PS Teachers - I need your advice

[elrohwen]

Lately I''ve been thinking of getting in to teaching. Maybe it''s that I''m having a hard time finding a job in my field (that''s also anywhere near DH''s job) or because my mom''s nagging about me becoming a teach is paying off

I have a BS in chemical engineering and would love to teach chemistry, physics, or math at the high school level. I actually tutored a lot of kids in chemistry during high school and I think I''d be a pretty good teacher. I''ve also been told that there is always a shortage of math and science teachers (is this true?) I have a lot of questions though!

Education: From my understanding, most schools require a masters in education. However, I went to a small private high school and we had a lot of teachers who were getting their masters as they taught us (making much less money than they would at a public school, which is fine). Is this still possible? Is it realistic to think I could do the same? Or would I need to get a masters degree before anything?

First Job: What kind of job would I currently be qualified for? Substitute only? I''m not really sure how it works - would someone just hire me to begin teaching full time? When do they do their hiring - summer? Spring?

I guess, other than applying for masters programs right now, I don''t really know where I could begin. And part of me doesn''t want to commit to a few years of grad school if I haven''t even had experience.

Thanks for your help in advance!

 

[IloveAsschers13]

What state are you located in? Before I tell you everything you asked about MI where I am (and I am going into teaching), it does totally depend on what state you are located in...


ETA: Ahhh did some research.. CT. In MI, it's not required that you have your masters to go into teaching at all. It's also like that in IL. Both of my cousins just finished their BS in teaching and did their interships and got jobs right away. In fact, since there are barely ANY teaching jobs in MI, I think they want to hire people who don't have their masters that they can pay less. Also, to be a sub here, you need to do this program that you become qualified to be a substitute. You only need 90 credits of college and the you can be a sub. Sounds like you would probably just be able to start off subbing and see if you like it, and I am assuming that you can get your degree in a fast-track program since you already have a degree in something that you want to teach. You most likely will have to take all the teaching classes and then if you haven't taken certain requirements those too. Hope this helped!

 

[oobiecoo]

I''m not a teacher but have a good friend who is and I majored in education for 2 years. Here in Texas, I would say most teachers only have a bachelor''s degree. The ones who have a masters tend to be in areas like Special Education. Most other teachers who get a masters do so in order to move up to counseling or administration. I could be wrong but I don''t think most of our science or math teachers have a masters.

As far as getting a job, I would DEFINITELY recommend substituting for at least a few months or applying to be a teacher''s aid. You can quickly tell if you *really* want to be in the teaching field and it will get you familiar with the school/district/administrators.

You do need your teaching certificate. One of the districts near here has a program where you teach during the day then they help pay for you to get your certificate at night so look into something like that. Good luck!

 

[oobiecoo]

Wanted to add... when my friend was applying and interviewing, she started around May or so and went well into August just a week or 2 before school started.

 

[elrohwen]

Thanks for your help, asschers and oobie!

After some quick research, it appears that CT requires a teaching certificate and you need to participate in a program to earn said certificate. However, it doesn''t actually say you need a masters ... so I''m still pretty confused about what the requirements are. All I know is that you have to get it through a college, but I can''t find a listing of what colleges participate. It also says you can apply for a certificate if you have taught for 20 months, though I am not sure what schools would be hiring someone uncertified (private, I guess, but I''m not seeing this jobs posted). From looking at a few job postings, they''re asking for certification for subs as well.

There is an alternate road to certification which involves a 9 week full time course that gives you a temporary certification for 90 days - then it seems you need to get a job right away to make that temporary certificate valid? It''s kind of confusing. Here''s the link to the alternate path in case anyone else can make more sense of it: http://www.ctcert.org/arc.html

So it appears that I don''t necessarily need a masters, but I need some kind of education program that isn''t clear

Ugh, the CT website sucks.

Another question - I live on the border of NY state. Should I be looking there are well? Or do you need to live in the state you teach in?

Also, it''s making me optimistic that there are actually tons of jobs posted in the area I would like to teach, most of which are in my part of the state.

 

[luckystar112]

Date: 2/18/2010 2:29:34 PM
Author: oobiecoo


As far as getting a job, I would DEFINITELY recommend substituting for at least a few months or applying to be a teacher''s aid. You can quickly tell if you *really* want to be in the teaching field and it will get you familiar with the school/district/administrators.

Very true. Substituting helped me realize that K-12 is just not for me. At all. But, unless I can get a job at a CC with just my Bachelor''s degree, I may be forced into that line of work for a while anyway. I''m getting panic attacks just thinking of it.

El, I''d ask you if there is an Alternative Teaching Certification in your state but I know that CT is pretty competitive. You are right though, there is a shortage of math/science teachers. If you were going into English I''d say "No way! Get your Masters!" but you''re in a good field. I would see about getting your certification and in the meantime apply to private schools/charter schools/etc.

 

[IloveAsschers13]

I think maybe they were referring to a program such as teach for america? Isn''t that about two years and it''s two years of teaching that you are not exactly getting your certification, but then you can apply for it.

I do not think you need a masters, which is why you probably cant find it. And about living in a different state, you just need to make sure to be certified through the state you are working in''s requirements. For example, here I just too the MTTC (Michigan teacher test... hmm dont know what it really stands for haha

) but i would have to take the IL test to be certified and work there.

 

[meresal]

Date: 2/18/2010 2:31:41 PM
Author: oobiecoo
Wanted to add... when my friend was applying and interviewing, she started around May or so and went well into August just a week or 2 before school started.

I think that this is common all over Texas. One of my teacher friends said that many principal''s won''t find out just how many positions are open until teacher''s report back to the school from summer break. (or something along those lines)

 

[luckystar112]

Here is a link that better explains it:

http://www.ctdhe.org/ARC/default.htm

So since your degree is in the field you want to teach in, and since there is a shortage in the subject area you want to teach, it looks at though it''s worth a shot.

It''s similar to the alternative route I''m taking here in TX, but CT seems a lot more difficult (in a good way).

 

[elrohwen]

My head is honestly kind of spinning. There is a summer program to earn certification, but I''ve missed the deadlines. Plus, I need student teaching experience for it, and I''m not having luck finding these student teaching positions (or private school positions). It looks like that''s what I need to do though - find some kind of "starter" position working with another teacher or as a sub, then work on completing a program - either the alternative program (the one I just mentioned) or one through a local college (still can''t figure out how long these programs are, if they''re full time, etc).

I feel like my timing is all off ... if I want a studen teacher position I''m not going to be hired until August? I suppose my unemployment will hold out til then, but it seems like a long time to wait. Anything involving an advanced degree or the school system is tough because you have to plan ahead.

I''m going to check out NY''s requirements and see if they''re any less confusing. DH and I wanted to move back to NY anyway, so it might be better to focus my efforts there.

 

[luckystar112]

Teaching is getting more competitive here in the Houston area. I''m in a Certification program with about 350 other people right now, ALL hoping to get a job this next school year. This does not include all of the other companies/colleges that offer Alternative Certifications or the direct hires straight out of college, OR the fact that the company I''m going through just finished another 350-person session and has another one coming this summer! Our first training day she told us, "It used to be that I could tell everyone in the room that you will find a job this next school year. I can''t tell you that anymore". But she also told us that when we finish up in March we will be right smack in the middle of hiring season, and to not waste any time. I would swear that over half of the 350 in my class are in their 30s-40s which means that a lot of people are switching careers (probably due to the economy). So, it IS rough out there right now. I''d look into subbing for sure! Apply to as many districts as possible and get in good with the administrators so they''ll remember you when you''re ready to apply.

 

[elrohwen]

Luckystar, how long does it take to complete your program? The NY State "alternative" program takes about two years (so does the masters though) so it sounds like, either way, it won't be a quick 6 month thing. Perhaps the alternative method is meant to be completed by people who already have a job, so it's nights and weekends, which would explain it taking longer. CT seems to have a quicker program, but I'm not sure I could even apply until this time next year.

I'm going to need to give this a lot of thought. Jumping into any advanced degree program seems kind of scary, so I really need to figure out how to get some initial experience. Though the alternative program apparently includes experience, so maybe I need to contact some local colleges about it.

Thanks for helping me figure this out guys

It's something I always kind of considered as a back up option if I hated the corporate world. Now I'm realizing how confusing and not-easy it might be to make the switch - I just never thought of it before and it's a lot to think about.

 

[luckystar112]

Ours is very fast. You do the training courses (I go on Wednesday nights and all day Sat from Feb 13-March 20th....they also have a summer session coming up that is just one week long). Then you take the state tests for the areas you want to be certified in. After you pass, you get a probationary certificate and you are allowed to work. So you find a job, and during that first school year you are paid like a normal teacher. You have a mentor, and you need to attend all of the workshops. No student teaching. At the end of the year you fill out a form for the State Certification and you are then a "real" teacher.

So, about one year before "real teacher" status (including the school year of "probationary teaching")
But to get a job? I can start applying as soon as I pass my tests. So about 2-3 months after I first stared the program, if I take the tests immediately.

 

[Tuckins1]

State requirements vary, and I know that you have already heard from other teachers here in Michigan. From my knowledge of the subject, you are already qualified to do substitute teaching. You don''t really need a Master''s to teach. You already have a Bachelor''s, so I think you would just need to go get a teaching certification and pass the state certification test. Good luck to you!

 

[elrohwen]

NY state seems much more difficult than the states you guys are in

You can get a masters, or this alternative program (for professionals changing careers) but that still takes 2 years! I know Columbia offers both programs, in all specializations, so I may call them and talk over the options. Columbia is probably way out of my price range, but at least they can probably point me towards a program and tell me how long it will take, when I can start actually teaching, etc. Then I can narrow down other colleges that offer the program (if that''s what I decide to do).

And in the meantime I''m going to look into student teaching or teacher''s assistant jobs.

Man, I wish I could do a few week program and be certified! It seems like so much work here. It''s not even that I don''t want to do the work ... I just can''t see going through a 2 year program, getting student loans, and only then being able to get a job.

I''m so glad I have PSers to turn to! I don''t know any teachers around here. My mom suggested I call up a local school district and ask if someone will talk to me about how to get into teaching, so I just might do that.

 

[Maria D]

elrohwen, I am also a BSChE turned high school teacher (math and physics). It may seem that your timing is "all off" but in the economic situation most states are in, it could work to your advantage in that you get your certs in order in time for positions to open up. Up until last year math and science teachers were in great need in Maine, where I live. This year the state has cut back funding to towns to such an extent that lay-offs in virtually every single school system are imminent. Next year''s budget is supposed to be even worse than this year -- it''s going to be a while before we can say that math and science teachers are in demand here.

Have you looked at http://www.cea.org/jobs/vacancies.cfm, a website for public school vacancies in CT? Looking at it, I can see there''s a lot more demand in CT than there is in ME right now, so that''s encouraging! Good luck.

 

[elrohwen]

Thanks for the encouragement, Maria! Do you mind sharing anything about teaching? As far as I''ve discovered on PS, you''re the only one teaching what I would be intrested in teaching. Before I start any programs I guess I need to make sure I want to do it

Any information you can share would be great! I think I would prefer to teach either chemistry or physics. I like math, but there aren''t any fun labs or anything you can do in math

I did notice that there seem to be quite a few jobs in CT! I still need to decide if I''m going with NY or CT, since I live on the border. We''ve talked about moving to upstate NY in the future, so I might be better off with that, but it seems like the requirements will take me quite a bit longer. And I haven''t been able to find listings for NY teaching jobs, so I''m not sure if they''re as in demand as CT. You do make a very good point of getting the training while the economy is low and finding a job later. That makes me feel a bit better!

 

[Haven]

elro--Definitely contact your local regional office of education. They can answer all of your questions accurately, and tell you what exactly is required to become a certified teacher in CT. I know that my ROE walked me through the steps I needed to take to become certified, and they sent me a list of accredited programs in the area, as well.

I can tell you from my experience that here in IL you do not need a master''s to earn your certificate. Some teachers study education in undergrad, and others study their content in undergrad and earn about 20 graduate hours required for a teaching cert. (This is what I did.) You can always complete that master''s with an additional 10 to 12 credits, but it is not required.

I will say that most high school teachers in my area of IL have master''s degrees or higher. Some schools have policies against hiring teachers with master''s degrees because they are more expensive, however other schools *only* hire teachers with master''s degrees, so there really is no one way to look at it.

I can also share that the science department is always the coolest department.

I had science department envy when I taught high school English. Literature just can''t compete with homemade hover chairs and black holes.

Good luck on pursuing a career in education!

 

[elrohwen]

Thanks, Haven!

My initial research on NY state seems that I'll need a masters no matter what - but there are two ways to go about it (still not sure how they're actually different, but one is meant for people coming from professional jobs and not straight from college). That's fine with me I guess, I just need to figure out how to go about it. I'll definitely be making some calls tomorrow and next week!

Glad to hear you envied the science department

I adore chemistry and phsyics, so I can't even decide which one I would want to teach. Chemistry has fun labs, but in physics you get to make stuff that flies. I'm sure DH will have an opinion, so I'll bombard him with questions when he gets home.

 

[IloveAsschers13]

Date: 2/18/2010 5:47:09 PM
Author: elrohwen
NY state seems much more difficult than the states you guys are in

You can get a masters, or this alternative program (for professionals changing careers) but that still takes 2 years! I know Columbia offers both programs, in all specializations, so I may call them and talk over the options. Columbia is probably way out of my price range, but at least they can probably point me towards a program and tell me how long it will take, when I can start actually teaching, etc. Then I can narrow down other colleges that offer the program (if that's what I decide to do).


And in the meantime I'm going to look into student teaching or teacher's assistant jobs.


Man, I wish I could do a few week program and be certified! It seems like so much work here. It's not even that I don't want to do the work ... I just can't see going through a 2 year program, getting student loans, and only then being able to get a job.


I'm so glad I have PSers to turn to! I don't know any teachers around here. My mom suggested I call up a local school district and ask if someone will talk to me about how to get into teaching, so I just might do that.

But think of it this way- it took you how long to get your degree? I mean you have to learn how to teach... KWIM? It's definitely not an easy field by any means and there is a lot of skill needed to be learned if you aren't in that field. I wish my program was 2 year... instead of five and I know, I know mine does include a B.S. in something but still... Is there anything you can do such as Luckystar does... a night school or weekend school? That way you can work and go to school?

 

[Octavia]

El, just wanted to chime in about NYS -- it's one of most stringent states in the country for teaching requirements (if not THE most stringent). My friends who got teaching degrees there could pretty much name their price at schools in other states. I think the requirement is to get a master's within 5 years of being certified, though I know they experimented with a 3-year requirement for awhile but I think it wasn't working well. Anyway, you're absolutely right that it's difficult there, so unless you're SURE you want to teach, you might not want to go through that.

 

[elrohwen]

Date: 2/18/2010 7:29:53 PM
Author: IloveAsschers13
But think of it this way- it took you how long to get your degree? I mean you have to learn how to teach... KWIM? It''s definitely not an easy field by any means and there is a lot of skill needed to be learned if you aren''t in that field. I wish my program was 2 year... instead of five and I know, I know mine does include a B.S. in something but still... Is there anything you can do such as Luckystar does... a night school or weekend school? That way you can work and go to school?

I totally understand that it takes time, I guess I just hoped it was less than a year. It seems like such a huge commitment and lots of student loans. What if I don''t like teaching? But I guess tons of my friends are in grad programs, so I''m just being a wuss. I think it''s the whole going back to school after working for 4 years that''s hard.

Unfortunately, in NY, there really isn''t another way. The alternative program does seem to offer paid teaching while you''re getting your degree, which would be fantastic. I need to look into that. I also had many high school teachers who were getting their masters while they taught, but that was in PA - I''m just hoping to find something similar here. And since I don''t currently have a job doing anything, I guess it doesn''t matter what I do

Thanks for putting it into perspective a bit. There is a lot to learn for teaching - I guess I just wish I could get out of some of the intro chemistry or physics courses - obviously I did those to death in undergrad so I don''t see why I need to spend two semesters on them. Maybe I could get some transfer credit.

 

[elrohwen]

Date: 2/18/2010 8:27:52 PM
Author: Octavia
El, just wanted to chime in about NYS -- it's one of most stringent states in the country for teaching requirements (if not THE most stringent). My friends who got teaching degrees there could pretty much name their price at schools in other states. I think the requirement is to get a master's within 5 years of being certified, though I know they experimented with a 3-year requirement for awhile but I think it wasn't working well. Anyway, you're absolutely right that it's difficult there, so unless you're SURE you want to teach, you might not want to go through that.

So does that mean you can get certified without having a masters? Then get it later? That actually appeals to me because I could get some experience before commiting to a degree program.

If I do decide I really want to go through with it, I guess it could be a good thing since I'll have done the full teaching certification by any state's standards.

Would you friends know if there are things I could do without being certified, so I could decide whether teaching is absolutely for me or not?

eta: The more I think about it, the more I realize that I chose my current job based on nothing but "Oh, I think I might like that." I guess there's not that much difference with teaching - I can decide to do it without lots of experience up front. Mostly it's the college loans that are scary

 

[Maria D]

Date: 2/18/2010 6:07:20 PM
Author: elrohwen
Thanks for the encouragement, Maria! Do you mind sharing anything about teaching?

Sure, I''d love to share...after all, it''s Feb. vacation!

The thing I tell anyone considering becoming a high school teacher is that the "teaching kids" part is much greater than teaching content. I meet a lot of people who tell me that they''ve always loved math and would now like to get out of whatever corporate mucky muck job they have (it''s usually someone in IT) and become a high school math teacher. But the fact is, even though WE love math and science, kids by and large do not. Sure, you''ll get kids who are truly interested but you also get students who are only taking Physics because colleges like to see it on their transcripts. If I had a dollar for every time I''ve been asked (in math class) "but wheeennnnnnnn are we evverrrrr going to uuuuuuuuuuuse this???" (said with the whiniest voice imaginable) I would be actually be buying some of the lovely baubles here instead of just admiring!

So, it''s not enough to just love and know your content. To survive as a high school teacher you''ve got to love teenagers. It''s great that you''ve tutored kids. If you are willing to do this it means you enjoy the subject and enjoy working with kids. But, kids that seek tutoring are usually motivated to learn. A classroom of kids is very different and classroom management is probably the most difficult aspect of the job.

Before I taught high school math I had an adjunct job teaching math at the satellite campus of a Maine college. Most of my students were math phobic women in their 30s-40s going back to school for Bus. Administration degrees. All they could remember about h.s. math is that it was confusing and they hated it. I just taught straight out of the book and had their rapt attention. They asked questions, worked hard and finally "got" it. They told me how they *wished* they had me for a h.s. teacher -- I was so clear and patient and wonderful. I figured I must be truly gifted -- born to teach Algebra! When a position opened up at a catholic high school I applied (didn''t need a cert) and got it. I went in thoroughly confident. Suffice it to say that in my first year these kids did *not* find me special at all!

The list of complaints was long: I assigned too much homework, I wouldn''t help them during a quiz/test, I was confuuuuuuusing them! I went in thinking I just had to really know my math and quickly realized I that I could teach all I want but if any learning was going to happen I was going to have to figure out how to motivate a classroom of kids to do math when what they really wanted to do was socialize. So, yeah, you gotta love kids if you sign up for this because in the end it''s much more about your personal relationship with each one of them than it is about the subject.

Another huge thing to consider is how incredibly demanding a job it is, especially in the beginning years. In most professions, you rise up through the ranks taking on more and more responsibility (so job gets harder) and increase your pay. With teaching, it feels like the opposite. The longer you do it the easier it is. The veterans are making twice what you make and enjoying their weekends because they are tweaking lesson plans, not inventing new ones. If I divided my salary by the number of hours I work I''m sure I''m getting paid less than a Walmart greeter, with a lot more stress (and yes, that includes getting the summer off). But the uninformed general public thinks I''ve got the cushiest job on earth..."what do you mean you can''t make it to 4:30 aerobics; aren''t you done with work at 2:00?" ha!

I highly recommend subbing to get a feel for what it''s like to be around kids, but remember that subbing is very different than teaching. I actually hated subbing because I wanted to teach and the kids basically felt sub-day = party-time. You might even try volunteer tutoring and once you get to know some teachers you could ask to job-shadow. That happens in my building but I guess it depends on the school.

Well, I hope I haven''t talked you out of it! This is a 3rd career for me after engineering and industrial marketing. It''s the hardest I''ve ever worked but definitely the most rewarding.

 

[elrohwen]

Maria, thank you so so much for your advice! Nothing you really said surprised me I guess, but everything you said had been kind of foggy in my head. It's great to hear it from someone who has been in my position.

I think the thing that worries me the most is how hard it will be going in. To some extent, it's nice to know that it gets easier as you go on, rather than harder. My last job was extremely stressful going in, and thinking of handling that for the rest of my professional life was disheartening. It's just tough for me to make such a big jump and get into something like teaching that is so outside of my current comfort zone. I am definitely not underestimating the classroom management portion! If anything I'm making it too large of an obstacle

However, my previous job involved working 12 to 16 hour days at times, traveling to far away places, getting a line operator to work for me after knowing her for 0.2 seconds. So compared to that stress, I guess teaching doesn't seem that horrible. And funny enough, the stress I just mentioned was the stuff I didn't mind - it was the corporate crap that I really minded. The working 16 hours and teaching new operators how to measure stats for my project were actually the enjoyable parts.

I definitely think the first few years of teaching would be difficult for me, and that's a large part of my hesitation. But after a few years I can see myself being pretty good at it I think.

How would you recommend getting a tutoring job? Just call the school district? I'll look for sub jobs too - though I suspect some of those might require certificates. I seem to find lots of sites dedicated to teaching jobs, but not any devoted to subs, assistants, etc. Where do I find these jobs? Does I just need to call around?

 

[Octavia]

Date: 2/18/2010 8:37:00 PM
Author: elrohwen

Date: 2/18/2010 8:27:52 PM

Author: Octavia

El, just wanted to chime in about NYS -- it''s one of most stringent states in the country for teaching requirements (if not THE most stringent). My friends who got teaching degrees there could pretty much name their price at schools in other states. I think the requirement is to get a master''s within 5 years of being certified, though I know they experimented with a 3-year requirement for awhile but I think it wasn''t working well. Anyway, you''re absolutely right that it''s difficult there, so unless you''re SURE you want to teach, you might not want to go through that.

So does that mean you can get certified without having a masters? Then get it later? That actually appeals to me because I could get some experience before commiting to a degree program.


If I do decide I really want to go through with it, I guess it could be a good thing since I''ll have done the full teaching certification by any state''s standards.


Would you friends know if there are things I could do without being certified, so I could decide whether teaching is absolutely for me or not?


eta: The more I think about it, the more I realize that I chose my current job based on nothing but ''Oh, I think I might like that.'' I guess there''s not that much difference with teaching - I can decide to do it without lots of experience up front. Mostly it''s the college loans that are scary

I''m not completely sure because their undergrad degrees were in teaching. They got certified as part of their bachelor''s, but I think it''s a conditional certification. Then they had 3 years (at the time) to complete a master''s in order to make the certification permanent. When I was in school, most of the young teachers would start teaching after graduating college and would do their master''s credits at night, but when NYS was doing the 3-year thing, it was too risky because it took almost the full 3 years to get all the necessary credits for the grad program, so there was no time for a semester off or anything. So my friend who wanted to stay in NY decided to do her master''s full-time in one year right away, then start teaching after it was done. Ironically, she ended up moving to a different state anyway...but she''s still glad to have the degree out of the way. My other friend did a part-time master''s but she didn''t plan to stay in NY so she wasn''t so concerned about timing.

Another friend of mine did a master''s in teaching here in PA, she didn''t do teaching in undergrad but decided to go back later. She had the option to do either a certificate program or a master''s plus certificate. Since the master''s was only a few credits more (took 4 semesters instead of 3), it made sense for her to do both at the same time, so you might find this to be true for you, as well.

 

[arjunajane]

Hi elrowhen,

I recently asked a similar question as I too was considering education.

I thought reading some of the PS teachers responses may be of help to you, especially as the majority are coming from the US system:
link here

 

[elrohwen]

Date: 2/18/2010 9:29:32 PM
Author: arjunajane
Hi elrowhen,

I recently asked a similar question as I too was considering education.

I thought reading some of the PS teachers responses may be of help to you, especially as the majority are coming from the US system:
link here

Thank you so much for the link! I remember other posts about teachers, but I really didn''t have luck searching for them. This is a big help.

Octavia, thanks for your info too! From reading the NYS info, it sounds like there is a way to get a masters (in 2 years) while teaching at the same time. I certainly wouldn''t want to be put in a crunch to get it done when I could just do it full time much faster.

 

[elrohwen]

Another question for teachers:

I noticed on another thread that there was a lot of talk about the politics in schools. Can anyone explain this? I''m sick of dealing with politics in the work place, so I''d really some more information to know if I would be getting right back into the same thing I''m trying to get away from.

 

[oobiecoo]

I can''t speak as a teacher but I''ll give my opinion as a sub/ex-educ. major. In the schools I taught in, basically the kids were mostly HEATHENS! And there is little to nothing you can do about it. The school can call a parent but thats about it... and if the parent doesn''t care what the kid did (which is often the case), then calling them really does no good. You are also not really free to teach how or what you want. You go by a very strict curriculum and alot of it is simply preparing the kids for their standardized tests. So you are essentially "teaching the test". Your performance is graded by how well your students do on those tests. If you teach in a low income area where many parents don''t spend time helping kids w/homework and studying, then it really doesn''t matter how well you "teach the test", your students will do poorly and it reflects on you, unfortunately. The "politics" are one of the main reasons I changed my major. It just seemed too restricted and almost depressing... for me, at least.