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Location: Fort Bend County, TX/USA/Mississauga, ON/Canada
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Can you list all the pros & cons of teaching elementary school (grades K-5) or secondary (grades 9-12/high school? I am pursuing a M.A. in Teaching & am wondering whether or not to pursue it in elem ed or secondary ed...
I enjoy working w/ little kids, I've volunteered at an abuse center in my college town for almost 2 yrs. I get along great w/ kids, w/ no problems.
I am an English major & I have always wanted to write young adult fiction so I figure that high school would be a way for me to connect w/ the kids. I also love my subject & would like to have an impact in their lives & get them excited about American literature (11th grade)...I also have expressed a desire to teach children how to read & write, hence teaching in elementary school.
Location: Fort Bend County, TX/USA/Mississauga, ON/Canada
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Well, I have worked mostly with children (ages 10 & under). I've also worked with a few middle schoolers but not high schoolers. I'm 20 yrs old, so not too far removed from high school . I enjoyed H.S. though & wouldn't mind going back, but at the same time--working & volunteering w/ kids is often a rewarding experience, not that H.S. wouldn't be...I'm pretty open to either age group.
As a middle school teacher of eight years, I can honestly say that this level is wonderful. They are young enough where they are still excited to learn, but old enough that you can delve pretty deep into the material. With patience and a good understanding of this age group it's a powerful experience.
I subbed for several years in some extremely affluent towns. I had originally planned to go into high school teaching, but I pretty much ended up subbing for all levels. My favorite level in these districts was middle school.
When I found out my blood wasn't blue enough to get hired full-time in these districts, I got hired full-time in an urban high-need district. I started in the toughest middle school in the district, and it was rough. I raged against the machine a little bit, and got transferred to elementary school. It was a good move.
You will have less free time in elementary school. You will have to spend more time setting up toys (excuse me, "manipulatives") for the daily activities for elementary school students. There is a lot more paperwork on the elementary level. But, the students are easier to motivate (it's still a real challenge though), and most truly do love and apperciate you, even though they may drive you crazy. By middle school, at least in urban areas, a lot of kids have already "checked out", and have little respect for you or anyone else.
Of course, YMMV depending on where you work. I loved middle school in the burbs, but I prefer elementary school in my current district.
In Illinois, unless you teach in a unit district, secondary educators have a considerably better salary schedule.
My heart, however, belongs to middle school kids.
Can you list all the pros & cons of teaching elementary school (grades K-5) or secondary (grades 9-12/high school? I am pursuing a M.A. in Teaching & am wondering whether or not to pursue it in elem ed or secondary ed...
Hi,
I'm curious as to where you are pursuing your degree.. I'm looking to get into teaching and would like to go back to school to get a degree first. Are there any requirements to get into the program? Thanks!
Also.. wanted to ask..what kind of coursework are you given? Are you liking the program so far? Thanks!
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. I enjoyed H.S. though & wouldn't mind going back, but at the same time--working & volunteering w/ kids is often a rewarding experience, not that H.S. wouldn't be...I'm pretty open to either age group.
