Employment opportunities in education...

[ctmom]

After helping more than one friend this week (because they work outside the home and I don't) while the kids are on vacation, I've come to realize that when I do go back to work, working in a school district is ideal because of the hours/days. I was a commercial banker in my previous life and I just don't see myself ever going back to doing that. I figured I should start to think long and hard about a career after the kids are in school now, so I can go back to school if necessary, sooner than later. I only have my BS now. I really don't know if I want to be a teacher, but I've thought about counselor, social worker, school psychologist. Does anybody do this now? Is there anything else I should consider? I'm just starting to think about this because I see the stress my friends are under when they have to work and their kids are off. Right now the time line for me to go back to work would be in the next 3 to 4 years. Any advice would be appreciated...

Thanks!

Mary
dd#1 2/01
dd#2 12/03

[almostamom]

If you are looking to work school hours (9-3) you might want to consider subbing - in my state (AZ) you already have the required education - a bachelor's degree (in any subject matter). There just aren't any other positions in the school that works those hours. All of the positions you listed (psych, sw, etc.) participate in student study team meetings in my district. Those meetings are scheduled about 2 days/week before school (beginning at 7:00 a.m.) and after school (usually until 5:00 p.m.) We also have weekly staff meetings (before or after school depending on the site). Students in our district have early dismissal once a month plus twice a year for conferences. Staff members are required to be there for conferences or staff development for those days. Our district also has teacher trainings scheduled during the summer (some of which are mandatory) and we begin the school year a few weeks before the students do. Most teachers I know go to school during the summer to gain more graduate hours (it's about the only way we get raises) or teach summer school. On the flip side, you would have the same holidays off such as Presidents' Day and you would be there for winter and spring breaks.

I have not had to teach since becoming a parent. When I was teaching, my regular schedule was to leave home by 7:15 a.m. and I'd return between 6 and 6:30 that evening. Many of my teacher friends have school age children. For the most part, their children attended the schools they taught at and would just hang out in their mom's classroom after school until it was time to leave or attend the after school programs at the school. It was convenient, but it does create a whole other set of issues. (FWIW, my MIL was a teacher and a principal while her children were in elementary school. They never went to a school she worked at.)

I have thought about going back to teach when my DS is in school. I think I'd rather sub (of course, I could change my mind). I could choose the days I wanted to sub or didn't. I could also choose the schools and the grades I wanted to sub. If my child was sick, I just wouldn't work that day (no preparing the sub plans or worrying if a sub was even available to take the classroom). I wouldn't have to bring home papers to grade or do report cards, conferences, open house, literacy nights, parent meetings, etc. It's not as much money, but it's not too bad - my district pays about $80/day for a sub. My friend lives in OR and her district pays $150/day.

HTH,
~Linda~
DS 11/9/04

[DebbieJ]

In many states, becoming a counselor or social worker or school psych requires having a teaching certificate to begin with. So you may end up having to do more schooling than you thought.

~ deb
DS born at home 12/03
2 year check up: 25 lbs with clothes on and 35 inches!
BFARed for 20 months and 6 days
(Breastfeeding After Reduction is possible! www.bfar.org)

http://www.bfar.org/members/fora/style_avatars/Ribbons/18months-bfar.jpg

[quinnsmom]

What about becoming a media specialsit? There are a lot of programs online that you can enroll in where you won't have to leave home and can take all of your classes online which is very convenient. But, IMO, take a great deal of concentration and work. I graduated from an online graduate program and felt as if that was more work and more intense than the graduate courses I have taken face-to-face.

As far as becoming certified. If you have a Bachelor's degree already - there are many programs aslo where you can take the required classes online.

I was an art teacher for years before becoming a school librarian. Although I love love loved being an art teacher - it is A LOT of prep work and sometimes a bit difficult in the sense that other teachers don't repsect your schedule/credentials and may expect you to do many "favors" for them when it comes to anything artisitic. (This can be a major time consumer and a PITA!)

Being a school librarian was such a change from a free-flowing (and noisy) art room ro a structured and quiet (yay!) library. I could go on and on about how much I loved it. Bu then agian my two loves are art and books - so both professions suited me perfectly.

If you are interested in advice on an online program - I cannot say enough about Florida State University's LIS (Library and Information Studies)program. LMK if you want to hear details and I'll email you. They really do have a top-notch online program that I was very impressed with. And (at least when I was enrolled) their school librarian program was ranked #2 in the country (second to Rutgers)- so that's cool too. :)

But like I said. There are lots of reputable Universities that have online programs in teacher certification. There are tons of options for people who need to stay home but would like to take classes.

And as a previous poster mentioned - teaching can be VERY time consuming. Lots of after school or night meetings/open houses/extra requirements that you have to fill outside of the regular school day. I have experience teaching in elementary, middle, and high school and I would say that high school seems to be the least labor intensive in the sense of the "extra things" to do. Teaching High school students for me was more about getting really into the subject and teaching (more of an intense school day that I just left behind when I walked out the door) than a lot of classroom management and afterschool/night meetings (like elementary and middle) and discipline issues (especially w/middle school). And since I was an art teacher - I didnt have many papers to bring home and grade - so I can't comment on that. But my experiences could be totally different than the experience of others.

But that being said - NOTHING beats a teacher's schedule if you have children. There is no doubt in my mind that I will go back to it once all my children are in school. There are always going to be days like teacher work days and meetings where you will have to find childcare for your children - but nothing beats those summers and holidays off! :)

Good luck! And have fun researching.

[firsttimemommy]

sorry to semi-hijack, but Michelle, I would love anymore info on the Florida State program. I am a teacher but interested in either counseling or Library Science :)

Thanks!
Ronda
Proud Mommy to 2 adorable munchkins - 1/03 and 4/04

"Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes........that way you are a mile away and you have their shoes."

[firsttimemommy]

Hi Mary,

The PP were right, teaching is ALOT of work and stress, but if you love it, it's worth it. I wanted to be a teacher all my life, so putting up with the negatives is easier for me b/c I wanted to do it so bad in the first place. Also, your first year or two would be the hardest - but if you stick to the same grade, you can get a good routine down and not have to re-invent the wheel each year :) Also, I use my prep/conference time to it's fullest - not to socialize with other teachers. I mean I am friendly and helpful, but I do NOT want to bring a lot of things home so I stay busy. I enjoy the freedom to not be hovered over or around other adults all day and I love the relationship I build with the kids.

If you must work, it really can't be beat, even with the extra trainings, open houses, etc you have to attend. IT's still TONS better than working all year long with a week or two off for vacation :)

You should have time to get the credentials you need in 3-4 years, even if you want to do school psychology (although again, the other posters were right , they do work more days and hours - but get paid more, so it's a trade off)

As far as subbing, my district also pays $80 per day, but I make $205 per day teaching, so if money is a factor, it's a large difference.

Good luck!
Ronda
Proud Mommy to 2 adorable munchkins - 1/03 and 4/04

"Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes........that way you are a mile away and you have their shoes."

[wolverine2]

I'm an elementary school counselor. You do have to have a masters degree to be a counselor, social worker, or psychologist. It really depends on the state as to what program(s) work best, but most of them are about 2 years, I think. I never had a teaching certificate, and my masters is in social work. I love my job, and honestly I think it is easier than being a teacher. There is not nearly as much prep time, more "response" time. (Talking with teachers, calling parents, etc). My district requires teachers to be there until 4, but I hardly ever stay later than that. Feel free to PM me if you want more info.
Carrie

[dogmom]

I should point out there are also academic jobs outside the primary education front that might give you the same flexability, like a college or university. My friend has a math degree from MIT and works at a research facility associated with them. It is much lower pressure than "normal" research jobs in her field an she has worked there for almost 20 years. She gets paid significantly less than private sector, but she has never had problems taking time off during school breaks, etc. She does work in the summer, but she does more flex time and has the kids in summer programs. It has worked very well for her.

I'm a nurse with a graduate degree. I always have the option of teaching in a nursing program with an "academic calender" once my kid(s) are in school. I would get paid less but have the schedule you are talking about. Colleges and universities can also be good places to work since many have free tuition for employee's children and good benefits.

If you are at all interested in special education you might consider that. I have another friend who trained with her BA with the idea she would go become an English teacher, but wound up going into special education. She has a masters and does more administration/coordination. She is always looking for aides to work one on one with students from K-12. The pay sucks, but she's had people come in and start with that and then go on to school for various openings in education. If you work full time in her district (which she could never afford to live in since it is one of the best districts in the state) she can always send her kids there. Another perk.

It sounds like you have lots of options to explore in the next few years!

Jeanne
Mom to Harvey
1/16/03
& Eve
EDC 6/18/06

[boogiemom]

Me too! I've been considering something like this as well.

Thanks!

[jk3]

I'm an elementary school teacher. This is my passion and I love my job. I teach in an affluent district and our salaries rank among the highest in the country. That said, I bust my butt every day and work extremely hard. Gym teachers, music teachers, art teachers and reading specialists get paid the same salary (and I will get flamed) but do not have to work as hard. If I had to do it over, I would not change my career trajectory since I love being a classroom teacher and working within a classroom community. If I wanted to cut down on planning time and parent interaction, I would go the specialist route.

Jenn
DS 6/3/03

[wolverine2]

I'm not going to flame! I think everyone in education works hard, but I think that elementary school classroom teachers work harder than anyone. As I said above, I think my job is easier than being a classroom teacher. I have so much admiration for the teachers...
Carrie

[almostamom]

It's funny, reading the posts on this thread proves one thing about education - it varies depending on location. :) I've read other people's posts and find them to be completely the opposite of what's true in my district (and they probably can say the same about my post.) As one example, a reading specialist's job in an affluent school versus a Title One school. Having been both a classroom teacher and a reading specialist in a Title One school, I can assure you, neither job is easier or harder - just different.

Mary, I would suggest spending some time at your local school (whichever level appeals to you - elem., high school) or chatting with someone in your local district to find out exactly what the situation is where you live.

Just a side note, I was in a store today and heard, "Oh my gosh, Mrs. C-----!!" I turned around and was hugged by an entire family. It was a student that was in my class three years ago and her family. It was terrific to see what a beautiful young lady she had grown into since I saw her last (about a year ago) and to hear how wonderfully she was doing.

Best of luck as you start to make this decision. :)

~Linda~
DS 11/9/04

[mskitty]

Don't think just about teaching positions... My MIL was a "lunch room lady" for 30 years so she could have holidays off with the kids. My cousin burnt out on being a pediatric oncology nurse and is now a school nurse so she has most holidays off that her kids do.


MsKitty

[jamsmu]

Me 3!! I've been looking at programs and haven't found one that suits me, yet. YIA

[jamsmu]

Just another elem teacher chiming in. I worked in a district that is one of the highest paid/regarded in the state. We were expected to work 8-3:45 each day, but it was frowned upon if that was all you worked. I arrived no later than 7:15 most mornings and usually worked until around 5:30 or 6. Some nights, I stayed much later--especially open houses, Back to school nights, conferences etc. There were about 3 or 4 inservice days per year (when I worked and the kids stayed home) and at least 6 early dismissals. PLUS you work 1 week post the end of the school year, one - two weeks before the beginning (that may not be your requirement, but you try setting up a classroom covered in dust in just one day--especially since the required before school starts days are all meetings!) There were NUMEROUS meetings to attend before and after school--child based studies, teacher education, building meetings, etc that went beyond my contracted day, but that's life. In my state, you are required to take the equiv. of 6 grad course hours every 6 years... doesn't sound bad, but that's 2 courses during your "not working times." Add to that your homework each night, weekend and evening PTO activities that teachers are expected to attend....

No, I don't plan to go back to teach and elem ed classroom. I love working with the children, but its an underpaying, overworking, VERY demanding job. There are a lot of other areas you can work in educ. Counseling, etc., like many mentioned, requires years of study, experience, degrees, etc.

Some other ideas: Teacher Aide, Librarian Aide, School Secretary (though the hours are longer, and some require summers), School Receptionist...

I love the idea of spending time in your local school to get a true feel for what is expected.

Sorry to vent, but I think its important that people realize that teaching is more than 180 days a year--summers off and no nights and weekends.

[pritchettzoo]

Lunch lady? ;)

The counselor/social worker/psychologists in my area are mostly at least masters level positions. Some require teacher certification on top of that, which depending on your state's requirements could require additonal undergrad-level studies. I would check your district's website to see what's listed there. :)


Anna
Mama to Gracie (Sept '03) and Eli (July '05)

[maestramommy]

Okay for a minute, there, I got hot, but you're right, elementary homeroom teaching is the hardest. I was an orchestra teacher before I had DD and I wouldn't want to go back right now unless I really had to. Teaching is HARD WORK. You get there before school starts, and leave well after it ends if you don't want to bring work home. But you do get more days off than most other jobs, and if you work in your child's district, they'll be the same days. If you've never taught before, I would do as pp suggested and try subbing first. For that the requirements vary from state to state, sometimes form one district to another. For CA you need at minimum an emergency credential which you get by passing the CBEST exam (pretty easy). Then start looking at districts that require only that to sub. Being a sub is how I got into full-time teaching by the way. I had so much fun I wanted to do it full-time.

[mudder17]

Well, I was a high school science teacher and I definitely busted my butt every day and would arrive by 7 am and leave often at 6 or 7 pm and then go home and plan and grade for several hours before falling into bed. And then I often ended up working weekends planning and grading because I couldn't manage to finish it during the week. And that doesn't count the extra work we had to do for evaluation purposes, both for the kids or for ourselves. So it was crazy the amount of work I had to do and it was the reason I chose to leave my job when DD came. But I loved it and I would love to go back when the children are much older or perhaps I'll do tutoring instead. So I would definitely say that being a teacher can be one of the toughest jobs out there.

That said, I think I would not last more than a year being an Elementary School teacher because the energy required to be with those young kids all day and to make sure their needs are being met at every moment would just about kill me. So no flames from me, Jenn. :)

ETA: Although I put in all those crazy hours and energy into my teaching, and I think it made me a very good teacher, there were definitely teachers in my school who managed to not work that hard. They were able to "get by"...I can say without conceit that this often resulted in less than ideal classes, but I also found that over time, I was able to organize smarter and not work quite as hard. So at the end of my teaching career, I was getting home by 5 or 6 instead of later and would have more of my weekends off (except Sunday nights). And I didn't have to plan for hours every single night. Still a crazy amount of work, but more manageable, at least. :)

Eileen

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif for Leah
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_sapphire_24m.gif

http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_-6_Kaya+is.png
Kaya's a cousin! 10/1/05, 5lb13oz

[quinnsmom]

Ronda,Tani, and others - I'll email you

I can't say enough great things about that program! I'll answer any of your questions and also give you the lo-down on FSU. :) They have a reciprocity program where you can get out-of-state tuition waived too.


:)Michelle

[quinnsmom]

Ronda,Tani, and others - I'll email you

I can't say enough great things about that program! I'll answer any of your questions and also give you the lo-down on FSU. :) They have a reciprocity program where you can get out-of-state tuition waived too.


:)Michelle

[ctmom]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU THANK YOU all for your responses!!! I really appreciate everyone's input. After some research this weekend I found out the local state university offers a master's in education counseling that I requested more info on. I know in my district, there are both social workers and school counselors starting at the 5th grade level. In Connecticut you don't need a teaching certificate for either of the positions. Carrie, you said you are an elementary school counselor with a degree in social work. I will pm you to pick you brain for more info. Subbing in my district requires a teaching certificate so that is out for now. After talking to a friend who is a social worker in the jr high school, she told me about people who become Teacher Assistants and then have the school district pay to further their education, that is an attractive option. Michelle, thank your for the info on a Media Specialist, that is also something I'm considering, although probably not an online program. I just don't think I'm that disciplined, especially right now with 2 kids at home, to do well with that. Jeanne, I had a friend growing up who's mom was a school nurse. I always thought that would be a great position for a nurse, too bad I don't think I have the stomach to get through nursing school!!! I have a lot of options to consider, but I feel really good about having some direction for what I want to do when I grow up, ha-ha, too bad I'm still trying to figure this out at the age of 37!!! I'm planning on volunteering at the school when dd#1 starts kindergarden in September, so hopefully I can make some good contacts there and get more inside info on the district.
I hope this all makes some sense, dd's are asking me to get off the computer...
Mary
dd#1 2/01
dd#2 12/03