I would really want to become a teacher, but...?

Question

I’m a senior in high school now, and next year it’s off to college for me, but I have a concern. I would really want to become a teacher (it’s my dream actually,) a middle school science teacher to be exact, yet what concerns me is, how little money teacher’s make. (I knew it wasn’t a whole lot from the start, but still.) And especially nowadays with the economy as bad as it is…

Is it worth it?

I don’t know, any advice or say from those who are teachers themselves?

Answer 1

The reward of satisfaction of helping youngsters learn are greater than the monetary value.  It is about helping others learn like others helped you learn.  Most districts don't just pay a salary but they have benefit packages that include health insurance, life insurance, and retirement.  Those alone add to the total of what you earn as a visible salary.  In any occupation you have to take into consideration  where you live in relation to the job, optional means of transportation and family elements.  For me the insurance and the time off at the same time as my children meant everything to me.  That was the only insurance we had and now I am enjoying the retirement benefits and still enjoy seeing my students who now have children who are students and someone is carrying on with the education.  It is a very rewarding occupation.

Hope this helps some.  Good luck, the world needs dedicated teachers who are in it for the children not their own benefits.

Answer 2

teachers don't teach because of the money. We teach because it is a God blessed talent, the desire to share your knowledge with others and the gratifying pleasure of knowing you helped make someone else's life a little bit better. We pay it forward.

Answer 3

Teachers end up doing okay....not for the amount of work that they do and what they put up with....but you'll be able to survive okay. If you put in 30 years or so (depends on your state), you also wouldn't have to save for retirement as you would have a pension and retired health benefits.

You could also always take another job during the summers. Teachers can also make extra money after school working with homebound kids who are too sick to go to school but still need to do their work. That usually pays a lot; it is 30 dollars an hour or so in SC.

Answer 4

I am a teacher and think it is a good field. The money is fair, not great but it's enjoyable to know that you are having an effect on so many people's lives at key points as well.

I would recommend shadowing some teachers to get a different perspective from their views (I would ask your high school if they can help you or if you can get credit for doing this as some schools will help). This would help you find out if you like the field or not

Answer 5

Last year, I took home about $62,000 and my husband made about the same.  We're both high school teachers.  I think $120,000 a year is pretty good.  And teaching is recession proof if you have tenure.

Also, we have full medical, dental, vision, life, disability and mental health insurance.

It might not seem like a lot of money at first (I started at 36 thousand 9 years ago), but as long as you don't go getting yourself in a bunch of debt, it's a great middle class life.

Answer 6

Teachers actually don't make that little of an amount. With the right degrees and staying put in the same school long enough (and sticking to a budget) you can do well for yourself. One of my teachers has four kids and a stay-at-home wife but is happy with his life and says he'll probably be able to retire in five to ten years. He's only in his mid-thirties.

If you really want to do something then do it. You won't be able to drive around in a rolls royce but you'll be able to support yourself/a family, have a home, have a car, and have a good life.

Answer 7

Teaching is a profession that reads like a credit card commercial:

College Degree, $40,000

Annual Salary, $35,000 to start.

Affecting the lives of hundreds of people in a positive way, Priceless.

Plus, throw in a summer job and the money isn't so bad.

Answer 8

Well as a middle school science teacher I would say go for it!!!  And most time secondary math and science teachers get paid more than other teachers.  Im pretty happy about what I make. I guess it depends on where you live.  I almost make 50,000 a year (in texas) and I just finished my 3rd year (i only have a bachelors) and i think thats pretty good for a woman in her mid 20s.  So anyway its far better to have a job you enjoy than to worry so much about the money.  Just think if you had to get up everyday and work at a thanksless job that you hated!!! i love my job and yeah people say teachers are over worked but if you spread out those extra hours then its probably equavalent to the time we have off for holidays and stuff.  anyway i say go for it!!!! and as a bonus after 5 years of teaching (in a low income school) the government will pay up to $17, 500 of your student loans for you!!! that could save you years of payments!!!