Teachers?

[puddlemuddle]

How many of you out there are teachers?

I am thinking about going back to school (Im 31) to get my teaching degree. I have always wanted to be a history teacher. I have always loved history...especially Military History. I was wondering how hard it was to get your degree? Like I said in a previous post, I am planning on moving back to Tucson, and right now, I am a professional Bagpiper 7 days a week, I used to be in the family buisness (jewelry) but decided that 8.5 years working with family is about 8 years to much...anway. Just curious.
thanks,
Chad

[macwilkin]

How many of you out there are teachers?

I am thinking about going back to school (Im 31) to get my teaching degree. I have always wanted to be a history teacher. I have always loved history...especially Military History. I was wondering how hard it was to get your degree? Like I said in a previous post, I am planning on moving back to Tucson, and right now, I am a professional Bagpiper 7 days a week, I used to be in the family buisness (jewelry) but decided that 8.5 years working with family is about 8 years to much...anway. Just curious.
thanks,
Chad

PM me and we'll chat.

Cheers,

Todd

[auld argonian]

I'm 56 and have been threatening going back and getting certified so that I can teach Social Studies in Elementary School. I figure that I could probably get twenty good years in before they take me out on a gurney.

It would be a "mission" because I am just so sick of dealing with people who are totally clueless about basic Geography, History and Economics and I figure that I might at least reach a couple of kids and get them to wake up. I've dealt with several people who are supposed to be doing this and they don't seem to have a very intelligent approach to their job. I know that there's a lot more involved besides just getting up in the front of a classroom and lecturing but if we don't get some enlightened, inquisitive, reasonable people coming up, we are going to have even more difficulties in the future than we have now.

Best

AA

[piperdbh]

I'm a high school choir teacher in North Carolina. Each state has its own rules and regulations, but NC has a "lateral entry" program in which people can begin teaching while taking education classes at the same time. Usually the local school district helps pay for at least part of this, and the last time I checked, you get 5 years to complete your degree.
I would suggest that, before committing to teaching, you volunteer in classes. You could be guest lecturer for a day or something like that. I've gone to Brit. Lit. classes when they were studying Burns and Scott and played a few tunes on the 'pipes, which leads to how they produce thier sound, which leads to why I wear a kilt and not blue jeans which leads to all sorts of discussion. Many of us share a knowledge of history, which is much better learned when the students can see, touch and hear what the lesson is about, rather than just reading out of a book.
Call your local school and see where they can use you. That way, you get a feel for teaching without all the responsibilities, and you can pretty quickly tell if it's something you might want to pursue.
I hope this helps.

[Beertigger]

My wife got through the University of Phoenix night course and got her MAEd in about 16 months, including the student teaching. She was able to get a paid gig, actually, to fulfill the teaching requirement.

There's a program here that'll forgive a big chunk of your loans if you teach something like three years in a whatever-today's-buzzword-for-poor-is district (which most here are).

If you need any info, let me know.

[The Vicar]

I am 45 years of age and finishing up my Master's of Divinity this year.

One is never too old!

I will then be able to preach and teach in the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Our world needs teachers of all kinds. Go for it!

My better half is an amazing teacher and seeing her in the classroom with students is awesome!

Go for it, have no regrets in life! Imagine that you will one day be teaching the future students that can make a difference in this world!

Robert "V"

[pdcorlis]

I'm a 28 year veteran college teacher. I echo what others have said - go for it! We can always use a few more passionate dedicated souls willing to release our next generation from the bonds of ignorance!

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

My younger brother(now 56 yo) went back to school at 31, spent six years full/part time getting his MA and is now tenured and teaching history at a Community College in Los Angeles. So there is your time-line...

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I'm a 28 year veteran college teacher. I echo what others have said - go for it! We can always use a few more passionate dedicated souls willing to release our next generation from the bonds of ignorance!

...and who forged these shackles?

[Sephy]

There are two very good reasons that keep me in the teaching profession: JULY and AUGUST. Well, they really do contribute to my staying in this profession.

I've been teaching full time since 1999 and part-time since 1988. I teach at a private school and would probably never consider teaching in the public sector.

What I like most about teaching is that every day is different and that I am my own boss in the classroom. I also find it very gratifying to interact with young people. I mostly work with middle school students.