2 answers
Mariah
Student
Greenville, North Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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Teachers, what is the best way to decide which grade level to teach?
As a high school senior who is going to university as an elementary education major next year, I'm hoping for some advice on how to decide which grade level will fit me best. I love young children and their imaginations, but I also like reading analysis and think teaching comprehension to slightly older kids would be enjoyable. In your experience, is it more important to teach an age you prefer or material that interests you? I know I would like doing both, but I'm wondering which factor has a bigger influence on overall job satisfaction. Thank you!
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2 answers
Donna Hull
Engineer
101
Answers
Columbia
Updated
Donna’s Answer
Mariah;
You will find your best fit, as you progress through your educational journey. As high school is sometimes more specialized teaching, maybe you decide you really one to focus more on English, Math, History, etc..... Or maybe while you intern you realize that 3rd and 4th graders are more excited about learning and you can help prepare them for middle school, that is where your passion is. Yet again you may like the challenge and curiosity of those middle schoolers stretching to have a little more independence and growing their individual personalities.
Focus on those objectives right in front of you for now. This question will remain in the background until it is time to figure the next step out.
You will find your best fit, as you progress through your educational journey. As high school is sometimes more specialized teaching, maybe you decide you really one to focus more on English, Math, History, etc..... Or maybe while you intern you realize that 3rd and 4th graders are more excited about learning and you can help prepare them for middle school, that is where your passion is. Yet again you may like the challenge and curiosity of those middle schoolers stretching to have a little more independence and growing their individual personalities.
Focus on those objectives right in front of you for now. This question will remain in the background until it is time to figure the next step out.
Your advice was so helpful!
Mariah
Alan Gooding
Strategic Account Executive
9
Answers
Bentonville, Arkansas
Updated
Alan’s Answer
I was a teacher for 5 years in the UK, 4 years in High School, 1 year in elementary...
Follow your gut on this one on what drives you:
- A younger class with have a lot more time with just you. You'll see more rapid development in their growth, teach them a large variety of subject areas, know their strengths and weaknesses at a much deeper level, spend a lot of energy on the basics or reading, writing and math, but also have fun with crafts, music, discussions etc. You will need a great understanding of phonics and how to teach those early skills, plenty of patience as progress can be slow with some, and deal with issues like how younger people communicate, the 'drama' they have and how their energy levels fluctuate greatly.
- The older ones, as you'll remember more readily and be more familiar with, have different rewards and challenges. You'll be more of a specialist in a given area, focusing on a certain couple of subjects. Great if you're passionate about a certain set of topics. Conversations are a lot more engaging on a daily basis with your students, although behavioral problems can also be harder to navigate. You get less time with each student compared to elementary, so you need to make each minute count. You also get a chance as students get older to shape them as adults and prepare them for further education and careers.
Like I said, one will just feel more right than the other to you, and if not, try this; if you're passionate about learning in general and helping children get the best start, go younger...if you're passionate about a certain subject area and want to inspire young adults, go older.
Follow your gut on this one on what drives you:
- A younger class with have a lot more time with just you. You'll see more rapid development in their growth, teach them a large variety of subject areas, know their strengths and weaknesses at a much deeper level, spend a lot of energy on the basics or reading, writing and math, but also have fun with crafts, music, discussions etc. You will need a great understanding of phonics and how to teach those early skills, plenty of patience as progress can be slow with some, and deal with issues like how younger people communicate, the 'drama' they have and how their energy levels fluctuate greatly.
- The older ones, as you'll remember more readily and be more familiar with, have different rewards and challenges. You'll be more of a specialist in a given area, focusing on a certain couple of subjects. Great if you're passionate about a certain set of topics. Conversations are a lot more engaging on a daily basis with your students, although behavioral problems can also be harder to navigate. You get less time with each student compared to elementary, so you need to make each minute count. You also get a chance as students get older to shape them as adults and prepare them for further education and careers.
Like I said, one will just feel more right than the other to you, and if not, try this; if you're passionate about learning in general and helping children get the best start, go younger...if you're passionate about a certain subject area and want to inspire young adults, go older.