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I'm going into teaching as a profession
#51

I'm going into teaching as a profession

Quote: (04-21-2015 08:06 AM)obrero Wrote:  

I have been considering getting a certification to teach in my state, Texas. Does anyone have experience with the alternate certification programs, or is it a better idea to get a masters degree in teaching?

Im considering teaching because my current line of work offers very little time off and the locations where I can possibly work are near military bases. I like the idea of being able to go on extended travel every year.

The alternate programs can certainly expedite the process, but they will throw you into some of the most challenging situations you could find in schools that nobody wants to teach at. And you're committed to two years. If this is a ticket out of the country, to Latin or Asian poosy paradise, then the alternate program is not the best way.

My cousin got a job at an international school in China with only a CELTA (a one-month TEFL training course). Granted, she's not at any kind of 1st tier school in a particularly desirable city, but she's in China and making good money. And she didn't have to invest 2 years getting a valid teaching credential and the money (and opportunity cost) that comes with it.
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#52

I'm going into teaching as a profession

If any of you guys in TEFL or other industries want a stepping stone into the IS scene, try to find graduate programs like these (a Master of Ed and teaching license, online and available from anywhere in the world):

http://academicpartnerships.uta.edu/Sear.../education

http://www.shsu.edu/programs/master-of-e...ification/ (this one requires periodic visits to Huntsville, TX)

http://www.montana.edu/nptt/index.html
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#53

I'm going into teaching as a profession

Teaching is a really rewarding and fun profession, especially when your students are eager and willing to learn. Your job is to help younger people on a personal and daily basis and it's hard to not have meaningful moments in a profession like this. The positive moments greatly outweigh the frustrating ones.

If you are fine with it as a career, I 100% recommend it. Benefits and time off are solid too.

I have thoughts of coming back to teaching when I am older (in my 50s) and am financially secure.
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#54

I'm going into teaching as a profession

I worked at an elementary school for the entirety of my years in college. I was set on entering the credential program and becoming a teacher but went for a master's degree instead.

I'm not sure if it was the right decision or not and have, more than once, contemplated going back down the road of teaching.

It has a lot of great qualities and that extra time off every year is HUGE.
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#55

I'm going into teaching as a profession

One option is to get the teaching certification, get in your 2 years experience, then go teach English, Math, Science, or even PE in Abu Dhabi, through ADEC (Abu Dhabi Education Council). Slightly higher salary than the States (no taxes taken out), and free apartment. Party in Dubai on the weekends. Boatloads of independent Filipinas everywhere, if that is your thing. Easy base for international travel with big airports in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Top recruiters are Footprints and Teach Away.
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#56

I'm going into teaching as a profession

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#57

I'm going into teaching as a profession

I just finished a 4 year elementary school teaching degree and questioned whether it was the right path for me throughout. My two teaching practicals (5 and 8 weeks respectively) were hell on earth and as soon as I got home from one day, I would be dreading the next. I kid you not, some days I would have preferred to be hit by a bus on the way to work than actually step inside that classroom again. I wasn't sure if that was just the pressure of being a student teacher and constantly being watched and judged by a mentor or if I actually hated teaching, and to be honest I still don't know. I'm a bit of an introvert and need my own space at times and having to be at the front of a classroom on show at all times, while constantly communicating with fellow adults about my performance at the same time, really got to me after a while. In saying that, I am glad I stuck it out and completed the degree because at least I have a solid fall back option in the future if teaching appeals to me more as I mature. The degree could also be used a means of travel in the near future with international school jobs as mentioned in the discussion here.

Teaching is hard man and the perks are vastly overrated. Any decent teacher will not be working 9-3. It will be more along the lines of 8-5 and if you're not a morning person like me, the hours are terrible. The holidays are great but you won't be taking off for 6 weeks every summer. There will be things you will be required to be in the country for such as professional development, school meetings, and preparation for the next semester. Coming back to school for another year after that long holiday and starting from scratch again would also provoke suicidal thoughts if you don't absolutely love your job. Teaching definitely takes a special kind of person. You can develop all the pedagogical knowledge and skills in the world but in the end, I think teachers are born and not made.
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#58

I'm going into teaching as a profession

Quote: (08-06-2015 02:56 AM)Adrenaline Wrote:  

I just finished a 4 year elementary school teaching degree and questioned whether it was the right path for me throughout. My two teaching practicals (5 and 8 weeks respectively) were hell on earth and as soon as I got home from one day, I would be dreading the next. I kid you not, some days I would have preferred to be hit by a bus on the way to work than actually step inside that classroom again. I wasn't sure if that was just the pressure of being a student teacher and constantly being watched and judged by a mentor or if I actually hated teaching, and to be honest I still don't know. I'm a bit of an introvert and need my own space at times and having to be at the front of a classroom on show at all times, while constantly communicating with fellow adults about my performance at the same time, really got to me after a while. In saying that, I am glad I stuck it out and completed the degree because at least I have a solid fall back option in the future if teaching appeals to me more as I mature. The degree could also be used a means of travel in the near future with international school jobs as mentioned in the discussion here.

Teaching is hard man and the perks are vastly overrated. Any decent teacher will not be working 9-3. It will be more along the lines of 8-5 and if you're not a morning person like me, the hours are terrible. The holidays are great but you won't be taking off for 6 weeks every summer. There will be things you will be required to be in the country for such as professional development, school meetings, and preparation for the next semester. Coming back to school for another year after that long holiday and starting from scratch again would also provoke suicidal thoughts if you don't absolutely love your job. Teaching definitely takes a special kind of person. You can develop all the pedagogical knowledge and skills in the world but in the end, I think teachers are born and not made.

Congratulations on sticking it out and finishing your program. I have felt exactly the same way. It does get better. You probably would be better fit for a different grade level. In my last assignment, as a substitute at an international school, some days were hell and some days were great. It all depends on how the kids behaved. In the country I was in, I found kindergarten and first grade actually enjoyable- simply because the kids would behave. Sure, they needed a lot of correction, but they genuinely wanted to please. Even if the material is a bit boring and basic, and the songs are cheesy as hell.

You could also transition into TEFL working with adults. Your degree is valuable in the TEFL world, not just elementary teaching. The classroom management, the most draining aspect, will no longer be a worry in that world. The money usually isn't as good, but it can be pretty damn decent in a place like Korea or the middle east.
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#59

I'm going into teaching as a profession

I've heard Chinese are very well behaved and great to work with

I'm also considering teaching in Thailand. How are Thai students in comparison?
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