Elvira
Would becoming a math teacher be stressful?
I was wondering if becoming math teacher would be difficult an stressful, because so far anyone who has asked me about my major and i've replied with math, they've said good luck. #career #professor #math
2 answers
John Christianson
John’s Answer
Honestly, any position of responsibility is stressful. As a math teacher, I can say the first couple of years was a stressful time. Lots of work and generally lots of homework as well. But it gets better. The saying is "don't be a second year teacher for eight years". In other words, like any profession, experience makes the job easier and less stressful. Familiarity makes it less stressful.
The important thing is to understand your content area thoroughly and all the other stuff is OJT. If you have a great grasp of the math, then you have less to stress about.
Hope this helps.
Michael Stephens
Michael’s Answer
Yes, I think most teachers would agree, teaching math or any other subject is extremely stressful. Teaching can be very rewarding, but if you are looking for a low-stress, conflict free environment, you should look elsewhere. Teaching is not for everybody.
I would advise any young person who is thinking about investing time and energy into becoming a teacher to really take the time find out what education is like. Take some personality tests like the Myers-Briggs or the Strengths Finder 2.0. Talk with experienced teachers. Unfortunately, there are many schools and programs that recruit young people who have no business teaching and would be miserable in a classroom.
Some people are called to teaching. Make sure it is your calling before you commit.