn from the strong and the weaker teachers. Another difficulty is the different levels of students and their different styles of learning. You need a good sense of humor too! Good luck.
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Lyndsay’s Answer
Teachers are often required to dip into their own pockets to purchase supplies. While there seems to be ample assistance when mistakes are made, the commendable efforts of good teachers often go unnoticed. The most challenging part for me was the realization that I can't extend my support to every child. It's not feasible for them all to reside with me, and at times, they are returning to homes where their guardians are too preoccupied to lend a helping hand to their own children. Yet, remember, every small effort counts, and your dedication is making a difference in their lives.