Changing Careers - High School Biology Teacher - Question (day care, how much)

[kelcec]

I am moving on from research and want to become a high school Biology teacher. I have filled out all of the appropriate paperwork.

Any tips for getting an initial position? I see some job are starting to appear on Pinellas' website. Any inside tips? Contacting principles directly? Subbing for the first year?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[gulfer]

LOL! Crazynip...cut some slack man!! LOL

Science teachers in general are in demand. That said, it really does depend on what grade level you like, how you deal with the various age of kids, and how much passion you want to bring.

My wife taught in Virginia back in 2009. She wanted to teach for so long, was so excited about it, and loves kids. Mainly underdog kids. She had 23 years of Navy experience dealing with all types of people. She is very open to anything, deals great with people, and has a ton of patience for everything.

She had 9th grade Earth Science. She made it the 1 year but will never do it again. Those kids wore her out. 75% of the kids don't want to take your class, they are required to. Of those 75% that don't want to be there, 50% of them will probably not finish High School.

Some parents use the public school system as free day care and nothing more. But some really want to be involved, but they don't know what thier kids are doing once they leave the house in the morning.

She will never teach again, but I have MUCH RESPECT for anyone that can be one, a good one. Because you have enough teachers that are only there for the money and the perks of great time off.

But sub teaching for 2 weeks should give you an idea of what teaching would be like. May be a cheap way to see if that is what you want to do. Even student teach a current teacher right now! Just a suggestion.

[crazynip]

Originally Posted by gulfer

My wife taught in Virginia back in 2009. She wanted to teach for so long, was so excited about it, and loves kids... She made it the 1 year but will never do it again. Those kids wore her out. 75% of the kids don't want to take your class, they are required to. Of those 75% that don't want to be there, 50% of them will probably not finish High School.

Some parents use the public school system as free day care and nothing more. But some really want to be involved, but they don't know what thier kids are doing once they leave the house in the morning.

Exactly. SPOT ON. Especially the part about the "free day care"

Who wants a low paying job teaching kids who dont want to be there, parents who dont care, and an administration who does not support them.

I know plenty of teachers that are just riding it out to get the retirement. Anyone who goes into teaching these days needs their head examined.

[indytoflgirl]

Have to disagree...am ending my 38th teaching kids with special needs and I am as excited going into my classroom today as I was the first day of my career. Was a teacher, then an administrator and retired from another state and was hired here 4 years ago as a teacher for children with severe emotional/behavior needs. Two principals since I have been here and I feel they are supportive and respectful of the needs of the teachers. Go for it!! Science teachers are in demand......Hillsborough has NOT laid off any teachers during this recession and lots of teachers are retiring. GOOD LUCK!!!!!

[gulfer]

Good to hear a positive story indytoflgirl. 38 years of teaching...CONGRATULATIONS!! Big REP POINT FOR YOU!!