I am just about to finish up my 1st year teaching 5th grade. I have 8 days with the kids and then I have work days until the 18th. I thought it was a great year and learning curve. This is a very rewarding job and I feel great knowing that I did all I could do to help prepare these kids for the rest of their lives. Just curious if anybody else is in the teaching field.

 

Ref is a teacher in Indiana, he'll probably chime in. I come from a long line of school teachers myself (both parents, both sisters, 1 sister-in-law, 2 Aunts and 1 Uncle - all public school teahers except one Aunt, she teaches private school). Most teachers I know work hard, have to put up with a lot and are usually underpaid for their efforts. Although I don't hear too many complain about having summers off.

Personally for me, there was never enough money in it. And now, more and more are being layed off due to Michigan's economy. My one sister is on the chopping block right now.

Are you teaching summer classes also?

 

I've been offered to come teach at a college a few times. Teaching is actually something I want to do later on in life when I'm older. Right now the money is to good to pass up in my industry. The college tells me they will hold a spot for me when ever I decide to come.

My fiancée is a high school biology teacher and Is the Biology Team Leader.

My father is an automotive instructor at the college. He started as an instructor, worked up to VP of the college, which he later said screw that Political high stress BS and went back into the classroom where he is going to retire in a few years.

Mother was an Computer Networking Instructor at the college, worked up to be the Head Network Administrator at the college, then had the opportunity to take over the "Idea's Center" there and does that now.

 

Just finishing up my 3rd year as a High School Tech Ed teacher...Glad to hear your first year was a positive experience Pineapple, the first year is the most difficult! 5 days 'til summer! Woot Woot! Looking forward to spending some time in the garage working on the truck (got some Wagner TQ's, painting the brake calipers, tinting the 3rd brake light, hopefully rims/tires, the list goes on and on).....

 

The thing that always amazed me in HS was how disrespectful some of the students were. I used to think to myself, I could never be a HS teacher because i would end up going off on one of these punks. I have alot of respect for a HS teacher. You put up with alot.

 

amen to that. but don't be fooled, there still are kids out there who are decent, they usually have parents with morals though....

 

I think you hit the nail on the head there. Always seemed to me that the kids that were getting in trouble, the parents were up at school yellin and screamin about how they're kid is being mistreated.

 

I have been a teacher for 33 years here in Ohio. I teach British Literature, the Research Paper, and Speech Communication. If I retire now, I get 66% of the average of my highest 3 years. If I go 35 years---just two more years---I get 88.5% average of my highest three years earnings for retirement. I also have some money in mutual funds.

I love what I do. There are always some kids that are disrespectful etc...but the vast majority of the kids are really great young people. You will always remember them.

For me, being a HS teacher, I get a chance to see kids come in as dweebish freshmen and leave as fairly mature, accomplished young adults who are ready for work, the military, or for college. I believe that there are times that, sadly, I get to see the kids grow up more than their parents do.

Tim C.

 

My wife is a HS music teacher. She is way more passionate and gets way more satisfaction out of her job than I do out of mine, but I couldn't deal with the crappy attitudes so many kids have.

 

Wow yall get out late. Kids finished here May 26th and teachers last day was the 27th. My wife has taught 3rd grade since 1993. I don't know how she does it! The state just cut teacher pay 4.2% here and Mississippi teachers are already on the bottom of the pay scale. It is definitly a job yo have to love!

 

Not a teacher yet, but when I retire from the Army next year I am planning on trying my hand at teaching high school. I'm using the new GI Bill to finish up a Sec. Ed, math degree.

The attitudes are a concern, but I've put up with quite a bit during the past 19 years so I think I can handle the kids. Should be fun! Plus the summers are a big bonus!!!

Lyn

 

right, my sister graduated on the 28th last day was the 26th

 

You just have to remind yourself that they actually know nothing and that thier day will eventually come. The most important thing to remember is to try to never take your problems from school home with you. When I leave school each day, the day is done and the kids get a new start tomorrow.

 

For those who are teachers.....are you a Liberal and/or believe in Socialism?

 

Can't have a discussion w/o politics?