I am planning on going to school next year for teaching 2nd grade. Help?

Question

I am just the average teenager, can someone (a teacher maybe) give me a few suggestions and break down the schooling for me to get a better understanding? Thanks alot.

Answer 1

Hi. I teach 3rd grade, but this is only my 3rd year. If you love, and I do mean LOVE kids, and don't mind not making much money, then it is a great career. I took my first 2 years of college at a community college. I reccomend that if you can because you get all of your basic classes in that you have to take with any degree and it is cheaper =) When you get to take electives, take education intro classes. Then, I went on to a University for my last 2 years. I really loved all of the classes. You will get to choose an "area of interest" in which you will have to have more hours in. For instance, I chose English because if I decide to not teach elementary school forever, then I have a good start for maybe teaching a college class later. But choose something you really enjoy. I have to say, though, your last semester should be spent doing student teaching, and that is where you really learn something. During school you are told what it will be like, and then you are finally actually seeing it all put to work =) I wish you could Student teach first! Then, you graduate and are thrown into a classroom, which is the scariest thing ever. You are now responsible for 25, 7 year olds, some with major disabilities, and some with great potential. Honestly, some days I leave worked stressed and ready to cry because it's such a  big responsibility. And the biggest problem isn't the kids, it's the adult: parents and people from your boards office. However some days, when you have a child you've been working with, and they finally get something they have been working so hard on, you will leave work the happiest person. It is the best feeling. I hope this was a little help. Good Luck! =)

Answer 2

I am a fourth grade teacher. It is a great job, as long as you truly love doing it. It is very trying at times, and can frustrate you (uninvolved and unconcerned parents- not so much your kids). If you truly plan on making this your profession, start to volunteer and make connections. For example: become involved with the YMCA, local camps, and other after school  programs for kids.

When in college continue to do this, and I strongly recommend pursuing an endorsement. An endorsement is like a little something extra to go along with you degree. You can usually choose between Math, Science, Reading, or ELL (English Language Learners). This just makes you more appealing and gives you an edge over someone else with just their degree and no endorsement.

Sad to say- it really is about who you know and the letters of rec you get from the professional contacts you make while in college.  

Good luck!

Answer 3

Hello, I've been teaching primary grades now for twelve years. The education: it can vary depending on where you live and where you go to school. In CA you complete four years of undergraduate education and then complete your 'fifth year' to earn your teaching credential.

The money: also, it depends greatly on where you live. Yes, it will be less than most other professional careers, but to tell you the truth if you plan well, get your masters degree (which usually provides you with a higher income) you can have a pretty good life.

I have all summer off to travel, all weekends off, all nights off and all holidays off too. Most of my friends work so hard, make about the same money, have worse vacation times and have worse health insurance. Sometimes you have to look past just income or take home pay.

Try volunteering in a classroom. Many high schools offer credit for students who work in primary classrooms. Maybe you can get credit for high school graduation and explore the teaching career at the same time.

Good luck

Answer 4

1st thing is im working as a daycare teacher earns bout $12000-15000 a year only! 2nd thing (bout u n ur husband's incomes) is no matter how much salary u have, it will not be enough for both of u if u both dont know how to save! like me n my parents! our salaries r almost 3000 permonth n we still live happily coz we know how to save money wisely! not like other ppl, they have pretty great numbers on their salaries but they spent a lot without any brain to think n broke! hope u understand wat i meant n good luck! ;P