Any journalists who left the field to become teachers out there? Need your advice?

Question

I'm currently a journalist. In the next 3 years I plan on switching my career to become an English Language Arts and Journalism teacher in high school. In the summer of 2011 I plan on starting a credential program and will be taking all the pre-reqs I need starting next year while I'm working full-time. I am not going for the alternative licensure because for one i have tob be working professionally for 5 years and besides internships I haven't been working but a year. Plus I rather have classroom instruction with student teaching, I learn better that way. Has anyone switched from journalism to becoming a high school teacher. How was your transition and do you like it more than journalism? What are the challenges you face and what do you enjoy the most?

Answer 1

I went from engineering to editorial on an engineering magazine back to engineering. I felt the journalism segment was a life changing experience. I wish you could retain the communications route if possible, but it could be that education has some strong appeal to you. In that case, go for it.

Answer 2

I made that exact switch.  I'm a literature nerd, and I was a bit bored with Journalism (spent 3 years as a sportswriter).  I went back, got certified, and became a HS English teacher (just finished my 3rd year).  There are pros and cons.

Pros-  The kids and the classroom time.  

            Your day is NEVER the same, so it can't get boring.

Cons-  Your head will explode with frustration for AT LEAST the first year.  Kids and co-workers just don't pay any attention to the quality of their writing.  You'll end up with nightmares of typos tap-dancing over your brain.

Differences in professionalism and expectations-  This will vary from school to school.  Bottom line is that there are different kinds of teachers and administrators.  If your principal is a former gym teacher, expect the gym teachers to get the best duties and get praised for doing the least.  

Also, don't automatically assume that you will GET the journalism program right out of the gate.  That class is an elective, which means it usually has smaller class sizes and the best behaved students.  In education, skills, experience and ability mean nothing-  It's ALL about longevity.  I have professional journalism experience.  I'll be entering my 4th year.  I've never taught journalism.  The school has a lady who has been there for ages who runs the journalism program, and it's her spot until she dies, leaves or gives it up voluntarily.

We have another newer teacher who holds a Masters in British literature.  She's published in refereed journals.  She's had 9th grade remedial students because our Dept chair (37 years on the job) always gives herself all of the 12th grade AP and honors classes (even though our Dept. chair doesn't like British literature).

Teaching can be very rewarding, but rarely right away.  Be prepared for that.  Education is not run like a real-world profession.