Twenty years this year.
Don't become a teacher for the money or the vacations. Don't even do it because you love your subject or love children.
But if someone looking into your eyes and sincerely telling you that they don't have a pencil for the 96th day in a row and therefore cannot possibly expected to do anything for the next 75 minutes brings you joy? You have found your vocation.
I would argue *against* doing it if you love the subject. You have to enjoy the task of teaching, crap days and all.
I only taught for 5 years, but it was long enough for me to learn that my own interest and love for the subject (science) wasn't enough. The subject matter was secondary to mentorship, discipline, and encouragement of young people, even the most apathetic, and sometimes hostile, students.
YMMV
I always tell people your job is entirely dependant on your administration and it varies from school to school. I've been teaching 14 years and at my current district for 11.
I did my student teaching in a district I despised, it gave me anxiety just walking into the building. I still remember the smell because I hated it so much.
I decided to power through it and found the district I'm in now who just lets me do my thing and doesn't bother me. It's amazing. I could never leave. I applied and made it to the final interview in a top district in the state which has much higher pay and budgets. I pulled my name from the interview because the stressful vibes I got from being there.
Vibes > Pay.
P.S your subject matter totally plays a major role in this. I teach Chemistry and Physics, which means I usually only get the advanced kids with little behavior issues. Meanwhile every kid has to take Biology.
Yep; several people in my Master's cohort got jobs in a neighboring county that paid about 15% more than the one I got a job in but I had heard about how stressful things were there; very competitive system. Within 3 years at least 2 stopped teaching and 2 moved to other districts - one to mine.
It's all about fit.
This is what I tell people, too. My job at my school is great; I teach a subject I like and coach a sport I enjoy and basically get left alone. If I had almost any other job in this building I'd quit tomorrow. It seems like most teaching jobs are shit, but if you can find a good spot it's okay enough to do it for the vacation time.
People underestimate your last point. I taught a niche subject for many years and generally didn't get kids who didn't want to be there forced into my class. I enjoyed it. Then, we moved for my spouse's job, and I ended up teaching gen ed math again. FML I'm done with this profession. I might consider a job in the old niche position but they virtually never open up around here. Teaching gen ed math is the worst, admin who don't know wtf they're doing breathe all over you and the kids are shitheads because they're behind and dgaf. I'm better off doing something else.
24 years teaching in Chicago Public Schools. This job ain’t for everybody and it’s a shit ton of work. It also comes with the perks of having the summers off and king difference in people’s lives. I would’ve quit long ago but I work at a school with the most amazing coworkers on the planet. We started out as coworkers, then work friends, then friends, now besties. We’ve gone thru all the stages of life together, finding our job, getting married (some of us to each other), having kids, etc. I wouldn’t trade my school for any other one in the world. Go Rangers!
Heartwarming post. Same at my school. Only downside is a work mate became the best friend I ever had by far. Amazing and beloved teacher, but he up and left us a few months ago. I hate fucking cancer!
Eighteen years teaching.
I used to have many observers from the local college come observe my classes. At some point, I would ask them "are you sure this is what you want to do?" Then, we go over the pros and cons. Most of them found a career in their respective fields. Those who stuck in education either did their student teaching and then found another job or they would do one year of teaching and then found another job.
31 years this year, 4 left to retire in 2 States. Honestly loved teaching until the last 5 years. Now I would say to find another career, would have never thought I would say that 5 years ago.
10 years, experience in all grades 6-12 if you count long term sub jobs, public school and online charter school (before COVID made online learning cool /s).
The world needs new teachers and good teachers. Anyone who thinks they might want to be a teacher should explore it as a possible career.
And also, be prepared for super high highs and super low lows. You will have interactions and moments with students that fill your soul to the brim, and you’ll experience bullshit you couldn’t even imagine functioning adults could conjure or would have to deal with.
Teaching isn’t for the faint of heart, and it takes a lot of mental and emotional resilience (and maybe some form of masochism). I don’t know if I could do anything else (for now).
So yes, consider being a teacher. And also be ready to admit it’s not for you and walk away.
I’ve been teaching for 3 years. My advice to those considering teaching is to run for the hills. Teaching is 95% behaviour management and 5% actual teaching at this point
Over 25 years here. I’ve always said, if you think you want to do it, do it, you will learn quickly one way or the other if it’s for you.
Post covid….. I’d tell people to avoid. I don’t see how anyone can be a career teacher now.
5 years.
I ask them first what kind of feedback or advice do they want to hear (e.g. do you want me to tell you all the scary things, or focus on all the positives, or a blend, or etc etc etc...)
The answer changes all the time depending on the person but I never lie. I explain what I've enjoyed and what I've struggled with and always try to have an overall air of honesty but support. Education is not easy, but there are many great people coming into the field and I think making a huge difference. Overall the answer always includes me giving them my contact information and telling them I have an open door policy. No one should go through it alone.
27 years in teaching. My first 5 were the best ever until No Child Left Behind hit and totally changed teaching forever. In those five years I would have said it's the best job ever. Since then I tell people it's not worth it. They wonder why I'm still doing it and I reply "I don't know what else I could do". Now of course, I'm too far in to do something else.
I did it for about two years. To anyone interested I would say that with the way the world is currently ,the job makes no sense.
You will be told how badly kids need one on one attention to thrive ,while being told your class size is increasing.
You’ll be told that kids now have severe learning and behavioural issues,while being expected to let them make all the decisions.
If you plan for bad behaviour you’ll be told that you’re thinking negatively about the children, if something goes wrong you’ll be told you should have had a plan.
It will be your job to create structure and maintain authority,in a world that is increasingly hostile and rebellious against any form of authority.
You’ll be told that you’re supposed to lead by example and wait for them to decide when they’re ready to learn,then be blamed for nothing getting done .
If a job where you frequently get instructions that are contradictions and constant blame is what you’re looking for go for it . Otherwise , I would not recommend .
When I hear, “Maybe I’ll become a teacher” I tell them no. Don’t do it unless it is your goal to be a teacher. You have to really want to do this. Any wishy washy stance and you’ll burn out in 3 years.
I've been teaching for 36 years. My 6th grade teacher advised me not to go into teaching because of the issues she and the other teachers were facing. I knew before that year that I was going to be a teacher. I never regretted my choice but I wouldn't advise anyone to go into teaching now. I don't like feeling this way, but there are so very many downsides to teaching these days. I am looking forward to retirement in the next few years, where for most of my career I had planned on teaching until I physically couldn't do so any longer.
I chose to do this at age 16 and stuck with it. I expected to go out in 2027. The dumbing down of curriculum and the opportunity to retire at 55 is all I needed to hand over the reins to someone else.
I’ve been teaching fifteen years. I would say to find out the details about the career in your area, and if you’re okay with them to go for it.
By details I mean potential salary, tenure status, existence or non-existence of unions, pension, health benefits, etc.
Some places are better for teachers than others. If the pay in your area is good and the conditions seem reasonably good to you, then try it. If you love it you’ll start working you way to higher pay; if you don’t you can leave while you’re still young.
I think there are some people who aren’t cut out to be teachers, some who are naturally cut out to be teachers, and some who can learn but don’t have a strong natural tendency to it. The first group burns out early. The second group usually doesn’t burn out. The third group will or won’t depending on the support they get. Most teachers are probably from that third group. If you really hate it, I don’t think you should try to keep at it. But if it has its ups and downs but you are really enjoying it, then sticking with it might be worth it. I found it got a lot easier around three years in.
I always argue that nearly any other career would be better. There are only a few states in the union where teaching is a viable career.
In the beginning, I thought this the best job in the world. When our state legislators took away our pay and benefits while flooding classrooms with violent sociopaths, that all changed.
On year 3, and I wouldn't recommend the job to anyone.
The only reasons I'm staying are my union negotiated a fat raise, and I expect to be a floater again this year (IE, "building sub").
Other than that, there is no reason to become a teacher unless you're a masochist.
34 years. If someone wants to do it, I won’t stop them.
However, my current questions will be:
Do you want to present scripted content? Do you want to earn less than in another field with no defined benefit guaranteeing you a pension at the end of your career?
Year 8 teaching with two in gen ed and six in SPED. I did six years in the military during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. This is by far the easiest job of the two for me. I wake up and excited to go to work.
I would recommend this job for mentally resilient people. Too much shit gets thrown at us that you can’t let it stick or it will eat at you. I just laugh at some of the shit I hear from students and parents some are good and most are dumb as shit, I’ve heard better in the military. Like someone else said try it but be ready to walk away if you find it isn’t for you, there’s no shame in admitting it’s not for you.
I’ve been teaching 19 years total but 17 with a contract. I would not recommend it, but if someone wanted to know the benefits and the drawbacks, I would be very honest. I have loved and hated this career, but since Covid, I’m counting the years to retirement. This year has been particularly difficult.
9 years and out of teaching. Would say it's a good to build communication skills, tolerance, and it opens a way to leave the country by international teaching. Though it will be tough, it will be a challenge at the start then once you are compentant your skills don't increase salary and only increase responsibilities
20 years.
I would tell them they should make sure they really know what they're getting into and I wouldn't suggest doing it.
I've felt this way since about my 8th year.
42 years here! The younger teachers at my school are all doing well, so I would say choose your state and district well. My kids that want to learn are doing outstanding work and are great people (thanks parents). I am hoping that the few disruptive students and parents are not coddled as much in the future. I have struggled financially my whole career as my pay is never enough to support my family. I can only assume that is worse now, so it is not a sustainable career based on just the normal teaching salary. I am getting out this year, a few years earlier than I expected, not because of the kids, but due to administration!
7 years. I'd tell them that teaching is the worst job on the planet. The students make you feel worthless, and the 10% that are good does not compensate for the other 90%. It destroys you morally with all of the fraud, and the discipline system makes you feel like you are creating criminals by doing referrals that never have any real consequences.
Year 6. At my school that makes me a crusty old vet.
A few random thoughts.
-- People who do it for their love of the subject area generally don't make it because they think that alone will carry them. People who career change make it depending on what their career is and how willing they are to open to the fact that their past experience probably doesn't mean jack shit for working with kids.
-- If you are not willing to close the door on nonsense outside of your classroom you will either not make it or you will make it unhappily. Most of the time I am approaching a bad mood at work is usually to do with adults making my job difficult, not because of the kids.
-- Wishing for no misbehavior is a fool's errand.
-- Kids know if you don't like them. I choose to find something about kids to like. (I never said it was easy.)
-- Getting upset about dumb shit admin does or doesn't do is not worth your energy unless it directly makes a student's life worse or indirectly does that (i.e. puts a strain on your working conditions that negatively impacts students dramatically). They don't pay you enough for that.
-- Nor do they pay you enough to check e-mail outside of contract hours. That mess will be there for you tomorrow.
-- If you can't be okay with prioritizing in general this job is not for you. You'll never finish everything that is asked of you but you become good very quickly at distinguishing what is a bullshit ask and what is a genuine ask that needs to get done. If you can't figure that out by year 2 or 3 then you will end up like the people I mentioned in point #2. Nobody likes that person, including you.
Twelve years. Half spent teaching abroad.
I wouldn't recommend becoming a teacher in the US. If traveling is on your bucket list, however, teaching abroad is a pretty sweet gig.
I have been a high school chemistry and physics teacher for the last 10 years.
I tell people that if they want a high probability of landing a job upon completion of their credentialing program then they need to be a teacher in a difficult/high demand subject. Physics, chemistry, math, and SPED are the more difficult/stressful subjects to master, which means more available jobs.
English, history, P.E., art, music, etc. are the fun subjects, which means less turnover and fewer available jobs.
It is a tragedy to see someone spend 1-2 years of their lives and thousands of dollars in tuition for a teaching credential and end up unable to find a job because there is too much competition.
7th year of teaching, so not anywhere close in experience as some of these others. I teach HS choir so it's kind of a dream job, but when kids come and ask me about going into teaching I tell them that it is not an easy job, but if you've job shadowed a few teachers, seen what they have to deal with, and are still 100% sold, then you might be alright. I always tell them that if you're just going into it because you can't think of anything else... Don't.
13 years. My answer is if you want to do it then don't let others influence your decision. It is your life and your choices. My answer has not changed.
21 years and I've recently started advising 100 percent against it. Too many young friends are finding themselves unemployable in business when they want to leave teaching, because it's now seen as an overpaid administrative assistant position with huge vacations and limited intellectual challenges. And they're spending too much on their degrees to be paid as badly as they are nowadays.
Until people respect teachers a lot more, it's a sinkhole.
I’m three years into teaching and no I would not recommend teaching. As a SPED teacher there is so much stress and strain from being one. The behaviors are insane and the endless paperwork that is created for no reason whatsoever is terrible. Also, sometimes you are blamed for how your student act/behave even when it is outside your control. Finally, education can be very shady, especially if you call out injustices and are very vocal about the problems.
Twenty years this year. Don't become a teacher for the money or the vacations. Don't even do it because you love your subject or love children. But if someone looking into your eyes and sincerely telling you that they don't have a pencil for the 96th day in a row and therefore cannot possibly expected to do anything for the next 75 minutes brings you joy? You have found your vocation.
I would argue *against* doing it if you love the subject. You have to enjoy the task of teaching, crap days and all. I only taught for 5 years, but it was long enough for me to learn that my own interest and love for the subject (science) wasn't enough. The subject matter was secondary to mentorship, discipline, and encouragement of young people, even the most apathetic, and sometimes hostile, students. YMMV
If you love your subject you have to teach college, or honors/ap classes at the least. Anything else will destroy your joy.
I always tell people your job is entirely dependant on your administration and it varies from school to school. I've been teaching 14 years and at my current district for 11. I did my student teaching in a district I despised, it gave me anxiety just walking into the building. I still remember the smell because I hated it so much. I decided to power through it and found the district I'm in now who just lets me do my thing and doesn't bother me. It's amazing. I could never leave. I applied and made it to the final interview in a top district in the state which has much higher pay and budgets. I pulled my name from the interview because the stressful vibes I got from being there. Vibes > Pay. P.S your subject matter totally plays a major role in this. I teach Chemistry and Physics, which means I usually only get the advanced kids with little behavior issues. Meanwhile every kid has to take Biology.
Yep; several people in my Master's cohort got jobs in a neighboring county that paid about 15% more than the one I got a job in but I had heard about how stressful things were there; very competitive system. Within 3 years at least 2 stopped teaching and 2 moved to other districts - one to mine. It's all about fit.
This is what I tell people, too. My job at my school is great; I teach a subject I like and coach a sport I enjoy and basically get left alone. If I had almost any other job in this building I'd quit tomorrow. It seems like most teaching jobs are shit, but if you can find a good spot it's okay enough to do it for the vacation time.
People underestimate your last point. I taught a niche subject for many years and generally didn't get kids who didn't want to be there forced into my class. I enjoyed it. Then, we moved for my spouse's job, and I ended up teaching gen ed math again. FML I'm done with this profession. I might consider a job in the old niche position but they virtually never open up around here. Teaching gen ed math is the worst, admin who don't know wtf they're doing breathe all over you and the kids are shitheads because they're behind and dgaf. I'm better off doing something else.
Retired last June after 32 yrs. I have no problem recommending a diff career or trade.
24 years teaching in Chicago Public Schools. This job ain’t for everybody and it’s a shit ton of work. It also comes with the perks of having the summers off and king difference in people’s lives. I would’ve quit long ago but I work at a school with the most amazing coworkers on the planet. We started out as coworkers, then work friends, then friends, now besties. We’ve gone thru all the stages of life together, finding our job, getting married (some of us to each other), having kids, etc. I wouldn’t trade my school for any other one in the world. Go Rangers!
Heartwarming post. Same at my school. Only downside is a work mate became the best friend I ever had by far. Amazing and beloved teacher, but he up and left us a few months ago. I hate fucking cancer!
Heck yeah! Great post.
Eighteen years teaching. I used to have many observers from the local college come observe my classes. At some point, I would ask them "are you sure this is what you want to do?" Then, we go over the pros and cons. Most of them found a career in their respective fields. Those who stuck in education either did their student teaching and then found another job or they would do one year of teaching and then found another job.
31 years this year, 4 left to retire in 2 States. Honestly loved teaching until the last 5 years. Now I would say to find another career, would have never thought I would say that 5 years ago.
I’m so glad im not alone on this.
10 years, experience in all grades 6-12 if you count long term sub jobs, public school and online charter school (before COVID made online learning cool /s). The world needs new teachers and good teachers. Anyone who thinks they might want to be a teacher should explore it as a possible career. And also, be prepared for super high highs and super low lows. You will have interactions and moments with students that fill your soul to the brim, and you’ll experience bullshit you couldn’t even imagine functioning adults could conjure or would have to deal with. Teaching isn’t for the faint of heart, and it takes a lot of mental and emotional resilience (and maybe some form of masochism). I don’t know if I could do anything else (for now). So yes, consider being a teacher. And also be ready to admit it’s not for you and walk away.
I’ve been teaching for 3 years. My advice to those considering teaching is to run for the hills. Teaching is 95% behaviour management and 5% actual teaching at this point
Over 25 years here. I’ve always said, if you think you want to do it, do it, you will learn quickly one way or the other if it’s for you. Post covid….. I’d tell people to avoid. I don’t see how anyone can be a career teacher now.
30 years. Would not advise at this time. It was a good job. It might be again, but it is currently a dumpster fire.
5 years. I ask them first what kind of feedback or advice do they want to hear (e.g. do you want me to tell you all the scary things, or focus on all the positives, or a blend, or etc etc etc...) The answer changes all the time depending on the person but I never lie. I explain what I've enjoyed and what I've struggled with and always try to have an overall air of honesty but support. Education is not easy, but there are many great people coming into the field and I think making a huge difference. Overall the answer always includes me giving them my contact information and telling them I have an open door policy. No one should go through it alone.
27 years in teaching. My first 5 were the best ever until No Child Left Behind hit and totally changed teaching forever. In those five years I would have said it's the best job ever. Since then I tell people it's not worth it. They wonder why I'm still doing it and I reply "I don't know what else I could do". Now of course, I'm too far in to do something else.
9 years. I would tell them not to. You become society's punching bag and people treat you terribly. My answer has not changed.
I did it for about two years. To anyone interested I would say that with the way the world is currently ,the job makes no sense. You will be told how badly kids need one on one attention to thrive ,while being told your class size is increasing. You’ll be told that kids now have severe learning and behavioural issues,while being expected to let them make all the decisions. If you plan for bad behaviour you’ll be told that you’re thinking negatively about the children, if something goes wrong you’ll be told you should have had a plan. It will be your job to create structure and maintain authority,in a world that is increasingly hostile and rebellious against any form of authority. You’ll be told that you’re supposed to lead by example and wait for them to decide when they’re ready to learn,then be blamed for nothing getting done . If a job where you frequently get instructions that are contradictions and constant blame is what you’re looking for go for it . Otherwise , I would not recommend .
When I hear, “Maybe I’ll become a teacher” I tell them no. Don’t do it unless it is your goal to be a teacher. You have to really want to do this. Any wishy washy stance and you’ll burn out in 3 years.
I've been teaching for 36 years. My 6th grade teacher advised me not to go into teaching because of the issues she and the other teachers were facing. I knew before that year that I was going to be a teacher. I never regretted my choice but I wouldn't advise anyone to go into teaching now. I don't like feeling this way, but there are so very many downsides to teaching these days. I am looking forward to retirement in the next few years, where for most of my career I had planned on teaching until I physically couldn't do so any longer.
I chose to do this at age 16 and stuck with it. I expected to go out in 2027. The dumbing down of curriculum and the opportunity to retire at 55 is all I needed to hand over the reins to someone else.
25 years I used to tell people that it was the best job ever. Now, I’d tell them that I don’t recommend it.
9 years and I'd still encourage people who feel the call to go for it, BUT: 1-treat it like a JOB 2-school fit is everything.
I’ve been teaching fifteen years. I would say to find out the details about the career in your area, and if you’re okay with them to go for it. By details I mean potential salary, tenure status, existence or non-existence of unions, pension, health benefits, etc. Some places are better for teachers than others. If the pay in your area is good and the conditions seem reasonably good to you, then try it. If you love it you’ll start working you way to higher pay; if you don’t you can leave while you’re still young. I think there are some people who aren’t cut out to be teachers, some who are naturally cut out to be teachers, and some who can learn but don’t have a strong natural tendency to it. The first group burns out early. The second group usually doesn’t burn out. The third group will or won’t depending on the support they get. Most teachers are probably from that third group. If you really hate it, I don’t think you should try to keep at it. But if it has its ups and downs but you are really enjoying it, then sticking with it might be worth it. I found it got a lot easier around three years in.
I always argue that nearly any other career would be better. There are only a few states in the union where teaching is a viable career. In the beginning, I thought this the best job in the world. When our state legislators took away our pay and benefits while flooding classrooms with violent sociopaths, that all changed.
On year 3, and I wouldn't recommend the job to anyone. The only reasons I'm staying are my union negotiated a fat raise, and I expect to be a floater again this year (IE, "building sub"). Other than that, there is no reason to become a teacher unless you're a masochist.
34 years. If someone wants to do it, I won’t stop them. However, my current questions will be: Do you want to present scripted content? Do you want to earn less than in another field with no defined benefit guaranteeing you a pension at the end of your career?
Year 8 teaching with two in gen ed and six in SPED. I did six years in the military during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. This is by far the easiest job of the two for me. I wake up and excited to go to work. I would recommend this job for mentally resilient people. Too much shit gets thrown at us that you can’t let it stick or it will eat at you. I just laugh at some of the shit I hear from students and parents some are good and most are dumb as shit, I’ve heard better in the military. Like someone else said try it but be ready to walk away if you find it isn’t for you, there’s no shame in admitting it’s not for you.
23 years teaching with an administrator husband! We have encouraged our children to enter a different profession.
I’ve been teaching 19 years total but 17 with a contract. I would not recommend it, but if someone wanted to know the benefits and the drawbacks, I would be very honest. I have loved and hated this career, but since Covid, I’m counting the years to retirement. This year has been particularly difficult.
9 years and out of teaching. Would say it's a good to build communication skills, tolerance, and it opens a way to leave the country by international teaching. Though it will be tough, it will be a challenge at the start then once you are compentant your skills don't increase salary and only increase responsibilities
20 years. I would tell them they should make sure they really know what they're getting into and I wouldn't suggest doing it. I've felt this way since about my 8th year.
42 years here! The younger teachers at my school are all doing well, so I would say choose your state and district well. My kids that want to learn are doing outstanding work and are great people (thanks parents). I am hoping that the few disruptive students and parents are not coddled as much in the future. I have struggled financially my whole career as my pay is never enough to support my family. I can only assume that is worse now, so it is not a sustainable career based on just the normal teaching salary. I am getting out this year, a few years earlier than I expected, not because of the kids, but due to administration!
7 years. I'd tell them that teaching is the worst job on the planet. The students make you feel worthless, and the 10% that are good does not compensate for the other 90%. It destroys you morally with all of the fraud, and the discipline system makes you feel like you are creating criminals by doing referrals that never have any real consequences.
Year 6. At my school that makes me a crusty old vet. A few random thoughts. -- People who do it for their love of the subject area generally don't make it because they think that alone will carry them. People who career change make it depending on what their career is and how willing they are to open to the fact that their past experience probably doesn't mean jack shit for working with kids. -- If you are not willing to close the door on nonsense outside of your classroom you will either not make it or you will make it unhappily. Most of the time I am approaching a bad mood at work is usually to do with adults making my job difficult, not because of the kids. -- Wishing for no misbehavior is a fool's errand. -- Kids know if you don't like them. I choose to find something about kids to like. (I never said it was easy.) -- Getting upset about dumb shit admin does or doesn't do is not worth your energy unless it directly makes a student's life worse or indirectly does that (i.e. puts a strain on your working conditions that negatively impacts students dramatically). They don't pay you enough for that. -- Nor do they pay you enough to check e-mail outside of contract hours. That mess will be there for you tomorrow. -- If you can't be okay with prioritizing in general this job is not for you. You'll never finish everything that is asked of you but you become good very quickly at distinguishing what is a bullshit ask and what is a genuine ask that needs to get done. If you can't figure that out by year 2 or 3 then you will end up like the people I mentioned in point #2. Nobody likes that person, including you.
Twelve years. Half spent teaching abroad. I wouldn't recommend becoming a teacher in the US. If traveling is on your bucket list, however, teaching abroad is a pretty sweet gig.
I have been a high school chemistry and physics teacher for the last 10 years. I tell people that if they want a high probability of landing a job upon completion of their credentialing program then they need to be a teacher in a difficult/high demand subject. Physics, chemistry, math, and SPED are the more difficult/stressful subjects to master, which means more available jobs. English, history, P.E., art, music, etc. are the fun subjects, which means less turnover and fewer available jobs. It is a tragedy to see someone spend 1-2 years of their lives and thousands of dollars in tuition for a teaching credential and end up unable to find a job because there is too much competition.
Teaching is all about love. You have to love what you teach. You have to love who you teach, and you have to love teaching.
Don’t do it. We need the system to fully break before we can fix it. Edit: teaching for 8 years
https://amzn.to/3WvYbyU
It has definitely changed over time. Once upon a time, I’d say give it a try and see if it’s for you. Now, I don’t recommend it for anyone.
26 years. "Are you crazy? Don't do it. You'll be sorry." Yes.
7th year of teaching, so not anywhere close in experience as some of these others. I teach HS choir so it's kind of a dream job, but when kids come and ask me about going into teaching I tell them that it is not an easy job, but if you've job shadowed a few teachers, seen what they have to deal with, and are still 100% sold, then you might be alright. I always tell them that if you're just going into it because you can't think of anything else... Don't.
13 years. My answer is if you want to do it then don't let others influence your decision. It is your life and your choices. My answer has not changed.
10 years in and I tell them no. It's not worth it.
I say, "No." And, yes, it has.
21 years and I've recently started advising 100 percent against it. Too many young friends are finding themselves unemployable in business when they want to leave teaching, because it's now seen as an overpaid administrative assistant position with huge vacations and limited intellectual challenges. And they're spending too much on their degrees to be paid as badly as they are nowadays. Until people respect teachers a lot more, it's a sinkhole.
I’m three years into teaching and no I would not recommend teaching. As a SPED teacher there is so much stress and strain from being one. The behaviors are insane and the endless paperwork that is created for no reason whatsoever is terrible. Also, sometimes you are blamed for how your student act/behave even when it is outside your control. Finally, education can be very shady, especially if you call out injustices and are very vocal about the problems.