Is anybody here a teacher?

[mgirl]

And, if so, what's it like?

 

If you don't mind me asking some questions:

 

1. Does it matter which College you did your training at (ie, does it affect your chance of getting a job)?

 

2. What is the downside?

 

3. What is the upside?

 

4. Is it rewarding?

 

Thanks in advance for your responses

 

Mgirl

[lost1607307474]

I'm in my second last year of studying to be a high school teacher. I've done a lot of student teaching but I am not yet a qualified teacher. I'm pretty sure the university system of teacher training is different in Australia than it is where you are from but I'll give you what advice I can!

1- Here in Australia it definitely matters which university you go to. Some are more highly acclaimed than others and schools definitely look at what university you went to when they employ you.

2- Downside is there is a lot of work that you have to take home to do! e.g. grading work, planning classes, reports, etc. A lot of the time (here anyway) you don't get paid for this extra work. Also, I think you have to be a certain type of person to enjoy the profession. I've had a lot of friends who are teachers or who have studied teaching and absolutely hated it. You have to be very patient, tolerant, etc etc.

3- Great hours, and you get good holidays! Plus for me, it is really rewarding. I love working with young people and helping them learn. Adolescence is a very turbulent and difficult time of life and I love identifying with students, helping them achieve their best, helping them understand the world and even enjoy school! I've loved every minute of my student teaching and can't wait until I'm qualified!

[dearclarity]

I teach at a university right now, and I just love it. I'll try to answer your questions to give you a little more info.

 

1. Yes and no. This kind of depends on which major/field you want to go into and what level you want to teach. Some levels and subjects are much more competitive than others.

 

2. Sometimes the stack of papers on the coffee table can make it feel like work is never over. That's about the only real downside I've experienced.

 

3. I love managing my own class and having a job without micromanagement. It allows me to make each day fun if I'm willing to put the effort in.

 

4. I find it to be incredibly rewarding. I think it's mostly so because I have so much fun doing it that some of my students inevitably catch some of my enthusiasm and end up loving my class. I love leaving a class where it seemed like at least a few people were gaining something and having fun.

 

 

Those are pretty brief answers, but hopefully they help.

[mgirl]

Hi Harmony,

 

Thanks for your response! I'm in Australia too, but the reason i said "college" instead of "university" is because i know that a lot of people who post here are American.

 

I have an undergraduate degree, so would be looking at doing a grad. dip in education.

 

Hmm, it should be interesting. You have definitely given me something to think about.

 

Another question if you don't mind: have you had any problem students yet?

 

Thank you for your response too Dearclarity

[pacodemil]

I'm not a teacher but I did stay at a Holliday Inn last night

[Jeremiah Johnson]

 

 

 

 

[schueysgirl]

I teach at a college (16 to 19 year olds) and i find it fantastically rewarding like the other posters.

 

I also get to teach my passion; motorsport. So when i have a group of students who are passionate too, our enthusiasm bounces off one another.

 

Again, the paperwork and planning etc is a lot of hard work. There is always a pile of papers or soemthing to do.

 

But it very rewarding.

 

There wikll always be problem students as you put it. Its knowing how to dela with kids that makes the difference

[mgirl]

Again, the paperwork and planning etc is a lot of hard work. There is always a pile of papers or soemthing to do.

 

But, if you like the job, wouldn't the paperwork seem like nothing?

 

There wikll always be problem students as you put it. Its knowing how to dela with kids that makes the difference

 

Any ideas on how to handle them? I'm of the opinion that if you relate to them, and get their respect, then you may be able to bring them round

[schueysgirl]

But, if you like the job, wouldn't the paperwork seem like nothing?

 

 

Yes and no. Some of the paperwork is nothing to do with what you are teaching. And sometimes the paper work can be very over the top, and in some cases unncessecary but it just has to be done.

 

But yes if you enjoy the job u put up with it!

 

You have to be extremely organised

 

 

Any ideas on how to handle them? I'm of the opinion that if you relate to them, and get their respect, then you may be able to bring them round

 

 

Basically, start off as you mean to go on. Lay down the law, your expectations etc. In higher education you can tell them its all about respect etc...

 

It all depends on what age your thinking of to be honest

 

But students are disruptive for a reason. There are many reasons; boredem, work too easy, insecure, being bullied elsewhere, difficult times at home, abuse, work too hard and not wanting to admit etc

 

lots of reasons. the key is finding out WHY they are causing a problem.

 

There is no blanket solution for every student...and the people that think that are not cut out for teaching....any age!

[CaptainPlanet]

Teaching is a good job you get lots of holidays and a good salary with decent raises as you progress. Some people think it is a raw deal but they're usually from wealthy families and are spoiled. Sure you won't ever make 150k but you have a guaranteed comfortable living and compared to a lot of other jobs, a class room of kids isn't that bad. Imagine a room full of bratty adults instead.

 

Some people just want everything because they're self centered and are used to having everything their own way, wealthy parents, successful life ect. They want a guaranteed easy job that pays just as well as the more risky harder jobs. If you want 150k join the rat race like everyone else. Otherwise if you just want to be comfortable and have rewarding job teaching is swell. Not a teacher but a lot of my friends are.