What's it like being an elementary school teacher?

Question

What are the highs and lows? workload, job availability, discipline issues etc. thanks for any and all info!

Answer 1

I worked as an assistant in an elementary school for one year. (I'm eighteen years old) It's a stressful job, honestly. Children can be quite wild and hard to control. But they can also be quite sweet.

The highs would be knowing that you're helping this young child with his/her future. They look up to you, turn to you for help, knowledge and wisdom.

The lows would be that it can be so tiring and when things don't turn out how you thought they would, you can feel really down. Sometimes you feel as if its not even worth trying anymore. But then you look at their faces and of course, you realize it IS worth it.

It depends on where you live, but schools are always constantly looking for teachers, or at least substitutes and assistants.

You gotta work hard and be creative of course. Lesson plans were fun to make up, but you got to make sure that they're fun for the kids so they pay attention but are also full of information and things to learn with.

Answer 2

Highs:  Seeing a kids eyes light up when they "get" something, watching the learning process, seeing the difference between a kid who you taught when they first showed up, and what they're like when they graduate, and that you have a great excuse to keep learning new things yourself.  Lots of excuses to laugh and socialize.

Lows: Watching kids in bad situations, and knowing that there's really a limited amount that you can do to help them.  Kids with behavior problems that you're not really equipped to handle.  Parents/Principals with unrealistic expectations.  Salary.

Answer 3

Go and observe in a school for a day :) You will get a sense of what the job entails

Things most people don't realize about teachers-

1. They work 40 + hours a week (the hours are flexible as some of the work can be done from home)

2. They spend their own money on some classroom materials and decorations. I'd estimate teachers spend $400 + to start a classroom and at least $300 each year.

3. Teachers come into work before school or stay late- there is no way to get it all done in a day

4. Teacher often bring work home- Sunday night is a busy night for teachers

5. You can't go to the bathroom whenever you want to!

6. You get 30 min-45 min for lunch and can't leave the school