Are you a K-12 teacher?

Discussion in 'Education, Teaching and related degrees' started by SurfDoctor, Jan 6, 2013.

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  1. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    I was wondering how many members we have that are K-12 teachers. If you are, what do you teach and how long have you been teaching?

    Also, if you are an unemployed teacher or one looking for a first gig, I'd like to hear from you too.


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    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 7, 2013
  2. Koolcypher

    Koolcypher Member

    Does aspiring teachers count? If so, I'm one of them. I want to take advantage of "Troops-to-Teachers" program, and enter the profession. (Hopefully, within the next two years) I've always dreamt of being a teacher, however, one thing led to another and I chose a different career path. I'm in my late thirties, therefore, I feel is not too late to give back and make a career change. :yup:
     
  3. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    You are doing pretty much the same thing as I did, except that I've never been in the military. Did a whole other career and got into teaching later in life. I am very glad I did. It's harder than you might think, but very rewarding.
     
  4. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    I have considered teaching full time but I guess I just don't want to work that hard to teach a bunch of "angry 6th graders"! I would rather teach angry adults in college :thinking:

    My wife took a substitute teaching class (something like 4 hours) that is mandatory if you want to sub. She has an AA and considered being a sub for some extra cash. We were at a school for an event and started to talk to one of the girls there (she was about 10 or 11) and she said, "You seem really nice...don't do it. We are mean to subs...even 'me' and I am a good kid" That ended her "substitute career".
     
  5. bigdanzer

    bigdanzer New Member

    After many years of teaching at b&m universities, I switched to K-12 teaching so I could work internationally. I got alternative certification in Texas through iTeachTexas, put in several classroom years in Houston, and have since worked in South America and Asia. Still at it in Hong Kong.
     
  6. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    Your wife made the right choice, IMO. I was a substitute teacher for two years while trying to land a full-time gig and it is hellish. Some people put together a good system and have a pretty thick skin, so they seem not to mind being a sub. I absolutely hated it.



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    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 8, 2013
  7. mattbrent

    mattbrent Well-Known Member

    I'm a former K-12 teacher. I suppose technically I still am, because I'm doing a class part-time at the school where I used to work. When I took the full-time job at the community college, the school asked if I could teach part-time time until they could hire someone that could teach what I do.

    I did enjoy it, but I don't really miss it. Higher Ed is FAR less stressful. Since changing jobs my blood pressure, cholesterol, and stress are all down, and I've lost 35 pounds. The only thing that IS up, however, is my salary.

    -Matt
     
  8. suelaine

    suelaine Member

    I am certified in both elementary and secondary math. I have taught elementary gifted, and I taught high school math and computer science for 5 years. I have also subbed in every possible subject before getting my first teaching job.

    I did not like teaching high school math. I got the kids with the most problems who hated math and it was NOT fun. I started teaching online ten years ago with two of the same colleges I still teach for now, and I quit that year and would NEVER go back to it.

    I am so excited because just now I picked up a third online school to work for and I have just started teaching college calculus. I would not have lived long enough to get to teach calculus in the district where I was teaching, and most likely would have been teaching applied algebra to troubled 9th graders the rest of my days had I not left there.
     
  9. dboven

    dboven New Member

    Up until a few months ago, I was a teacher. I taught for about seven years before getting laid off. After two years of being unable to find a teaching job, I've gone back to school and am now a full-time student again. I taught history, geography, economics, and a few other things at the middle school and high school level.

    Peace,
    db
     
  10. DxD=D^2

    DxD=D^2 Member

    I remember when I was in high school and had a sub here and there. There were those subs who could control the classroom and those who could not. If you're a "nice" person, chances are you'll be ran over by the "kiddies". However, if you're firm and give expectations the minute class begins, you have a better chance of controlling the class.

    I also want to become a teacher; a math teacher (hint my user name). My wife is a TA and she tells me horror stories, but she also tells me stories about "nice" teachers who control their classroom. She advises that the difference she notices between the "nice" teachers who control the classroom and who do not control the classroom has a lot to do with laying down a foundations of expectations; in essence, the tone of the teacher determines the direction the class goes. I love the story about how her favorite math teacher (her co-worker) controlled the classroom on the first day. It goes like this: The kids came in to the class, loud and without care. The minute everyone came in the teacher said firmly (but nicely), "This is no the way you enter my classroom. Everyone needs to got outside and you will quietly and calmly re-enter my class with the understanding that you are expected to learn, intently". LOL, In psychology we call this: operant conditioning. I love the fact that she made all the kids go out and re-enter the class in a well-behaved manner. The benefit was that from that moment on, each child has been well-behaved and eager to learn. And for that reason, I can't wait to start my student observation with this teacher.
     
  11. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    That's right, there is a way to control the students and be nice at the same time, but it has to be kindness backed up with toughness and a strong discipline system. There is actually some wiggle room there. Different from your example of a great teacher, I let my students come in as noisily as they want within reason, but when I begin to speak, I settle for nothing less than silence and 100% attention. I jump all over the slightest deviation from that and the students know I do not tolerate goofing around. I have other times where we all goof around, including me. That's what makes it fun and it's all about balance.

    I have a sense that DxD=D^2 will be a great teacher. :smile:



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    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 9, 2013
  12. DxD=D^2

    DxD=D^2 Member

    Thanks Surf...

    Btw I noticed that NU has a masters in education with a concentration in math education. Knowing that you went to NU, how difficult is the curriculum for their ed masters? I'm interested in this program just cause its working adult friendly and for the math ed concentration.
     
  13. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    I didn't think it was all that difficult, but it did move along really quickly. Their classes are 4 weeks long, so you never stop going. The good thing about that is the fact that you can get through many of the programs in about a year. It's been 10 years since I went there, but back then, it was more expensive than other options. Good program though.
     
  14. 2peaches2oranges

    2peaches2oranges New Member

    I taught elementary for 3 years. Moved across the country and now work for the federal government. I am still certified til 2016. I am currently finishing up my MSEd from Arkansas State though and will graduate this Spring, after starting and stopping several times since 2009.
     
  15. Ruble

    Ruble New Member

    I teach K-8 special ed.

    I spent 9 years on AD Air Force. I completed my bachelors through Excelsior, M.B.A. through Columbia Southern, then applied to a state level program for an alternative license in special education. As part of the state program I took 15 masters level hours through a state university and then transferred those courses to Liberty's Ed.S. program. I completed the Ed.S. program and recently completed all my coursework and passed my comps for the Ed.D. program. I should be able to finish my Ed.D. with the remainder of my GI Bill (I hope).
     

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