Just got a teaching degree but don't want to teach? Help plz!?

Question

I just graduated from a university with a BS to teach Math to 4th-8th grade. But I've always struggled with if this is what I really want to do.

Student teaching was a lot of work, it was exhausting. And I don't think I can work that hard every day.

Any advice? Or suggestions on something else that I could do?

Answer 1

Apply for whatever position you want.  My cousin has a teaching degree & works for a major manufacturer in purchasing.  My degree's in business, but I teach elementary school (non-traditional licensure).  A lot of employers only want the piece of paper, they don't care what the degree is in.

Answer 2

Comment to Jamie-

I definitely disagree.  While student teaching you are doing 1/2 of the work and have 1/4 of the responsibility that a regular classroom teacher experiences.  Being a student teacher is significantly easier than actually teaching.  I suggest finding a local YMCA or resource center and working on youth activities for them.

Answer 3

try teaching in a christian school, not that much pressure

Answer 4

Perhaps go into social work, or juvenille probation. It looks like you are the type that likes to work with people, and if that is your passion and calling, social work, Boys and Girls Club (they hire all over the country), juvenille probation, or teach. I just finished my first year teaching, while it is a lot of work, well worth it! Best wishes

Answer 5

If you're not going to enjoy it, then you won't make a good teacher.  You'll make both your students and yourself miserable.  Maybe you could just sign on as a substitute for a while and gradually immerse yourself into the "school culture."  If that doesn't feel right, find something else.

Answer 6

I just finished student teaching and now have a long term sub position.  Student teaching is ALOT more work that teaching.  You don't have anyone looking over your shoulder and if you mess up thats fine.  Also if you don't get to all the papers right away its fine.  Not as much pressure at all.  Teachers don't write up those finalized lesson plans and most don't even write up anything.  So that saves you a lot of work as it is.  Its much easier to kind of wing it too, you seem to remember a lot more when no ones grading you on it.  Also, your first year will be harder than any other.  If you can get past that then you will be fine.  After your first year you can reuse everything.  If I were you I would give it a shot and try to stick it out a year.  If you really don't like it you can also use the job to save up towards starting a new degree.  You could teach and take night classes.

Answer 7

I guess you disproved the adage, that "Those who can do don't teach  and those that cannot do teach.".

When you cannot work hard for others, teaching is not for you.  Have you considered driving a cab, or bus?  You'd have to be with people, handle money, figure tips, and such, and no papers to grade.

With a BS in Math  you could be a bank teller.  Or, you may be an IRS investigator, work in a tax office..

Try applying for civil service job.