Some advice needed

Hi All Teachers,
I have recently thought about going back to school to finish my undergraduate degree and have thought more and more about pursuing a degree in secondary education. I was a corporate trainer for awhile and enjoyed my work and am looking for something outside of the corporate world. Everyone has always said I would make a really great teacher - if given the choice I would love to teach American History at the high school level. Now here's where the advice is needed - 1) I'm almost 30 and wonder if its "too late" for me (if that even makes sense) 2)Could you give me the pros and cons of being a teacher or something that might be considered a common gripe. I guess Im asking for a realistic point of view. Thanks in advance. If Im not clear, feel free to FM me.

Re: Some advice needed

It's not too late at all. However, social studies is one of the more competitive fields to find a job!

Science, math and foreign language are more in demand. I'm not sure about business teachers in high school....might be a demand.

I don't want to be at all discouraging , but I know some social studies jobs on LI have hundreds of applicants.

That being said- it's a job that is rewarding. I leave work with a smile more days than not. The kids can be wonderful, exasperating, but are totally worth it.

Good luck!!!!!!!!

Re: Some advice needed

it is VERY hard to get a job. be prepared to sub or work in NYC for a few years before getting a permanent job on LI.

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I would say it is NOT too late, especially if it is something you think your heart is into.
I have had student teachers who are in their thirties, even forties. There might be career changes or family stuff along the way that lead people to teaching.

As the others said, it might be hard to land a job, or you might just hit it right.

I say...GO FOR IT!!!!

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Also keep in mind that the certification would be social studies so it would include Global, Economics, Government and American. You would have to teach any one of them.

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I agree with the others, not too late and better secondary than elementary ed but social studies is pretty common, I would go for a science math or foreign language

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Social studies, English, Special Ed, and Elementary Ed are really hard areas to get a job. I am a language teacher and we are always looking for people. Math and Science are good too. I love having summer off. I love being able to leave work at 2:40 every day (even though I rarely do, I can). It's nice to have off for every holiday. It stinks when you have to go to the bathroom or are waiting for a phone call from a doctor.

Re: Some advice needed

i'ts not too late! i say go for it! and i would go for Social Studies... it's what you want and what you feel you would have passion for and be godo at. yes, it can be difficult to find a job, but not impossible. if anything, i think most districts wqould scoop you up because you have life and work experience outside school, you're not like all the other 22 year-olds with their teaching degree from Hosftra. you have more expeirence to offer.

GOOD LUCK!

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Posted by Meaghan729

not to sound like a snot, but whats wrong with Hofstra?

And my DH still cant get on the island with 5 years experience, published author , belongs to every association he can, and he is now a dean also. so its just not 22 year olds that cant get a job.

and my aunt who was a lawyer for 15 years went back for teaching and cant find a job either.

Re: Some advice needed

I would suggest becoming dually certified in Special Education and another subject area. That will increase your chances of getting a job more quickly than having just a subject area certification.

Good luck!

Re: Some advice needed

Posted by donegal419

Posted by Meaghan729

not to sound like a snot, but whats wrong with Hofstra?

And my DH still cant get on the island with 5 years experience, published author , belongs to every association he can, and he is now a dean also. so its just not 22 year olds that cant get a job.

and my aunt who was a lawyer for 15 years went back for teaching and cant find a job either.

Sorry, Meaghan, I didn't mean for that to sound like i am bashing Hofstra. What I meant was that so many teachers on LI have the same exact credentials (like a degree from Hofstra, for one) and they all want to get a teaching job on LI. What I meant to say was the PP might have a little more luck in the process because she has some life experience behind her and a different degree to give her a little more variety in the very competitive job market.

in NO way did i mean to bash Hofstra... it's a great school. i just meant that teaching candidates have to have something else besides the BS or M.Ed. in teaching from a school on LI that is going to make them stand out. does that make sense?

Message edited 3/22/2008 7:47:25 AM.

Re: Some advice needed

I would go for it. I taught HS SS and there were quite a few career changers and they always did better than their younger counterparts.

Posted by Meaghan729

And my DH still cant get on the island with 5 years experience, published author , belongs to every association he can, and he is now a dean also. so its just not 22 year olds that cant get a job.

Re: Some advice needed

IDK - first people say you need experience, but then you are too experienced. it sux!

all the interviews he has been on most schools said they would drop him to step 2 anyway...which is not much of a paycut compared to step 5 in the city

Message edited 3/22/2008 7:46:56 AM.

Re: Some advice needed

not too late at all.. i would look into the NYC fellows program they will pay for you to go back to school while you teach!!!

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Re: Some advice needed

Not too late at all.

To know- history jobs are VERY hard to get. And you dont always get your choice of curriculum or level. You could get hired in middle school, or even if youre in a HS, you could be given 9th or 10th grade global. 11th grade is American