Please Help!!!! Question about teaching.?

Question

I'm a college student and a future teacher. I'm majoring in Secondary Education in Social Studies. I went into college feeling so excited and ready to make a change in people's lives. I had a wonderful teacher in high school that inspired me so much but I feel so unsure now. I have a couple of years left in college and I've talked to people who have negative thoughts about the public education system in America. I just want to ask people who teach or who have taught at one time and I just want to know is teaching really worth it? Is it a career worth chasing after?

Answer 1

Just thought I'd chime in to say I am in the same boat as you.  Going into teaching, but have my reservations and don't know for sure yet.  I graduate in December (I'm already in an alternative teaching certification program).  I definitely want to work in education; I just don't know if I want to teach in a traditional classroom setting with 20-25 kids.  I may be more cut out for working in educational environments that are more one on one...and possibly not elementary or middle (like I was planning).  

All that said, I know several teachers who are very happy.  In fact, most of the ones I know are.  So, really it is for some people and not for others.  I think it's pretty normal, when you're first getting into it or anticipating getting into it, to worry that it's too hectic or that the public school system will drive you crazy.  It is a scary thought that, despite many happy teachers (like ones in this thread), statistics say that tons of teachers get out of teaching because of administrative stuff.  Still, I hear *a lot* of people saying they've taught for 10, 12 years and been happy.

Answer 2

teaching is wonderful but it's not for the weak.  You do get put through a lot on a daily basis.  But just remember your teaching children, and I don't know if anyone out there feels the same way, but kids are kids.  They don't change, they mirror the society that rears them.  But as a teacher you do have the ability to help them, so they can change, or continue on the right path.

Answer 3

Teaching is great...I love it.  If you decide to go that route, you are doing it for the love of the kids and the love of the job - not the money!!

It is a very rewarding job.  I teach grade 3 and love the relationships I establish with those little guys and am always sad come the end of the year.

Like any other job, it is a lot of hard work but once you get some experience under your belt it gets easier.

You do what feels right...I know many people that thought they wanted to be teachers but once they got into it, they realized it wasn't for them and took a different route.

Good luck.

Answer 4

I love teaching! It is the most rewarding job I've ever had AND the most difficult.

To do it successfully, IMO, you must:

--truly believe that every student CAN learn

--understand that people have different learning styles

--understand that people have different teaching styles

--be passionate about the subject you teach, your enthusiasm will affect your students in a positive way.

--remember that teaching is mostly a science with a bit of art to it.

Best of luck to you.

Answer 5

It is the best job in the whole world!  You will never regret it.  If you love kids, and you love school, you will be happy in a teaching job.  I never feel like I'm going "to work."  The hours are great - and if the pay isn't enough, you can always pick up a summer job.