Current teachers...can You Advise Me?

I got my M.Ed in 1997 and started teaching right away that fall. In the 15 years since, things have drastically changed! I teach 5th grade and have for the past 11 years. Prior to that, I taught 6th grade for 4 years. It wasn't until about 6 years ago, halfway through where I am currently teaching, that I noticed a shift. To say that it has gotten even more pronounced in the past 2-3 years is an understatement. Yes, we are unbelievably micro-managed. We are accountable for every minute of every day. We have been introduced and mandated with new curriculum that is FAR greater in amount and scope than we have time to plan for and execute to the best of our abilities and to our natural desires as teachers. The new initiatives range from social-emotional curriculum, to nutritional, to writing, math, reading, and science. Throw in a little engineering and design to that science, too. That would all be fine if it wasn't for block scheduling, intervention periods, and making sure there is snack every day for the poor kids (and us!) who are hungry and need some down time! I am more exhausted than ever... sure, I am getting older as the years go by, but I truly feel that my job takes so much more out of me than it used to. I am tapped by the end of the day. I usually avoid social events on Friday nights because I am just too tired and useless to even bring myself to go anywhere!

I know I am painting a horrible picture here but I am nothing if not honest. I am the kind of person who tells it like it is. The thing is, I love teaching and I love the kids. If I didn't, I'd be in administration by now for sure. Most teachers I know and work with want to make the ridiculousness of our schedules and work loads work for the kids and to be the best we can be for them, to deliver an effective curriculum that meets all kids' needs. I would HATE a desk job or a job where I only interacted with adults. I love my co-workers and most of the parents I deal with are awesome and supportive.

Starting as an aide is a good idea, but realize that working in sped as an aide is different than being a classroom teacher. There are pros and cons to both. Sped teachers definitely have more paperwork than ever before. Classroom teachers have more to plan for and teach than ever before, so it's basically equal on both sides. If you love teaching and you can deal with the micro-managing aspect of it, go for it, because if you are strong and capable you just make it work for you. Finding a district and school that is the right fit for your style and beliefs is a definite requirement. Give it a little more time till you decide anything. Having interests and passions outside of teaching that define you is HUGE too. You can't just teach and go home to your family - you need more. I am an avid runner and have run two half-marathons in the past 4 months, and I am training for another at the end of February. Running has saved me from mega stress and I love the outlet it gives me! The time running with friends and feeling good about myself is priceless.

Good luck... I am proud of what I do and I am doing the best I can with the other "stuff"!

I am an aide in a self-contained class, and I do see that.... I don't know how it is on the elementary level, but the amount of paperwork, for example, for sped teachers can be horrendous! Not only do they have their own classes they have to teach, but they are also case managers for all of the sped students, which entails many meetings, observations, and other stuff.

I am also certified but have never taught.... sometimes I wonder if I could do it, either, although the SPED teacher I work with is constantly singing my praises, telling me I am a "natural" in the classroom... I don't have sped certification, but am considering making the change and getting that certification as well. I just don't know how I would deal with the frustrations I see the teachers I work with, though.

In 2005 I got my MEd in Middle and High school LA and SS with highly qualified in several other areas. I am also certified in Reading. Needless to say, I have a lot of qualifications. I have also taught some college. But, I still can't find a permanent job. Everything is short term, part time, long term sub, or daily sub. I am still in the schools but yes, the day is very micromanaged, and there is way too much to do with not enough time to do it. The teachers and the kids can't do that much.

I don't know what the situation is there, but if I were you, and you had a good job in Real Estate and you enjoy it, stay out of education. It just isn't what it used to be. The jobs just aren't there. Here the school districts are laying teachers off by the hundreds. Literally. But, if you can do SPED and like it, good for you. I thought about it, but I just don't have it in me with my own little ones at home.

I wouldn't doubt your qualifications, but I would doubt the job market, the reliability, and the craziness that goes with it.

Good luck!

I am a SPED aid. I do not have a teaching certificate, I was a sub for many years. You will do fine. Use this year as a learning tool. I am learning so many things as we speak and a lot of use of computers. But people are the same everywhere and what you do is exciting because you are helping the children. Your actual school or County Board of ed will help you learn what you might need to become the actual teacher. And my school for instance sends us to learn more. If there are seminars and other things for free take advantage of them. Do not doubt your qualifications ever. You are experienced. You have a special needs child yourself and you will climb. Try to enjoy each and everyday in this new world.