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exactly. Thats why teachers shouldnt be making more money than an engineer or scientist or other white collar workers.
Without teachers there are no white collar workers. Do you know how hard it is to get a degree in chemistry and mathematics? Well, let me tell you, it's quite difficult. I'm the one teaching algebra and chemistry, not you.
And then, do you know how much it costs just to be a teacher these days? I probably paid out $2500 just getting my license and getting certified to teach different subjects.
"Do you know how hard it is to get a degree in chemistry and mathematics?"
This was directed at another poster, but here's my answer...YES!!! I have a bachelor's in chemistry (not education, just the chemistry) and graduated with a 3.97 GPA. Busted my behind!!! Then went to nursing school. Anyway, I'd like to take this opportunity to totally hijack this board (just kidding) and ask a few questions of all the teachers on here. Although my job as an RN is fine and I make pretty decent money for someone my age (late 20's), I've given some thought to going to a one-year program that transitions people with another degree into teaching. The classes all can count toward a Masters in Education in the future. My question is, does anyone know how much a teacher starts out at? I'd be willing to make a bit less than now for the better hours/no holidays/no blood and vomit, etc., but not TOO much less. I've found some websites that discuss average teachers' salaries but can't find too much on beginning. I also know that private schools tend to pay less; is this the same for secondary science teachers? I have long considered becoming a high school science teacher. I have done extensive tutoring in high school and throughout college and also really enjoy the teaching aspects of nursing (instructing patients on diets, medications, procedures, etc.), so I have some idea I'm good at it. However, I really would like to have some idea if it's financially feasible, also keeping in consideration that I could pick up RN hours here and there, no problem. Also, a M.Ed. would open doors to nursing education positions as well, as nurses often consider the degree similar to and as well-respected as a Masters of Science in Nursing with an education focus.
"Do you know how hard it is to get a degree in chemistry and mathematics?"
This was directed at another poster, but here's my answer...YES!!! I have a bachelor's in chemistry (not education, just the chemistry) and graduated with a 3.97 GPA. Busted my behind!!! Then went to nursing school. Anyway, I'd like to take this opportunity to totally hijack this board (just kidding) and ask a few questions of all the teachers on here. Although my job as an RN is fine and I make pretty decent money for someone my age (late 20's), I've given some thought to going to a one-year program that transitions people with another degree into teaching. The classes all can count toward a Masters in Education in the future. My question is, does anyone know how much a teacher starts out at? I'd be willing to make a bit less than now for the better hours/no holidays/no blood and vomit, etc., but not TOO much less. I've found some websites that discuss average teachers' salaries but can't find too much on beginning. I also know that private schools tend to pay less; is this the same for secondary science teachers? I have long considered becoming a high school science teacher. I have done extensive tutoring in high school and throughout college and also really enjoy the teaching aspects of nursing (instructing patients on diets, medications, procedures, etc.), so I have some idea I'm good at it. However, I really would like to have some idea if it's financially feasible, also keeping in consideration that I could pick up RN hours here and there, no problem.
BTW, thanks for the nice replies to my last post!
Salary depends upon where you are. PA science teachers start out at @$32,000 a year, but it depends upon the district. It differs from state to state, district to district. I have friends in nursing, and they ALL make waaaay more than I ever shall. They also have opportunities to move laterally in their fields, and pick up overtime shifts. The only teachers I know that make even close to what nurses make have been teaching for thirty years. I would get info from your local districts to see exactly what you would be making. What is good about your situation is that hs chemistry teachers are in demand. Downside is, there might only be two or three in a high school, depending upon its size. Check out your local hs.
Have you worked with teaching teenagers? Anyone who goes into teaching, I ask them, What AGE student do you enjoy? Yes, you might absolutely adore all aspects of [social studies, science, literature]- but, you shall be spending your days with teenagers. Think about what ages of children you enjoy. I know some K teachers who adore the young ones, and some hs teachers who never, ever want to be in a room with kids younger than 16. Think about who you would be teaching.
Public schools require teachers to teach to the state test. That is what you will be doing- teaching teenagers how to pass the science requirement of their state test. If that is appealing to you, great. We'd love to have you. We need wonderful teachers, at all levels. But I'm reading you want better hours/no holidays/less hands on nursing work. That is fine, but please remember that teaching today is not what you experienced in hs. Meh, things seldom are, LOL, but teaching is extremely challenging for people who simply want their summers off. (Not saying this is you, but I have met people who think like that, and they are burned out/disillusioned very quickly, as in any profession where they think it will be "easier").
Have you thought about becoming a school nurse? They are in demand, too. That is a position that seems to be open here in PA, the state that tends to overflow with applicants for teaching/school positions. You would still be a nurse, and still get to work with kids, and still have those "summers off".
If you truly want to make a difference in the lives of kids as a teacher, go for it. HS chemistry is a high demand field. Ask at your local high school, as they can give you better info than folks on a message board. Good luck!
I have a former sister in law who years ago traded in nursing for teaching and never looked back. She definitely took a hit in pay, but decided the trade offs at the time were worth it. She's currently a curriculum specialist for a district here in DFW.
Starting salaries here seem to be higher than most places people post about, although there are some districts that do start much lower. There are at least 5 districts here that start at $45,000+. However, the yearly increases are not large ones, so it's the benefit of starting out so much higher that helps counter the long run pay prosepcts......unless you plan to move up the ladder.
Firstly, I never made that much when I was working, so I would have been glad to get that much. As in any work environment, some teachers are overpaid and some are underpaid, but they all get to work in a place that is warm and dry..(it ain't coal mining), have lots of time off, have great medical benefits and get to retire after 30 years (then many continue to work part time). That kind of job security is rare anymore.
Do some teachers have to put up with a lot of bad stuff from kids, parents, and administrators? Sure, but bad situations can occur in any job, and we are all free to move on if we feel like it.
Oh my goodness- here we go again. I haven't read all of the posts yet but thought I'd share this other thread that I have been reading and responding too- very interesting opinions. Of course, here goes the conversation about teachers working 1/2 a year and always complaining. I hope I'm wrong and this thread is friendlier and fair.
Yes, there are many jobs that should pay more. Wouldn't we all love that? Maybe the difference is that there aren't people out there creating threads about how fast food workers or truck drivers are overpaid. I don't know how many times, on various message boards, that I've seen posts from someone complaining that teachers need to stop complaining. They make claims about how little we work and that the pay fits, but they have never seen or truly listened to what we have to deal with.
Honestly, I wouldn't want to do another job. I would just like to have a little more respect for what I do, even if that respect doesn't come with more pay.
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VERY well said. I agree with you. Love my job, don't want to do anything else.
You don't see these threads about other professions- always the teachers. Why don't they complain about the government workers that are using tax money for private planes, hotels, women, etc. Administrators- The $740,000 goodbye: Bloggers react to Keansburg superintendent's retirement deal - NJ.com: Jersey Blogs
No- it's always the teachers! I responded to another thread similar to this one that I linked on here about an hour ago (7-27-08) check it out if you have a chance- not as friendly as this one- you can imagine.
Oh my goodness- here we go again. I haven't read all of the posts yet but thought I'd share this other thread that I have been reading and responding too- very interesting opinions. Of course, here goes the conversation about teachers working 1/2 a year and always complaining. I hope I'm wrong and this thread is friendlier and fair.
I'll head over and take a look. I'm always curious about the perspective of others.
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again with teachers being overpaid
