(School Teachers Needed! Advice please?)

Hello! I currently hold an elementary education degree and I'm working on my second bachelor's degree for the high school level. If your goal is to be a TEACHER, I would definitely not go any lower than elementary. Elementary is K-9th grade. If you do early childhood (or Pre-K) you'll be more of a "babysitter" than a teacher. Taking care of potty accidents, blowing noses, arts and crafts activities, snacks, naps, etc etc. If you want to actually TEACH, do elementary.

As far as which to do first between elementary and high school. I personally did elementary first, because of my age. I just felt like it would be very difficult for my to be 22 years old and teaching high school. For example, if I have a class of seniors, most of them would be 18 & I just felt like that was too close to my age. Some of my current friends are 18/19 years old and just out of high school. It seemed... a little awkward. So, I did elementary first. But i'm working on the high school degree now, and by the time I finish I will be 25, which is a better age-difference for me. It ultimately depends on what you want to do.

If you're serious, contact a university and ask for some information or make an appointment with an advisor who can lead you in the right direction.

Hey there,

I am an Elementary Teacher and have taught first grade for two years. If you are looking into getting started as a teacher, I would recommend getting on with the school district as a substitute. If you sub, then you can try various grade levels and determine if you prefer Elementary or Secondary education. I learned very quickly before getting my degree that I was not cut out for Secondary. I loved the smaller children and love teaching them to read. You usually don't need too much to sub and the money in some areas is decent. One caution about teaching, don't do it for the money. Teachers make pretty good money for a 9 month contract, but it is not anything to write home about. You have to do it for the love of the job and for the kids. If not, then the stress and commitment that it takes to be a teacher may not be worth it for you.

Just being honest. I love the kids, so money doesn't matter. I truly do love the education field. Good luck to you. If you have any other questions, I have some great programs and advice for new teachers. Just send me an invite to be your friend.

Stef

Hello! I currently hold an elementary education degree and I'm working on my second bachelor's degree for the high school level. If your goal is to be a TEACHER, I would definitely not go any lower than elementary. Elementary is K-9th grade. If you do early childhood (or Pre-K) you'll be more of a "babysitter" than a teacher. Taking care of potty accidents, blowing noses, arts and crafts activities, snacks, naps, etc etc. If you want to actually TEACH, do elementary

I'm sorry, but this is not true at all, and is pretty insulting to all of the teachers that put their heart and soul into getting those 3,4 and 5 year old's prepared for elementary school. Thanks to them children come to you already knowing what being in a classroom is like, knowing colors, shapes, numbers, letters, social skills, ect. Yes, some of these children would learn these things at home without Pre-K but some would not. I have never had to potty train in pre-K, my program had a potty training requirement. It also makes me a little sad that you do not feel art is teaching...you do not have to sit at a desk with a text book to learn! Teaching is teaching no matter the age of your student!!!!

I agree with starting as a sub. Some schools also hire tutors which is a great place to start too. I worked as a sub for a few months before being hired as a Para (aide). I worked as reading aide for a year (very low pay but foot in the door). Because of the connections I was able to make there I was able to get a teaching job! I am going on year 3 and I love every minute of it!


I wish you the best of luck! You have picked a wonderful path!

Hello! I currently hold an elementary education degree and I'm working on my second bachelor's degree for the high school level. If your goal is to be a TEACHER, I would definitely not go any lower than elementary. Elementary is K-9th grade. If you do early childhood (or Pre-K) you'll be more of a "babysitter" than a teacher. Taking care of potty accidents, blowing noses, arts and crafts activities, snacks, naps, etc etc. If you want to actually TEACH, do elementary

I'm sorry, but this is not true at all, and is pretty insulting to all of the teachers that put their heart and soul into getting those 3,4 and 5 year old's prepared for elementary school. Thanks to them children come to you already knowing what being in a classroom is like, knowing colors, shapes, numbers, letters, social skills, ect. Yes, some of these children would learn these things at home without Pre-K but some would not. I have never had to potty train in pre-K, my program had a potty training requirement. It also makes me a little sad that you do not feel art is teaching...you do not have to sit at a desk with a text book to learn! Teaching is teaching no matter the age of your student!!!!

This.