Educators, Please Come In

Ecy · January 2014

I'm about to lose my mind with my job and the way public education is moving these days. I won't get into it all at the moment but I'm feeling as if I may need to get out of the classroom for a bit. I have seven years high school teaching experience (ELA & Speech), certified in ELA 8-12 and Journalism 8-12, and hold a Master's in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction. Ideally, I would like to maintain a teacher schedule for the sake of time with my DD.

Please help me think of other school positions that I would be qualified for. I'm having trouble thinking of all my possibilities. I don't want to abandon the profession but I think I need a break from the daily classroom grind.

Thanks for any help/advice!

mommymegan831 · January 2014

what about a speech therapist?

Ecy · January 2014

That's an entirely different degree and certification. After working on my Master's, I'm a bit burnt out on going back to school.

plus12012 · January 2014

We have Curriculum Specialists in the school system I used to work for. That may be a good career move for you. I also got out of working in the public school system because I didn't like the direction education in our area was going.

xyzabqsmvb53 · January 2014

I'm not an educator, but could you become one of those guidance counselors who specializes in college preparation, resume writing and so on? Not sure if those folks have degrees in education or what...

Could you consider switching up the age level that you teach?

What about doing a more specialized area such as teaching computer skills, something in the arts/theater/music, home ec or something like that?

Sorry if these suggestions don't fit your scenario as I am not personally an educator and don't know the exact options you may have or what would make a given job less stressful for ya. Definitely good luck!!

Ecy · January 2014

Those are actually very nice ideas. Thanks y'all!

I am definitely interested in teaching more "life" classes and hopefully my school will keep that in consideration.

I just feel like there are all types of curriculum positions, or contract jobs that I'm not fully aware of. I need to start interviewing some of these people I see running around doing what appears to be an interesting job.

Ecy · January 2014

Estwd2 said:

I left the classroom 7 years ago to create educational materials for a national nonprofit. Best move I've ever made.

Really? That sounds pretty interesting. Maybe I should consider looking outside of the school itself and not just the classroom.

sweetsunnyc · January 2014

What about teaching education courses at the community college level? You have the qualifications as you only need 18 grad hours in the subject area that you want to teach. It usually pays decently- plus the schedule is very flexible (a few hours a day once or twice a week) or you would have the option to do nights and have the days with DD. My husband and I both pick up adjunct positions occassionally and both really enjoy it.

dglvrk2 · January 2014

mrsdelcastillo said:

What about teaching education courses at the community college level? You have the qualifications as you only need 18 grad hours in the subject area that you want to teach. It usually pays decently- plus the schedule is very flexible (a few hours a day once or twice a week) or you would have the option to do nights and have the days with DD. My husband and I both pick up adjunct positions occassionally and both really enjoy it.

I'm a teacher too. The suggestions I've read sound really cool. I love teaching, but have been ready to try something new related to education for the past year or so. Is the 18 graduate hours specific to a state, or is this a general requirement?

groovygrl · January 2014

I was also going to suggest looking into higher ed possibilities in your area... community colleges or BS programs who need part time people (or f/t if they have positions for master's prepared ppl)... the pay is not generally great though, and obviously if p/t really not great but the schedule & flexibility are great for parents.

mommymegan831 · January 2014

Ecy said:

Estwd2 said:

I left the classroom 7 years ago to create educational materials for a national nonprofit. Best move I've ever made.

Really? That sounds pretty interesting. Maybe I should consider looking outside of the school itself and not just the classroom.

This is the type of position I've been looking for but I'm having a hard time finding anything

sweetsunnyc · January 2014

dglvrk2 said:

mrsdelcastillo said:

What about teaching education courses at the community college level? You have the qualifications as you only need 18 grad hours in the subject area that you want to teach. It usually pays decently- plus the schedule is very flexible (a few hours a day once or twice a week) or you would have the option to do nights and have the days with DD. My husband and I both pick up adjunct positions occassionally and both really enjoy it.

I'm a teacher too. The suggestions I've read sound really cool. I love teaching, but have been ready to try something new related to education for the past year or so. Is the 18 graduate hours specific to a state, or is this a general requirement?

I am pretty certain that this is a general requirement as it is based off of the schools accredidation rather than location. All community colleges are regionally accredited regardless of their location, so I think the 18 hours is good. You might want to just look at a few job postings on your local CC page. Good luck!

Ecy · January 2014

Thanks y'all!

I am definitely interested in the higher ed possibilities and our local CC just opened a branch in my small town. I live about 25 min. outside of Austin. However, I don't think they are offering many education courses yet & haven't seen any ed classes in Austin either. I've thought about continuing on and getting 18 hours of grad credit in Speech but I am really over it when it comes to going back to school.

I'm going to keep my search open and fingers crossed for something cool to pop up.

Lilly&Co · January 2014

I started as a special education teacher, then got my School psychology, then PhD in Educational Psychology, now I teach at a university in the Teachers College. I am also a teacher educator hired by districts to train new teachers in standards and techniques. I can make my own schedule and teach while the kids are in school and at night. I was very disillusioned by education, though I love children and thrive in their success, I felt like I would love teaching if adults did not get in the way. I understand your frustration and if you wish to communicate further about the topic I am open to helping out.

Ecy · January 2014

Lilly&Co said:

I started as a special education teacher, then got my School psychology, then PhD in Educational Psychology, now I teach at a university in the Teachers College. I am also a teacher educator hired by districts to train new teachers in standards and techniques. I can make my own schedule and teach while the kids are in school and at night. I was very disillusioned by education, though I love children and thrive in their success, I felt like I would love teaching if adults did not get in the way. I understand your frustration and if you wish to communicate further about the topic I am open to helping out.

lexusolsen · January 2014

My husband got his masters in education technology and went from teaching to creating and presenting training materials from the government. I would reach out to people from your masters program. Maybe someone can help you look into curriculum design?