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Julia
Student
Albany, New York
1
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What is the hardest part of becoming an elementary school teacher, and do you wish that you pursued a different career?
I am a high school senior and I am kind of on the fence about elementary education. I want to major in it, and I plan to, but I am a little unsure if I want to become an elementary school teacher or a school counselor.
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3 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Julia,
So, I ended up teaching elementary school for a bit—at first just to make some money (because, well… being broke is no fun). But surprise! I actually loved it. There’s something about watching little humans figure out life, ask the weirdest questions, and grow into their personalities that makes teaching feel kind of magical. That being said, it's not all finger painting and recess—there are challenges that make some teachers want to pull their hair out (or at least drink a lot of coffee).
The Pros (AKA Why Teaching is Awesome because it truly is amazing)
First, the kids are hilarious. You will hear the funniest, most unexpected things daily. One moment, they’re calling you their favorite teacher; the next, they’re debating whether the moon is made of cheese.
Second, you actually make a difference. It sounds cliché, but seeing a kid finally understand something they’ve been struggling with? That’s a next-level feeling.
Third, every day is different. No soul-crushing office job here! One day, you’re a teacher, the next, you’re a referee, counselor, detective (who stole the missing glue stick?!), and even a part-time magician when you somehow turn chaos into learning.
The Hard Parts (AKA Why Some Teachers Quit) man it can be a toll believe me but it just comes if you see their for passion or just outcome for self!
Let’s be real—it’s tough. Some days feel like you’re herding caffeinated squirrels while trying to teach math. Kids need a lot of attention, energy, and patience. If you’re not in it for the right reasons, it can be exhausting.
Also, paperwork and expectations are no joke. There’s grading, lesson planning, meetings, and oh—don’t forget state testing stress that makes everyone a little crazy.
And then, there’s the salary. Teaching is rewarding, but not always financially. Most teachers don’t do it for the money, but let’s just say no one’s driving a Lamborghini to the teacher’s lounge. Waiiit-maybe I would have!
Teaching vs. School Counseling, it is something to know,
Now, if you’re thinking about school counseling, that’s another awesome path. Instead of teaching lessons, you’d be helping students with personal and academic challenges—which is equally rewarding but in a different way. If you love one-on-one support, problem-solving, and guiding kids through life’s ups and downs, it might be the better fit.
So, if you love working with kids, you can’t really go wrong with either path. Teaching gives you the joy of shaping young minds daily, while counseling lets you help kids navigate life’s challenges. Either way, you’ll be making a difference—and that’s what really matters! Best of luck Julia, good luck contouring minds!
So, I ended up teaching elementary school for a bit—at first just to make some money (because, well… being broke is no fun). But surprise! I actually loved it. There’s something about watching little humans figure out life, ask the weirdest questions, and grow into their personalities that makes teaching feel kind of magical. That being said, it's not all finger painting and recess—there are challenges that make some teachers want to pull their hair out (or at least drink a lot of coffee).
The Pros (AKA Why Teaching is Awesome because it truly is amazing)
First, the kids are hilarious. You will hear the funniest, most unexpected things daily. One moment, they’re calling you their favorite teacher; the next, they’re debating whether the moon is made of cheese.
Second, you actually make a difference. It sounds cliché, but seeing a kid finally understand something they’ve been struggling with? That’s a next-level feeling.
Third, every day is different. No soul-crushing office job here! One day, you’re a teacher, the next, you’re a referee, counselor, detective (who stole the missing glue stick?!), and even a part-time magician when you somehow turn chaos into learning.
The Hard Parts (AKA Why Some Teachers Quit) man it can be a toll believe me but it just comes if you see their for passion or just outcome for self!
Let’s be real—it’s tough. Some days feel like you’re herding caffeinated squirrels while trying to teach math. Kids need a lot of attention, energy, and patience. If you’re not in it for the right reasons, it can be exhausting.
Also, paperwork and expectations are no joke. There’s grading, lesson planning, meetings, and oh—don’t forget state testing stress that makes everyone a little crazy.
And then, there’s the salary. Teaching is rewarding, but not always financially. Most teachers don’t do it for the money, but let’s just say no one’s driving a Lamborghini to the teacher’s lounge. Waiiit-maybe I would have!
Teaching vs. School Counseling, it is something to know,
Now, if you’re thinking about school counseling, that’s another awesome path. Instead of teaching lessons, you’d be helping students with personal and academic challenges—which is equally rewarding but in a different way. If you love one-on-one support, problem-solving, and guiding kids through life’s ups and downs, it might be the better fit.
So, if you love working with kids, you can’t really go wrong with either path. Teaching gives you the joy of shaping young minds daily, while counseling lets you help kids navigate life’s challenges. Either way, you’ll be making a difference—and that’s what really matters! Best of luck Julia, good luck contouring minds!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
910
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Julia!
It's great that you're exploring a career in education! It's a field that's full of challenges and rewards, and it's definitely something to think about carefully. I know you're probably feeling a mix of excitement and maybe some uncertainty, and that's totally normal. Both becoming an elementary school teacher and a school counselor are rewarding paths that allow you to make a significant impact on students' lives. Here are some insights from both perspectives:
Hardest Parts of Becoming an Elementary School Teacher:
1. Classroom Management: Managing a classroom full of young students requires patience, creativity, and strong organizational skills. It can be challenging to keep everyone engaged and focused.
2. Lesson Planning: Developing engaging and effective lesson plans takes time and effort. You'll need to adapt your teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of your students.
3. Emotional Investment: Building relationships with your students means you'll share in their successes and struggles, which can be emotionally demanding.
4. Workload: Balancing teaching duties, grading, parent communication, and professional development can be overwhelming at times.
Hardest Parts of Becoming a School Counselor:
1. Emotional Challenges: As a counselor, you'll be supporting students through difficult times, which can be emotionally taxing. It's important to have strong emotional resilience.
2. Diverse Responsibilities: You'll handle a variety of tasks, including individual and group counseling, academic advising, and collaborating with teachers and parents.
3. Balancing Roles: You'll need to balance being an advocate for students while also maintaining professional boundaries and adhering to school policies.
Considerations for Both Roles:
1. Interpersonal Skills: Both roles require excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You'll be interacting with students, parents, and colleagues regularly.
2. Passion for Helping: Whether you're teaching or counseling, a genuine passion for helping students grow and succeed is essential.
3. Continuous Learning: Both roles involve ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices and new techniques.
Advice for Making Your Decision:
1. Shadow Professionals: Spend time shadowing both an elementary school teacher and a school counselor to get a firsthand look at their daily responsibilities and interactions with students.
2. Reflect on Your Strengths: Consider your skills and interests. Do you enjoy creating and delivering lessons, or do you feel more passionate about providing individual support and guidance?
3. Talk to Mentors: Seek advice from educators and counselors who can share their experiences and insights.
4. Consider Dual Roles: Some schools offer positions that allow you to combine teaching and counseling responsibilities. This could be a way to experience both roles and find what you enjoy most.
Remember, it's okay to feel uncertain. The important thing is to choose a path that aligns with your passion and strengths. Whichever career you choose, you'll be making a positive impact on the lives of students.
Best wishes!
It's great that you're exploring a career in education! It's a field that's full of challenges and rewards, and it's definitely something to think about carefully. I know you're probably feeling a mix of excitement and maybe some uncertainty, and that's totally normal. Both becoming an elementary school teacher and a school counselor are rewarding paths that allow you to make a significant impact on students' lives. Here are some insights from both perspectives:
Hardest Parts of Becoming an Elementary School Teacher:
1. Classroom Management: Managing a classroom full of young students requires patience, creativity, and strong organizational skills. It can be challenging to keep everyone engaged and focused.
2. Lesson Planning: Developing engaging and effective lesson plans takes time and effort. You'll need to adapt your teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of your students.
3. Emotional Investment: Building relationships with your students means you'll share in their successes and struggles, which can be emotionally demanding.
4. Workload: Balancing teaching duties, grading, parent communication, and professional development can be overwhelming at times.
Hardest Parts of Becoming a School Counselor:
1. Emotional Challenges: As a counselor, you'll be supporting students through difficult times, which can be emotionally taxing. It's important to have strong emotional resilience.
2. Diverse Responsibilities: You'll handle a variety of tasks, including individual and group counseling, academic advising, and collaborating with teachers and parents.
3. Balancing Roles: You'll need to balance being an advocate for students while also maintaining professional boundaries and adhering to school policies.
Considerations for Both Roles:
1. Interpersonal Skills: Both roles require excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You'll be interacting with students, parents, and colleagues regularly.
2. Passion for Helping: Whether you're teaching or counseling, a genuine passion for helping students grow and succeed is essential.
3. Continuous Learning: Both roles involve ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices and new techniques.
Advice for Making Your Decision:
1. Shadow Professionals: Spend time shadowing both an elementary school teacher and a school counselor to get a firsthand look at their daily responsibilities and interactions with students.
2. Reflect on Your Strengths: Consider your skills and interests. Do you enjoy creating and delivering lessons, or do you feel more passionate about providing individual support and guidance?
3. Talk to Mentors: Seek advice from educators and counselors who can share their experiences and insights.
4. Consider Dual Roles: Some schools offer positions that allow you to combine teaching and counseling responsibilities. This could be a way to experience both roles and find what you enjoy most.
Remember, it's okay to feel uncertain. The important thing is to choose a path that aligns with your passion and strengths. Whichever career you choose, you'll be making a positive impact on the lives of students.
Best wishes!
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
103
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
Of course, the other two answers to your interesting question have much to offer.
I have another perspective for you to consider.
One can be, in my opinion, a very successful grade school teacher and absolutely enjoy every moment of it (as well as your students) if the students and you, believe that as a group you are a single unit. You are all part of a single whole.
But this can be a delicate operation. First day, first week. It is up to you to introduce the concept that the class is a singular group. And every person in the group will respect everyone else. You are the person in charge and you want them to respect you. And they will want you to respect them.
Of course, not all in the class will accept this "unit". If the class is a solid entity the other students in the class will work toward solidarity. with your encouragement. But not openly. No taking sides.
For what it's worth. It may not work for you.
And your other alternative? Counseling.. I assume it is in the araa of education. What level? And just what are your reasons for this being an alternative? But that is for you to thrill around in your mind.
But I am grateful that you asked the question. People like you are the ones who are needed in education.
I have another perspective for you to consider.
One can be, in my opinion, a very successful grade school teacher and absolutely enjoy every moment of it (as well as your students) if the students and you, believe that as a group you are a single unit. You are all part of a single whole.
But this can be a delicate operation. First day, first week. It is up to you to introduce the concept that the class is a singular group. And every person in the group will respect everyone else. You are the person in charge and you want them to respect you. And they will want you to respect them.
Of course, not all in the class will accept this "unit". If the class is a solid entity the other students in the class will work toward solidarity. with your encouragement. But not openly. No taking sides.
For what it's worth. It may not work for you.
And your other alternative? Counseling.. I assume it is in the araa of education. What level? And just what are your reasons for this being an alternative? But that is for you to thrill around in your mind.
But I am grateful that you asked the question. People like you are the ones who are needed in education.
I know its very different from elementary education but if I became a school counselor, I would want to do high school. I don't really have a real reason behind it, I just feel like being a school counselor is interesting, and I am very into Psychology, which is something that school counselors would have to know more about than an elementary school teacher. I'm just not exactly sure what I want to do as a career, but I know I want to be able to help students succeed in their academic careers, and create a welcoming and safe environment for them, whether I'm a teacher, or a counselor.
Julia
I would then suggest two things:
1. Walk into an elementary school in your area and with luck you may be able to discuss elementary education with a teacher. With more luck you may be able to go into a class or two and observe.
2. Discuss counseling with high school counselors. Get their "take"on it.
In both cases I would recommend being prepared with your goals and your "confusions" re which path to take. In the end, only you can answer this. But wise to confront your issues.
All the best.
Jerry Tingstad
Be sure to specifically ask what they like and do not like about their work. People often do n ot mention what they do not like, but that is crucial information!
Katie Schwartz, CCC-SLP