5 answers
andy
Student
Tampa, Florida
1
Question
Updated
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any advice for this?
I'm really interested in pursuing a degree in education because I've wanted to be a teacher for all of my life. I'm worried about how I would manage to make a living though since they really aren't paid well, overworked, etc. (Especially in my state considering it's the lowest paid for teachers) Any ideas of what I should do? I'm wondering if I should just back out and go for something else, but this is the only thing I've wanted to do so... I'm really unsure.
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5 answers
Martha D. Kramer
Corporate Training and Communications
97
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Martha D.’s Answer
Thanks for your question, Andy. We always need people who are passionate about teaching.
You're right that Florida is near the bottom in teachers' salaries, but salaries go up with experience and additional degrees or certifications. Also, teachers can earn more by coaching certain sports or clubs. They also can do private tutoring on the side, which can be very lucrative.
Below is a link to states with higher teachers' salaries, and you can see that most states pay much better. Would you consider moving out of state to at least start your career? Most states allow reciprocity, meaning that it is easier to be certified in a state once you have been certified in another one.
For a variety of reasons, some teachers eventually transition into corporate training, such as product training. In larger companies, developing the curriculum is often separated from delivering the curriculum. That could be your fallback if you can't make the finances work.
Wishing you good luck!
Indeed.com - https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/pay-salary/highest-pay-for-teachers-by-state?gclsrc=aw.ds&aceid=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15513873562&gbraid=0AAAAADfh6_vlLlz5Pdqk7IFCG_B9ZB9MH&gclid=CjwKCAjwtIfPBhAzEiwAv9RTJmhJd2QOZlN9tJl1O1S2A1nF8u3h-i9tZ9qrTMC9YqO4E5sg5rlBFBoCEX8QAvD_BwE
You're right that Florida is near the bottom in teachers' salaries, but salaries go up with experience and additional degrees or certifications. Also, teachers can earn more by coaching certain sports or clubs. They also can do private tutoring on the side, which can be very lucrative.
Below is a link to states with higher teachers' salaries, and you can see that most states pay much better. Would you consider moving out of state to at least start your career? Most states allow reciprocity, meaning that it is easier to be certified in a state once you have been certified in another one.
For a variety of reasons, some teachers eventually transition into corporate training, such as product training. In larger companies, developing the curriculum is often separated from delivering the curriculum. That could be your fallback if you can't make the finances work.
Wishing you good luck!
Martha D. recommends the following next steps:
I appreciate the link, I will look into it more. Thank you for your advice! :)
andy
Kylen Strissel
Customer Implementation Manager
2
Answers
Lake Zurich, Illinois
Updated
Kylen’s Answer
Hey! I think it's great that you want to go into education! I was a teacher for 9 years and really loved it. If it's something you really want to do, I'd say go for it. Look for salary schedules online for each district. There is a lot of variability by location.
My biggest thing about teaching is that if you feel the pull to do it, you may regret not trying it. You learn A LOT of skills being a teacher and there's always time to make a career change later.
Then from there, work to tryyy and keep work life balance, although I know it is tough. It's an amazing career, but you're right about it's challenges! Also, moving to a new city may be a fun new challenge. Good luck!
My biggest thing about teaching is that if you feel the pull to do it, you may regret not trying it. You learn A LOT of skills being a teacher and there's always time to make a career change later.
Then from there, work to tryyy and keep work life balance, although I know it is tough. It's an amazing career, but you're right about it's challenges! Also, moving to a new city may be a fun new challenge. Good luck!
Thank you Kylen! :)
andy
Cynthia Thompson
Higher Education Professional
15
Answers
Springfield, Illinois
Updated
Cynthia’s Answer
As a former elementary school teacher, I completely agree with the others. Our kids need amazing teachers, and if you have the passion, you should definitely pursue it!
Teaching might not be the highest-paying job, but it's not the lowest either. Plus, it offers incredible skill development in many areas.
I left teaching, not because of the pay, but because I needed more flexibility and found the structured environment challenging. However, I truly enjoyed working with young people and teaching.
I moved into higher education, and when I talked about my skills as a teacher during my interview, I got the job.
Best of luck!
Teaching might not be the highest-paying job, but it's not the lowest either. Plus, it offers incredible skill development in many areas.
I left teaching, not because of the pay, but because I needed more flexibility and found the structured environment challenging. However, I truly enjoyed working with young people and teaching.
I moved into higher education, and when I talked about my skills as a teacher during my interview, I got the job.
Best of luck!
Thank you Cynthia for your answer!
andy
katy denby
28
Answers
Updated
katy’s Answer
I agree with Kylen's response; I genuinely believe it is best to work in a field you are passionate about and make less money than to do something that you don't particularly enjoy because many times people end up regretting it or thinking back and wishing they had just gone for it. With how times are right now AI will become a very big thing and many people are worried about their jobs, but I don't think teachers is something AI can take over. I am not a teacher so I don't know the workload teachers have, but I am looking into a job I would love but it doesn't make the best money, so I am looking into have a side business like a cottage food business or selling on Etsy, or social media if you are interested in that or if this is an option for you I have seen teachers who also do online courses while doing an in person class.
Thank you Katy!
andy
Prisilla Karolina Siregar
Art Teacher
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Prisilla Karolina’s Answer
Hi Andy,
I'll echo what many have mentioned. You have mobility as teacher. Think about what subject, age group and curriculum you want to teach. You can also move to a different state and transfer your teaching credentials to a new teaching license. First year teachers are at the bottom of the salary scale anywhere, but after 3 years of experience on your resume, your salary moves up and more benefits are open to you. After 3 years you may also consider teaching overseas in international schools if you feel the calling. You may also want to teach online, or teach with homeschooling cooperatives. There are many options to being a teacher now so don't limit your possibilities. Keep an open mind and be fearless. Good Luck!
I'll echo what many have mentioned. You have mobility as teacher. Think about what subject, age group and curriculum you want to teach. You can also move to a different state and transfer your teaching credentials to a new teaching license. First year teachers are at the bottom of the salary scale anywhere, but after 3 years of experience on your resume, your salary moves up and more benefits are open to you. After 3 years you may also consider teaching overseas in international schools if you feel the calling. You may also want to teach online, or teach with homeschooling cooperatives. There are many options to being a teacher now so don't limit your possibilities. Keep an open mind and be fearless. Good Luck!
Thank you Prisilla! This advice makes me feel better about the salary scale, much appreciated.
andy