Questions about becoming an english teacher?

Question

So, I'm thinking about what I want to be when I grow up, and I've been considering psychology or being an english teacher ( middle school or high)

Questions though.. Do you get paid over the summer?

How many years of school?

What's the salary ?

Is it hard to get a job?

Answer 1

In order, here are your answers:

The school board for which I teach does not pay us over the summer. We receive a lump sum at the end of the year and another at the beginning of the next. We are expected to budget or work over the summer. This will likely vary from board to board, so it's best to check with boards or schools where you think you'd like to teach.

You need to have a minimum of  a Bachelor's degree in a teaching subject, or a degree in Education for a recognized university for your area. Consider that , in general, a Bachelor's degree takes 4 years to complete, so add that to where you are now and you know roughly how many more years of school you have. Take as many literature, communications, linguistics, drama and writing courses as you can. And don't be afraid to take courses outside your major. You may be hired to teach some other subject at first; I was hired to teach Algebra 1 and 2, and Trigonometry -  I'm an English teacher! If you're interested, take courses for English, 2nd language - big demand in my area.

The salary varies from province to province (I live and work in Quebec, Canada). It will vary between public and private - in the US, it probably varies from district to district and private to public. Most teachers here start at about $30 000 for the first year.

Depending on the subject area that you choose, it may be very easy to get a job or very difficult. In my area, there is a great need for ESL teachers. In the worst case, you may have to re-locate to find a job. Sometimes it is simply a matter of being in the right place at the right time.

Teaching can be a very satisfying career. It can be very stressful or very easy - it all depends on you! Good luck with your choice. I hope I was of some help.

Answer 2

I'm getting certified to teach in Texas.

We do get paid (2 months) over the summer here.

You need a Bachelor's degree, which is 4 yrs.

$43,000 here in Dallas, TX area is starting pay.

Here we have a strong demand for teachers, and you can even do alternative education plan (class online or in the summer and a paid internship teaching your own class the next year) if you didn't study education in college.

If you're interested, I'd recommend asking a teacher if you can sit in on a couple classes.  It's kind of weird that if you study education, you don't experience a class until the very end.  Most people feel fulfilled educating youth.  

PS:  Psychology pays well if you apply it to something else (ie: business, sales, etc.) or if you get your masters or PhD and counsel people.  I'm not an expert on it by no means, but just getting a bachelors degree in it will not guarantee a cushy salary.  One of my friends has her PhD in psychology.

Best of luck to you!