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Is it worth it?

by Dejected student teacher

May 30, 2012

I am a second career student teacher that is finishing up the semester at a tough urban middle school school. I recently learned that to teach middle school (what I'd prefer to do and what all my placements have been in), I'll have to take additional courses than I originally anticipated. Now that I'm almost finished, I find myself wondering, is it all even worth it?

I doubt I'll find a job in my district or neighboring districts because they're so saturated, and don't know if I have the emotional and financial means to be a sub. I've had some positive interactions with students at my placement, but overall, the school that I've been student teaching at seems like a very negative environment where teachers don't get along, and everyone is always on edge. I've had other (low level) jobs, and wonder if I should just forget this whole teaching thing and try to find another non-teaching job. I guess I'm just looking for some insight and/or commiseration, so thank you in advance.

Illinois I hear you there. I had a horrific Chicago experience.

We have to do ABC for certification, but no one bothers to follow or enforce state rules on colleges or schools. I never expected to be evaluated for literally, my smile, instead of the science teaching they're supposedly so hot on.

Remember it's a tough time. All those exper...See MoreI hear you there. I had a horrific Chicago experience.

We have to do ABC for certification, but no one bothers to follow or enforce state rules on colleges or schools. I never expected to be evaluated for literally, my smile, instead of the science teaching they're supposedly so hot on.

Remember it's a tough time. All those experts justifying their existence. The states are broke, schools are struggling.

No one goes into teaching without real commitment, but you work with soooo many people, often without support.

You have to know, describe, and demonstrate your strengths.

Even when they're hostile. Especially when they're hostile. (You have to ask polite questions of squirrely administrators, and accept passive-aggressive answers. Repeat after me: OK).

So I'm trying to follow my own advice. You know teaching applies to related, or entirely different jobs. Depending on your subject, that could be: businesses in your field, administration, writing, research, human services, HR.

I ask: what do I love about teaching, the subject, and what are my professional and personal strengths? On an off day, that's what do I like/dislike?

I use job boards and college programs as a guide to skills I could pick up, or didn't know I have. I take a hard look at what I'd be doing all day, and play at it. I write drafts.

Sorry to hear what you're going through - me too - hey come back here if you come up with something, clue me in.

On 5/30/12, Dejected student teacher wrote: > I am a second career student teacher that is finishing up > the semester at a tough urban middle school school. I > recently learned that to teach middle school (what I'd > prefer to do and what all my placements have been in), I'll > have to take additional courses than I originally > anticipated. Now that I'm almost finished, I find myself > wondering, is it all even worth it? > > I doubt I'll find a job in my district or neighboring > districts because they're so saturated, and don't know if I > have the emotional and financial means to be a sub. I've > had some positive interactions with students at my > placement, but overall, the school that I've been student > teaching at seems like a very negative environment where > teachers don't get along, and everyone is always on edge. > I've had other (low level) jobs, and wonder if I should > just forget this whole teaching thing and try to find > another non-teaching job. I guess I'm just looking for some > insight and/or commiseration, so thank you in advance.

Jun 5, 2012

Jeanette I hear you. Since graduation I've had to pick up some additional endorsements to make myself more marketable, and it hasn't been cheap. I'm wondering if I'll be able to start teaching by the next school year or if I'll have to sub in the meantime, which, after student teaching, is the last thing I want to do.

On 5/30/12, Dejected student t...See More

Jun 7, 2012

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