I'm not sure if I want to teach...?

Question

I graduated in Dec 2007 and started working the next week in a 1st grade classroom. The class had 4 teachers before me and it was very trying at times. I loved the kids... hated the extra hours I put in every single day with no pay and little gratitude. I put so much into it and didn't get hired back. Now I'm just not sure I want to go back to the field.

What are some other options? I have an early childhood degree. I don't want anything with crazy hours like retail or waitressing. I would love to work with kids, I'm just not sure what other options and I'm up for suggestions! Thanks!

Answer 1

You shouldn't give up.  Remember, you came in mid year.  It is hard to establish classroom management when other teachers before you set their own rules. When you go in the first day of school you can establish YOUR rules and some kind of token economy.  Kids will work for prizes.  I had "B-Bills" (scanned my face on a dollar bill) and they were earned for doing their work and great behavior.  They kept their money in a wallet or I gave them all little check books and they kept track of how much money they had (I got them free from the bank).  At the end of a six weeks I had a little store. Sorry off topic but it really works.  You shouldn't give up things will be different.  The extra hours will always be there.  A good teacher works very hard and doesn't make millions.  Give it another try. Good luck!!!

Answer 2

You could teach english to children, become a nanny, work in a classroom overseas.

Answer 3

You might look into the tutoring companies: Sylvan, Kumon, etc.

Curriculum development companies might also be a possibility.

Online schools (which are popping up like weeds).

One of my son's elementary school teachers whom we keep in touch with is now doing private tutoring of learning disabled kids - she loves it, is making more money, fewer hours.  She "retired" after 30+ years of teaching.  I'm not sure exactly how she got that gig though.

My first career was in high-tech.  I've combined that with education and have started my own business providing educational software and services.

Don't despair - there are opportunities for you.

***UPDATE: You know, the other answers make a good point - you do sound like a very caring teacher (I bet you take the emotional side of the job home with you).  Kids need good teachers - keep in mind that the first / second years of teaching are the hardest and it does get easier.

Answer 4

You seem like the type of individual that really cares about children, and that is a blessing in itself, I believe that any field you decide will be the right one for you; however how about preschool children, or physical education teacher with the age group children you could pick,as far as the 1st grade class you had , do not let that let down from them stop you from what you want to do, and like to do with children!Young lady just remember to believe in yourself and God, He will put you where he wants you to be and I'm quite sure it will be children of what age I do ot know, but that will be full of graditude for you,you'll get more back than you put in. God Bless You!

Answer 5

If you are not sure, then don't quit. Give it another try, maybe in a different grade. Maybe reading recovery or TAG (advanced learners) or middle school. There are a lot of blessings for a teacher, but they don't come easily. You have to earn them - is there any other way?

If you really didn't like it, maybe try doing your own day care and plan your lessons for your "students" there. Education is something that is an option in a lot of fields, medical, dental, etc. Look around and ask for advice from your friends and family. Something will turn up!

Answer 6

I think you should reconsider teaching. Don't give up that easily. Try teaching an older grade. Look for an area where there is a high need for teachers....there is always a place for a teacher. In the long run there are great benefits to receive as a teacher. My father is retiring next year making full pay in retirement he also has medical & dental insurance until the day he dies. He just turned 60 a year ago and is in great health, starting to travel the world, writing a book about teaching, and living his dream. You can not expect that in one year you would receive the best pay or given gratitude, you have to earn that with experiance and the only way to get experiance is to stick with it. My father often sees his students who have become parents and receives thanks all the time for making a good impression on them now if that is not rewarding I don't know what is.  Now that I am thirty I wish I would have stayed in college, got a degree, and stuck with it.