Will a lisp prevent me from getting the job I want? (teaching)

Question

I have a lisp.. as a child, I went through many years of speech therapy only to find out that the lisp was caused by a medical issue that would not go away without an expensive surgery, that I really don't want or need.. so it looks like, the lisp stays.

Now my issue..

I want to be an elementary teacher, and I believe I would make a great one...

however I know speaking is a big part of the job and I'm a bit worried that my slight lisp may make it impossible for me to get a job.

Does anyone have any thoughts/experience with this?

Thanks.

Answer 1

dont let a small problem like a lisp get in the way of your dreams.  i had a teacher in high school that had a major problem with stuttering.  i was a little distracting at first but you get used to it.  the students all loved him and he obviously enjoyed his job.  do what you want to do!

Answer 2

I want to be a teacher too. I believe their are laws against people not giving you a job because of a lisp. I am pretty sure of that. I think the one thing you really need to consider is are you strong enough to take what the children will say? Since you were not embarrassed to write it on Yahoo Answers I do believe you are. Every year I am sure you will have to explain to the class why you talk like the way you do. You will most likely have to explain every little detail. But also you said an elementary school teacher but did not say which grade you were hoping to get. Children do mature over time.  

Answer 3

i dont think it would stop you

but remember elementary kids are immature and WILL make fun of you

Answer 4

Your lisp puts you at a slight disadvantage for teaching younger grades.  BUT you can still do it!  If you think that you would make a good teacher, then by all means pursue teaching.  I would much rather my child have a good, loving teaching with a lisp than a mean or unskilled teacher.  You may have to work a little harder to get the job-- have fantastic grades to put on the resume, be able to articulate your philosophy of education very intelligently, etc.-- but don't let it stop you.  Your experience working in a preschool already makes you an attractive canditate for teaching elementary school.  We need more good teachers.  I wish you the best of luck.

Answer 5

it probably wont, just as long as your not teaching like spelling (reading / language arts)  but if your teaching math or science, or even gym then it won't really matter.

Answer 6

Ok. It shouldn't but it could. Remember, kids will MIMIC the teacher. Should it? No. If you are good teacher, you are a good teacher, HOWEVER, if you can do something about it, I would.

Answer 7

my math teacher has to use a calculator to do what she is trying to teach us. I have no problem with teachers with a lisp in fact teachers that have problems are more fun to have because they are not so judgemental on you. I am going into grade 8. also in the lower grades they don't lison much anyway. even if you teach english every teacher says things wrong so don't worry i fix spelling and grammer for my teachers all the time. Also you are older then us so why would my tease you we get in sssooo much truble for that. i think you will be the best and most careing teacher ever.

p.s. my prinsable has a studer!!!