NBR: Secondary Teachers?

caranichole · September 2014

I know there is at least one h.s. Teacher on the board but I don't remember who. I am just looking for some advice and conversation around teaching jr/sr high. I've decided to add teaching to my pile of things I'm doing for a couple of reasons - 1. It's something I've wanted to do though I don't consider it my primary career choice. 2. I'm in a new town, (very rural & next to an army base), that has a great need for teachers and I feel a need to pick up work to help supplement DHs income for now but it needs to be in a certain income bracket to make sense. I don't have a teaching degree. My degrees are In Songwriting & Music Business. Ive been accepted to a MEd program to start in January. I'm also sort of self-studying some undergraduate teaching/gen ed coursework to continue preparing myself for testing/teaching/going back to school. I guess I'm just looking for suggestions/advice/thoughts around teaching that grade level, preparing, educational background, things that helped you, etc. You can also inbox me and/or find me via Facebook and inbox me. Sorry to hijack the board! $:\$ "> Eta: Also sorry for the whole paragraph running together and my grammatical errors.

MrsSarahRenee · September 2014

Hahaha what state do you live in? Super creepy question but it will help me figure out licensing requirements. An MED is not an adequate path for a license in Ma (cause they are dumb) so I want to give you the correct info.

I love teaching high school. Definitely look for a program that will get you a student teaching experience because employers look for that. Also consider subbing (or long term subbing) while going back to school. It is great experience and definitely is a plus on an application.

cmcookaln · September 2014

I sent you a rather long private message. Hope it helps.

caranichole · September 2014

@MrsSarahRenee‌ totally an understandable question - I'm in Oklahoma. More specifically the MEd is in Teaching and Learning with an English concentrate. I'm definitely considering long-term subbing. My degree program is online but will some months before I get certification through the Alternative Program here. I'm not far off though. I just need to complete one post Bach course (I will be done in Feb with that) and then testing. I've been in touch with the superintendent of schools here and they would be looking to hire me as a sub until I complete certification. Then I would take over the classes I was long term subbing for officially.

pckfn4life · September 2014

Teaching is my second career and advanced degree; I have a BS in Business Admin/Sports Management and a masters in Education. I started out subbing and knew that teaching is where I needed to move, even though the pay and benefits were not what I had my heart set on. I agree- SUB FIRST or while you're taking classes. It's the only way you'll know if you enjoy the classroom, plus the experience you'll gain is very important. I've actually found lots of "second career" educators and the life experiences and real-world knowledge they bring to students is very beneficial. Kids can see if you are being sincere or if you have a passion for teaching. That's the benefit of secondary, IMO. I get the best of both worlds teaching in a 7-12 building. I enjoy the age range. No need to fret about education coursework, it's not difficult just lots of reading. Good luck! Feel free to PM me if you have specific questions, I'm an open book.

MrsSarahRenee · September 2014

Nice! Sounds like you are contacting all the right people already! MA requires a MAT rather than an MEd. Shrug.
I teach English at the high school level. Some great resources for pedagogy can be found through the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). If you are looking for materials to read, Nancie Atwell and Jim Burke are well renowned in the field as being brilliant and practical.
If you know what district you will be working in, you could start on on reading some of the texts in their curriculum too.
I read a ton of YA lit just so I can talk to the students about what they like (plus they are fun to read).
If you have specific questions, please pm me!!
I would definitely discuss licensing information with the admissions at the place you are taking courses before you start. Just double check you are doing everything right. A lot of people I know didn't get licensed based on a technicality. :-p

Leysin97 · September 2014

I have taught high school for over 8 years and I love it. Don't get me wrong at times it's exhausting and stressful but I enjoy it. If you are getting into teaching because you think it will be rewarding and that you would get acknowledgement of your hard work then you may want to rethink this. A lot of hard work goes unnoticed and unacknowledged but when you do reach a kid and make a difference it is so worth it.

I am not sure what state you live in but some states allow you to start teaching while you are working on an alternative certification program. If that is the case you may start looking for jobs that start January as some schools have openings mid-year.

Good luck, it seems you already have done your research. Without knowing what state you live in its hard to say more about requirements for certification as each state is different.

Edit:autocorrect spelling

Add: oh yeah I did one year in Jr. high and really did not like it. It's a different beast than high school. That's just me though some people love teaching Jr. high.

caranichole · September 2014

@keelyd thank you! Yes! I have begun to familiarize myself with common core although I happen to be in one of the few states that has not adopted it. DH used to teach K-2 at a private school that did use common core so he suggested I familiarize myself with both that and whatever our current state uses.

I am plannig to sub in the Spring however you bring a good point about volunteering. DH is insistent that I slow down a little and essentially just concern myself with learning and not actually working until I've settled with baby for a bit. Understandable - I'm kind of a workaholic!

ladybug0088 · September 2014

I teach 7th grade Language Arts, but am certified 5-12 for Language Arts/English and Gifted & Talented students.

I agree with what a lot of the other people have said that you will definitely want to get some observations in just to see what it is all about and if it is something you really want to do. It is very different from substitute teaching because the kids will usually act up quite a bit more for a sub, but you will learn a lot from an experienced teacher with great classroom management. I was lucky because my mom is a teacher so I would pop in a lot to visit and fell in love with it!

I always thought I was going to teach college and wanted to get my PhD, then I started to fall in love with the high school level because I love the novels and books that they read, however after doing my student teaching at the level and observations there, I fell in love with the middle school age. The kids were still wanting to learn and not burnt out with school. Yes, they can still be really immature and have raging hormones, but it is really a fun age group! I never thought I would be teaching middle school--so it is definitely great to observe and find what you love.

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