Education can be a very personally rewarding career. You get to shape young minds and earn a decent paycheck (depending on what district you work for). If you already have a B.A, or a B.S., there is no need to go back to school; virtually every state offers an alternative certification program for critical needs areas. These programs typically last 30-90 days and require you to serve a probationary period for 1-2 years.
Special Education is one of those areas that is undermanned in every state and desperately needs dedicated professionals. Working with special needs children allows you to explore your creative side and truly make a difference in a child's life. That being said, teaching is not for everyone. It requires a vast amount of patience, empathy, time management, perseverance and the ability to stay calm under a variety of stressful circumstances.
The best way to find out if teaching is for you is to substitute teach for at least one semester--If you can hang as a substitute and you enjoy working in the classroom, then teaching might just be the career for you!
Be very sure you want ot go into this field. It is getting more demanding by the year. The state has become very involved, especially with the "No Child Left Behind Act." The pay is in no way comparable to the business sector.
Yes, I would go into this field again, but I would take a different route and spend more time in public instaead of private schools.
In case you hadn't heard, teachers work at least 10 hours a day ALL YEAR for the first several years until they get a handle on their teaching style.
Whatever you do, dont reinvent the wheel if you do not haqve to, seek out more experienced teachers and pick their brains, ask advice, to borrow ideas and maybe even materials. Please remember, the children you educate today will be taking care of you amd making decisions for you in your old age!!!
Jim Morrison's (The Doors) father was an admiral in the U.S. Navy.
Did you know...
MyPlan.com can help you figure out What To Do With a Major In... in a unique tool that reports related careers that typically follow completion of various degrees.
