| Author | Message | ||
     Blastin |
To teach or not to teach…..that is the question. I need the collective opinion of the BadWeb on a subject that will be a major decision in my life. Well not only in my life but in the life of my wife and our little one that is on the way.(no pressure here  ) I have come to know many of you and respect your opinions. I have always thought about teaching, just never really done anything about it. I have always enjoyed showing new things to people and I do it a lot currently at work. Some people have said that I do have a knack for explaining complex things in understandable ways. Well the opportunity to teach has presented itself for me to do it. The position would be at a charter school in Milwaukee. A charter school means that you do not have to have an “official” state teaching license, which I do not have at the moment. The charter school will pay for the classes to get my license. This school is also not your ordinary school. It is for kids about 5th-10th grade who are, shall we say “difficult” to put it nicely. For some of these kids, if someone does not intervene now it won’t be too long before the downward spiral really begins. The school operates in a semi-military fashion and they are in desperate need of a science teacher, and I happen to fit that bill with a B.S. in Chemistry and an M.S. in Environmental Engineering. (Yeah I know, but the environmental market hasn’t been moving to well for me lately) To do this, I would be giving up a well paying job of 7 years in industry and taking a significant paycut. But that well paying job is becoming so routine, boring, and a pain in my butt for me lately, that I’m going goofy. Couple that with other situations at work, and I really need a change. I have always said to myself that I really need to make a difference in my work, and in some respects I do that at work now. I deal with a whole spectrum of chemicals that help people in medicine, technology, bio-tech, etc, but I’m just a link in the chain. I need to have that direct interaction and direct effect. Teaching would allow me that. I can deal with the paycut, I think. (I guess there is always the summer to try and supplement income) I’m a little apprehensive with the baby coming to do this and my wife going to part-time work.(We want to avoid daycare if at all possible) I will be going to the school for a few days, starting tomorrow and observing to help me in my decision. Then my wife and I are going skiing in Upper Michigan for the weekend so I can try and clear my mind.(She’s not skiing though) I guess this is life, and life won’t wait for me or anybody else. It’s just such an about face of where I thought I was going that I just wanted to get a few opinions. Anybody have any teaching experience, or just other words of wisdom and knowledge for me? Thanks, Jerry | ||
| Bads1 |
Jerry I couldn't tell you what to do only you My friend knows whats good for Jerry and family.I say go see the school and then let your heart tell you whats right for you.BTW congrats on the soon to be son or daughter.Good luck Dana aka BadS1 | ||
| Ftd |
Jerry, I am a chemist also. Years ago my main job was similar to yours in that it was interesting but not very fullfilling. I started teaching on a part time basis and have continued to do this for several years now. It has provided me the best of both worlds, a better paying job and a more fullfilling job. Maybe you could find a similar opportunity so you could fully evaluate what you really want to do. Frank | ||
| Phillyblast |
Jerry, You'll know. I'm contemplating now, and have in the past, a similar route. Best of luck. David | ||
| Easyflier |
My father taught school, mostly science for junior, middle and high school over a 16 year period. He got out when they started letting the kids run the school (took out the discipline). I know that he enjoyed it and liked having summers off, not sure that applies in your case if they have a year round curriculum. Good luck with your choice. | ||
| Dasxb9s |
I was an electronics instructor in the army... I have done teaching/instructing intermixed with law enforcement duties for approaching 28 years... I love to teach. My ex-wife has been a high school teacher for almost 30 years... and it was very taxing on her... and teaching those that have to be there vs teaching those that want to be there made the experience much different for each of us. If you have the patience to deal with kids that age... and you are willing to work in a career that seems to be known for being underpaid... and you have evaluated all this and there are no doubts... go for it. But if you are counting on gaining equally in pay over the years equal to other skilled jobs... I would not expect that to happen from what I have seen in teaching at that type of institution. At least in the Kansas City area. I love to teach... it is very rewarding. But those that I have taught wanted to be there and learn the subject matter. I personally could not manage well teaching to those who are not there by choice. Look at what you feel in your heart... and balance that with an objective point of view with the possibility of not progressing financially at a equatable rate, which is commonly seen as an under paid profession... and go where your heart takes you. The support of your wife in this path is very important. GOOD LUCK!!!!! I hope which ever you choose... takes you and your family where you want to go! | ||
| Sportsman |
Hopefully this is not your first child. If it is, don't make any decisions yet. A kid changes everything, EVERYTHING! For the better I might add, as it might give you the purpose you long for. | ||
| Kaese |
I can understand about the unfulfilling occupation. I have the dream job of getting paid a lot of money to do next to nothing working for the county government. They even threw a new software system at us that doesn't work as well as the old one (more reasons to do less, if that was possible). I have been considering quitting and drawing out my retirement and investing, probably in real estate. I will probably milk this position for what it is worth and then quit. Basically, all I have to do is show up and surf the BadWeb. I can relate, but the grass is not always greener on the other side. | ||
| Cyclonemick |
I say go for it! It seems to me as I read your 2nd paragraph that a change is just what you might need. There is nothing worse than going to work everyday knowing there is something else out there that could make you happier but sitting around doing nothing about it just sucks. Carpe Diem and good luck! | ||
| Darthane |
I was lucky enough to get the chance to teach some classes at my college a couple years ago. I've still got the itch to go back and do it again. Were it me in your shoes, I'd go for teaching - but that decision lies with you. Luckily my current job isn't boring or a pain, so it would be relatively easy for me to say no to it and keep the income! | ||
| Mikej |
Jerry, Your life, your decision, but you know that. Some comments: Head down to UWM and make an appointment with the advisors in the School of Education. They're busy and have limited time slots, I know because I've been there a few times getting info on options. Many school systems are pushing for teachers to have advanced degrees, and many school districts base pay scales on teacher degree levels. Shop around the web and you'll find salary info at other school district web sites, I was able to find some in Washington state for comparison. Getting in the door is the hard part, if they are willing to pay the tuition bill then that can be considered part of your salary. I've thought seriously about teaching middle school grades, but the advanced degree thing has caused me to take time to think about it some, and not having completed an undergrad degree has kept me out as well. That should change in May. If it were me, at your age, with your education, and knowing you, I'd say you'll make the right decision no matter what it is. And having met and spoken with your wife some I know she'll be right there with you. Teaching is one of the few remaining professions that still have a pension plan of sorts, and at least some small guarantee of continued employment. Plus, given the right situation, there is also a student loan waiver if you are carrying one of those as well which might be something else to check into. The negatives of teaching as I see them are: Politics, union contracts, dealing with unruly students, dealing with their parents or guardians, and a whole slew of other stuff. But then when I look at a list of negatives about teaching I can apply it to any job. Go to the video store and start renting all the movies about teachers. You'll notice there are a bunch of them, and in most of them the teacher ends up being a hero. Remember the kids at BattleTrax? You're already a hero Jerry, you've already made your decision, you're here just looking for confirmation. Congratulations on the news of the little one about to enter your life. And congratulations on the new opportunities that have presented themselves in your career. I see no negatives, you'll do great. Mike. | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Jerry, I know that this is in no way the same as what you are proposing but ever since I became a MSF Instructor I felt I have made a difference to the students I have taught. It makes you feel good inside to take someone with absolutely no experience and at the end of the day to have taught them something as good as motorcycling. I have since also started teaching an insurance licensing course here as well and find that fun too. If it makes you feel good and you enjoy it AND if you think you can make a difference or make someone a better person then go for it. I have met you and you seem to be a decent guy. I'd say GO FOR IT. | ||
| Cj_xb |
Jerry, only you and Diane can really decide and you'll know eventually what path to choose. But as sportman said, a new member of the family is going to be a HUGE change, for the better sure but a big change none the less. Being cautious by nature, I'd myself would wait until I see how life will change, with Diane's job and all your going to have some changes coming up. It's not like this will be the last opportunity you have for a more rewarding job, others will come along too !! But trust your own instinct and do what's best for you and Diane and baby !!! CJ | ||
| Sarodude |
Jerry- I can't advise you on what to do. However, I can tell you what I believe: There are no right or wrong decisions. It's what you do with the experience garnered as a result of those decisions that matters. -Saro | ||
| Nevco1 |
Jerry...Congradulations to you and Diane concerning the new addition to your family. That is truly wonderful news and knowing the two of you, the child will truly be blessed with outstanding parents. Concerning your career options I am confident that the two of you will reach a sound decision. You are young and can afford to experiment. The only advise is to think ahead through all the family years and into retirement. Don't let anything negatively effect your family life. Life is short and has lots of variables. Do your best to make it as enjoyable as you can for you and your family. | ||
| Whatever |
Jerry, You guys have been busy huh?  Congratulations on the child on the way. My two cents is this. If you love children and have massive amounts of patience and these people are going to train you... I say go for it. I myself have checked into teaching general science at the junior high level and it would be at least 3 additional years of schooling for me which is something I can't afford right now. Don't get me wrong, I love my job, but at times it is rather dry and that zaps me. Other times I feel like I am 'splitting hairs' with the federal regulations being so complexlyconstipatatedandtwisted... If you don't take the job would you pass me on the information??? I could give it a shot!!!  Charlotte | ||
| Bomber |
Blastin Wow . . . .. . the biginning of a new adventure . . .. as all have said, your tummy will lead you to right decision . . .. . I've been involved in education since the Johnson administration (L.B., not the one that succeeded Lincoln), so I'll offer a few comments (you asked, you silly person!) Teaching can be rewarding in the extreme, emotionally, intellectually, physically, and just about any other "ally" you care to name . . .. most educators are chronically under-paid -- I say most, because there ARE districts that pay their teachers very well indeed -- I have no idea as your your income requirements, or what the Charter School will pay, and that fiscal decision is a very private one . . .. I know many teachers whose feeling towards their work mirror your feelings toward yours at present, so that becoming a teach may not offer you long-term work-realted happiness, but again, you're the best judge . . . . . as a former school board member, I can share with you what I think the two largest down-sides to teaching are (not counting fiscal issues, see above) . .. . one -- the union . . . . I'm not union bashing, here, but the dichotomy between caring for your students and forming contracts that may very likely hurt them is tough to deal with . . . also, I firmly believe that there are folks that thrive in a union environment (and it's attendant politics), and those that don't. Only one can judge into which camp you might fall on any given day -- two -- expectations -- while I was involved with our educational system, I saw the classroom requirements rise to stupidity of truely Homeric levels . . . . the schools are expected to teach readin, writin, and rithmatic, as well as teach kids how to be fiscally responsible, teach em the birds and the bees, teach em about substance abuse, teach em how to be polite to each other, in short, schools are expected to make up for parental shortcomings to help create a Norman Rockwell-like society that I'm not sure ever existed in reality . . . the state and federally mandated nonesense that teachers have to pay attention to is making it a minor miracle that anyone graduates from high school literate . . .. this ain't supposed to be a rant (although it may seem like it), but, like anyting that touches the heart, teaching has huge up-sides, and equally huge down-sides . . . . . it's a tough call, and you and your family are the only ones properly equipped to make, as you pointed out . . .. .all here have raised good points to ponder, which is likely what you were looking for . . . . . teh AM version is, try it part time, if possible, and see how ya like it . . . . . and, HUGE congratulations on becoming a parent -- I think it's your first, and, if that's the case, you're embarking on the best job you'll ever have . . .. that of "Dad." very cooool beans, indeeed! | ||
| Dullorb |
Just so long as this doesn't necessitate you cutting back on the steak dinners for the other officers, go for it. | ||
| Mikej |
A quote from someone at sometime in the past, found at http://forums.consumerreview.com/crforum?14@121.hhSxadTeSLm.479443@.efe38cf/4
Seemed appropriate somehow. | ||
| Cj_xb |
Way to be supportive Dull !!! | ||
| Prof_stack |
To teach or not to teach I'm in my 29th year of high school teaching, mostly mathematics (Alg I through AP Calculus). In Seattle I've taught at two private schools, my current one for 19 years. It is a private Catholic (Jesuit, actually) school. Money? Wasn't much to start but now with M.Ed and lots of experience plus a season per year of coaching I gross a little over $60K. Teaching keeps me young. The students are always interesting. The challenge to motivate them and then watch them succeed is fabulous. You can watch fashions come full circle and realize that what you wear will soon be current, but not for long. I always wanted to teach in the public schools here, but layoffs back in the 70's / 80's made job security about nil for new teachers. So I might just retire as a career private school teacher. Keep in mind that you will be more than a teacher. You will be a class advisor, a football public address announcer, a dance chaperone, a drama assistant, a sports coach or assistant, a lunch room monitor (oboy...), a parking lot attendant, etc. You will have lessons to plan and papers to correct. Your spouse will sigh when you bring home a box full of papers and projects to grade. You will lose weight without realizing it. And if your heart is there, you will love it. Prof (a little long-winded today...) | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
I've always gone by the principle that money is just a means of exchange & of itself is meaningless. Do what will make you happiest & give you the best quality of life. I drive trucks for a living & it still gives me a buzz, but it's a killer for family life (already cost me one marriage) so now I work part time, it means I get less money but also I get the time to Live and appreciate what I have. Life's for living enjoy it. If you're getting enough money to keep your head above water, that's all you need.  | ||
| Prof_stack |
I'm currently have a student-teacher in my classroom who is about to take over my five classes; after first observing and then slowly taking responsibility. She quit her business job to go back to school to become a HS math teacher. In her mid-30's, she has 2 children. To the point: she cannot believe how much work she has to do as a teacher. I'm there to catch her if she falls and to observe and give tips and such. But it is not an easy job (for her and, in a different role, for me). She returns each Monday renewed and ready for another week.... Do what you love and love what you do. Prof | ||
| Court |
If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. | ||
| Tx_m2 |
One more opinion, FWIW. Long, windy one, too. My situation was very similar to yours 6 months ago - good paying job, boring as all get out, a lot of hours away from home. Top that with my son being born in March, and the prospect of missing him growing up...I took the plunge. Moved halfway across the country, took a job teaching. I make about 2/3 what I used to, so it's close enough. Good enough to keep my son out of day care - just tightened the belt a little. I'm not a formally trained teacher. I, too, am working toward the state certificate. Let me tell you, though - if you have any delusion about teaching being easy, let me dispel that for you now. It is NOT easy. It's one thing to understand a given subject well enough to work with it yourself. It is another matter entirely to find 30 different ways to convey that information to 30 different students who all have their own methods for processing information and learning. In short, you may have a student who learns best by a method that seems completely backward and non-intuitive to you. It's still up to you to reach him/her. Motivation can be tough, too. Don't put too much stock in how training people went for you at work. That experience mostly doesn't apply. People you train at work WANT to hear what you have to say - to make more money, improve skill, avoid looking stupid, whatever it is. The mind set at school is entirely different. Maintaining a learning environment (i.e. discipline) and providing motivation to your students takes as much of my time as teaching the material does. With that said, let me also say how much I am enjoying teaching. The challenges I face are a big part of what makes it fun. Boredom? Not anymore. No two days are alike. The big satisfaction comes when you see the light bulb turn on above that student's head - when you know you got through, that he gets it. It is pretty tremendous. The chain at that point only has two links - you, and him. | ||
| Prof_stack |
New teachers have to make classroom management (i.e. discipline) their #1 emphasis. No real teaching or learning can take place until #1 is working effectively. "Telling is not teaching. Listening is not learning." | ||
| Jim_witt |
Jerry, Wow, with hundreds of thousands of folks that have been out of work for the last 2 consecutive years, you should be happy you have an excellent paying job (not that you said otherwise). You must of enjoyed Chemistry and Environmental Engineering at one point in your life, so what’s changed. Every job/discipline has its’ cycles, politics, become boring, are a pain in the ass at one time or another and make you goofy from time to time. If you think teaching won’t propagate those feeling then your freaking delusional my friend. As a matter of fact, those feelings will be even more evident by teaching. I'll also bet that you'll spend less time with your family as a teacher than you would in your present job. Oh, BTW a job isn’t that much different than a marriage either. They both take a butt-load of work to achieve happiness and success. Just as you need to be creative, innovative and flexible in a marriage, your job must follow suite. In other words, just because things aren’t going as planned at home doesn’t mean you throw the wife and kids out the door. You job is no different. Find out what's wrong and fix it. If you want to teach something, then become active in your local community, teach Sunday school, try out the Cub Scouts or teach part-time at a Community College. Being financial secure, via your present profession has its benefits down the road too. Like consistent vacations with your family, a college fund for your kid(s), a saving account, a nice car and home etc.. So, since you asked, I think it’s an absolute stupid move at this point in your life, especially when you have many other options at your disposal to feed your need to teach. Plus being married you have a few obligations too. Just think of the hundred of thousands of folks that haven't an education and would love to be in your shoes. Just my 2 cents, -JW:> | ||
| Bomber |
Jim I think examining one's options is most always a good thing, despite the fact that one's situation may be better than lots of others (billions, should one care to compare one's lot in life int eh US with many folks who go to bed hungery every night . .. . my two cents | ||
| Dullorb |
The big difference between marriage and a job is you rarely get a chance to date a job before you get hired. | ||
| Nevco1 |
Dullorb...good one. The similarity I have discovered in the two is that the applicant is usually on their best behavior during the interview process. Ergo, the negatives seldom show until after they accept the position or say "I do."  | ||
| Gearhead |
Blastin, Over the past several days you have received several opinions about your possibilities. Other than part-time jobs during high school and college, I’ve done only one thing, taught. I’m celebrating my 25th year in the classroom. I’ve taught junior high and high school industrial tech classes in three different public schools in the same district. Yes, I do have all my fingers! I love my work but I’m going to add a few things to consider. If you’ll be working with 5th -10th graders you will find no larger maturity gap in all of education. 5th graders are just babies and 10th graders are getting their driver’s licenses. If possible you may want to narrow your options to either the younger kids or the older ones. I will agree with several previous posters, test the waters first, which is why education majors have to student teach before getting into the field. I teach elective classes which is different than teaching required classes but I’d agree classroom rapport (discipline) has a lot to do with how you are viewed by your students and how they will interact or react with you. Talk less about how much YOU know, talk more about what you like to do and you’ll be amazed how fast kids respond. Hang a few Buell posters up and even some of the tough nuts will come around. Tough choice, I love what I do or I sure wouldn’t still be in it! It keeps you young, it’s very rewarding and you’ve got all summer to ride!!! |
