Going to school to be a teacher, am I making the best decision?

Question

Hi, I'm in college studying to be a elem. teacher & sometimes I just find myself unsure of what to do with my life. I've thought about everything from being a hairdresser, to a dental hygienist, doing something with a business degreee, x-ray tech, and even working for the FBI. Ever since I graduated it's been my plan to become a teacher. I have subbed quite a bit and really enjoy the younger grades. When I sub and they hug me & tell me I am the best teacher, I have a wonderful feeling. It just bothers me how some of the children act this day and time especially the middle schoolers. Anyway, I am very mature, honest, considerate, a hard worker, and love doing anything creative! I don't know if a behind the desk job would do it for me. I would like to know of any promising jobs within the next few years. So, if anyone could tell me their thoughts and any suggestions of which career might make me successful, I would be very grateful!! Thanks... :)

Answer 1

i think you should do some community service toutering young students, if you like it go for it... i toutered and i found out that teaching was for me but before that i was not sure what i wanted to do, i tryed different things and i didnt like it... just try it and tell yourself if thats what you really want to do and also try to do other things for other careers

Answer 2

With teaching the way it is now, you HAVE to have a passion for it to withstand all the hardships that teachers face these days like behavior issues.  I work as a math tutor for a community college here in Texas.  People tell me all the time I need to be an Algebra or middle school math teacher, but it scares me to death to think about how bad it can be--especially in middle and high schools.  I have heard of teachers being threatened, underpaid, assulted, and being pulled in all directions by parents, their students, and administration.  Being a teacher will provide you with unlimited job security and yes, there are those great priceless moments when a student thanks you for doing what you do.  I am sure you know that teaching is so much more fun when the students want to learn.  That's one thing I love about my tutoring job.  They come to me for help.  You should look deep inside and ask yourself if you think it's worth all the stress that comes with being a teacher, or maybe you need to look into other positions that might be out there for you.  Either way, I wish you luck.

Answer 3

Only you can decide if it is the best decision for YOU and for your STUDENTS!  It is a hard job with days that you wonder why in the world you are doing it,but there are also many rewards.  Seeing that you have helped even one child learn a math concept, read a hard book, or gain self confidence is worth something that no amount of money can buy.  Whatever you work at do something you love!  It is a long time working and if you don't like you job, it isn't worth it.

Answer 4

If you want to go into teaching and be happy, you need to understand that you have to take the good along with the bad.  I love my job, but there are times when I wish that I had a job that  I didn't have to take home with me at the end of the day.  They say that teaching is not a job, it is a lifestyle.  That is so true.  Teachers are constantly planning their next steps and brainstorming ways to be a more effective teacher.  Teaching is a grueling, stressful, and often times thankless job that can consume your life if you let it.  The amount of work is endless.  I could literally stay in my classroom until ten o'clock every night and never run out of things to do.  

That being said, I wouldn't be happy doing anything else with my life.  Teaching is my passion.  You need to find the thing that you are passionate about.  If teaching is what you are meant to do, then you will surely find ways to deal with the stress that comes along with it.  Best of luck!

Answer 5

I'm a teacher and I absolutely love it. If you go into elementary, you could end up with any grade K-6 (or K-5 depending on the area) so be prepared with an excellent classroom managment plan so you wont encounter too much "attitude". :-)

Answer 6

You will need real dedication to STAY a teacher once you have a degree in education. It is a difficult job and even after 10 years in the classroom, there are times when I do not like a decision that my boss made for the school, the way I get yelled at by parents for every little thing or when students tell me I am mean because I hold them accountable for doing their work. But I also like the way I can be creative with my lessons and connect with a few students each year.

Answer 7

Some say, teaching is not a profession, it is a devotion. ...as you said you are hardworking and pupils commend   you for being a good teacher. if you have love for children and you want to influence, and inspire them, go! teaching is for you.